How Deep Can a Sidewall Cut Be on Michelin Tires?
2 Answers
Tire sidewall cuts exceeding 4mm require immediate replacement. Below are key tire maintenance precautions: 1. Preventing Blowouts: Blowouts can result from multiple factors including tire quality issues, improper inflation pressure (either too high or too low), vehicle overloading or uneven loading, excessive speed, incorrect driving techniques, and overheating. Regular tire inspection and maintenance are crucial for prevention. 2. Avoiding Underinflation Damage: Maintaining correct tire pressure is fundamental to tire care. Check inflation pressure before driving, during trips, and after parking to identify and address any pressure loss promptly, thereby preventing underinflation damage.
The allowable depth of sidewall cuts is actually a safety issue. With over 20 years of driving experience, I've seen many cases where minor cuts led to major accidents. As a brand, Michelin follows industry standards: if the cut is deeper than 1mm or exposes the inner cords, the tire must be replaced immediately. Unlike the tread which has thick rubber layers, the sidewall is very thin - even slightly deeper cuts can compromise its structure, making blowouts at high speeds extremely dangerous. For routine self-checks, use a key or caliper to measure depth - shallow scratches are fine, but don't hesitate if it's deep. Never risk safety to save a few hundred bucks, especially before long trips - always inspect thoroughly. Safety first, as we always remind friends, regular maintenance is the golden rule.
