How deep does a tire cut need to be before replacement is required?
1 Answers
Tires should be replaced when the cut exceeds 6 millimeters in depth. However, it is recommended to replace tires as soon as any cuts are noticed, especially if the cut has penetrated or damaged the internal cord material. Continuing to use such tires poses a risk of blowouts, which can compromise vehicle safety. The sidewall of a tire is its weakest area, lacking the high protective strength of the tread. The cord layers provide structural integrity, and if these are damaged on the sidewall, a blowout may occur. As tire rubber ages, deep grooves may appear on the sidewalls, but as long as the sidewalls haven't been impacted and the cords remain intact, the tires can still be used. The triangular markers on the tire sidewall can help locate a small protrusion within the tread grooves, indicating the tire's actual wear limit, which should be greater than 1.6 millimeters.