Does a tire with a cut but no exposed cords need to be replaced?
3 Answers
When a car tire has a cut, it is necessary to check whether the cut has caused damage or affected the internal cord material. If there is damage to the tire sidewall, it should be replaced immediately. If there is no damage to the sidewall, it can continue to be used. Below is more information about spare tires: 1. Types of spare tires: Full-size spare tires, which are identical in specification to the original car tires; Non-full-size spare tires, which are slightly smaller in diameter and narrower in width compared to regular tires; Run-flat tires, which allow the car to continue driving even with zero pressure, also known as puncture-proof or air-maintaining tires; Foldable spare tires. 2. The function of spare tires: A spare tire is a backup tire for a car, primarily used to prevent the car from being stranded due to tire damage.
Even if a tire has a cut without exposing the cords, it still needs careful handling. With 20 years of driving experience, I've seen many such cases. Once, a friend had a cut on the sidewall of the tire—it didn't look deep and the cords weren't exposed, so he thought it was fine. But it ended up blowing out on the highway, which was quite dangerous. The outer layer of a tire is rubber, but inside there are multiple layers of fabric. Damage can affect the structural integrity; even if the surface looks okay, the inside might already be compromised. This is especially true if the cut is in the shoulder or tread area, where the pressure is higher and the damage can worsen more easily. I recommend getting it checked by a professional shop as soon as possible—they can measure the depth with tools. If it's over 6mm, you'll need to replace the tire. Don’t forget regular tire inspections during maintenance, and keeping the right tire pressure can extend its lifespan. Never let a small issue lead to a major accident—safety first!
There's a scratch but the cords aren't exposed. I wanted to save money by not replacing it, but after careful consideration, I still think an inspection is necessary. Tires are no small matter – internal damage isn't visible to the naked eye. I've dealt with similar issues before: first take it to the shop to have them assess the depth and location of the scratch. If it's shallow and in a flat area, a simple patch might suffice; if it's near the edge or deeper, replacing it directly would be more cost-effective. Otherwise, trying to save small money could lead to bigger losses – a blowout would cost much more in repairs. Pay attention to the tire's aging rate, as damage increases the risk of blowouts. Make it a habit to check your tires for cracks when washing your car, especially before highway trips. This approach protects both your wallet and your life, making driving much safer.
