How to Deal with Sidewall Scratches on Tires?
2 Answers
Tire sidewall scratches are relatively serious, it is recommended to replace them in time. Here is the relevant introduction about tire sidewall scratches: 1. Precautions: If the radial length of the sidewall scratch is less than 5cm and the axial length is less than 0.5cm, it can be repaired under such circumstances. In general, if more than three layers of the tire sidewall cord are broken, it is not recommended to repair it, and driving safety will be affected. If the broken cord layers are less than or equal to three, it can still be repaired under such circumstances. 2. Hot patching method: Hot patching involves attaching a special raw rubber patch to the wound and then using a baking machine to bake the wound until the raw rubber patch is completely bonded to the tire. However, hot patching can easily damage the cord layers inside the tire, leading to catastrophic consequences and increasing the hidden dangers of the tire. Therefore, hot patching is not very suitable for sidewall repairs.
A scratch on the tire sidewall is no small matter, and I need to handle it carefully to avoid accidents. The sidewall is the weakest part of the tire, and any damage can easily lead to a blowout, especially at high speeds, which poses a greater risk. After noticing a scratch, I first find a safe place to stop and check the depth: if it's a shallow scratch without exposed cords or bulging, it might still be usable temporarily, but I’ll reduce speed and avoid long-distance driving. If the scratch is deep or the cords are exposed, I’ll replace the tire immediately without hesitation—otherwise, the safety risk is too high. I always keep tire repair tools handy or call a professional for inspection. Additionally, prevention is key—avoiding curbs or sharp objects while driving can reduce the chance of scratches. In short, safety comes first. Don’t take risks trying to repair it to save money—when necessary, decisively replacing the tire ensures peace of mind on the road.
