Does it matter if a piece of the tire tread is missing?

[DiPaislee]

Yes, it matters. The thickness of tires is carefully designed to meet specific requirements. If a piece of the tire tread is missing, it can affect tire pressure, and in summer, this may lead to issues with increased tire pressure. Additionally, it can pose safety hazards when driving at high speeds. Tire replacement indicators: 1. Tire wear: Tires have tread wear indicators, which are slightly raised marks located at the bottom of the tread grooves. If the tread rubber wears down to the same height as these raised indicators, the tire should be replaced immediately, as continued driving is no longer safe. 2. Tire damage: Hitting curbs, falling into potholes, or punctures from nails can cause severe tire damage. Damaged tires may sometimes be repairable, but only a professional repair shop can accurately determine whether a tire can be repaired or needs to be replaced. 3. Tire aging: If you notice tread deformation or significant cracking, stop using the tire immediately and have it inspected by a professional repair shop to determine whether it can still be used. 4. Tire bulges: Bulges in the tire are a major cause of blowouts, especially on highways, and are extremely dangerous. Tires with bulges should be replaced promptly.

[DelTimothy]

Last time when a fingernail-sized chunk of rubber came off the tread of my front tire, I drove to the repair shop for inspection. The mechanic used a pry bar to flip it open and immediately shook his head. It turned out that beneath that minor damage, the whitish cord layer was already exposed. He tapped with a rubber hammer while explaining—this kind of damage is like a small rotten spot on an apple; the inside might be completely decayed. With high-speed driving raising tire temperature, it could burst at any moment, which scared me into replacing the tire on the spot. Now every time I wash the car, I run my hands along the tire edges. If I find any peeling or cracks, I take photos and consult the 4S店 immediately—after all, you can’t cut corners when it comes to tires.

[OKimberly]

In the morning, I noticed a piece of the tire tread was peeling up, as if it had been sliced off with a small knife. I remember my neighbor had a similar issue last year—he drove on it for two weeks, and during a rainy day while taking a turn, the entire tread layer separated, nearly causing him to crash into a guardrail. Now, I always carry a tire pressure gauge and a flashlight with me. If I spot this kind of damage, I immediately check for changes in tire pressure. If the air leaks noticeably faster, it's basically beyond repair. Tire sealant is completely useless for this kind of external damage; the only solution is to replace the tire promptly. Especially for those who frequently drive on highways, extra caution is needed—if there's a bulge on the tire sidewall, it's even more dangerous.

[JosieRose]

I've experienced tire crown peeling twice. The first time, I didn't pay much attention to the small piece of rubber that came off, but a month later, the entire tire bulged and deformed on the national highway. The mechanic said that peeling of the tire crown rubber layer indicates possible internal structural separation, which at best increases the risk of a blowout, and at worst can cause loss of control at high speeds. I learned my lesson - now whenever I see rubber fragments in the tread grooves, I immediately rub the edges of the damage with my fingers. If more rubber peels off easily, the tire is definitely done for. When regularly checking tread depth with a coin, remember to inspect the entire tread surface as well.