Is a cut on the tire shoulder serious?
3 Answers
If it's just a small cut on the tread pattern, it's not a big issue. However, if the cut is deep, you should avoid driving on highways. If the damage is on the sidewall, it's strongly advised not to drive on highways. The tire sidewall is relatively thin, and once damaged, it cannot be repaired and must be replaced. Due to its thinness, any damage can easily lead to a blowout from the affected area. 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 marks, the tire should be replaced immediately as continued driving is no longer safe. 2. Tire damage: Hitting a curb, falling into a pothole, or puncturing a nail can cause severe damage to the tire. A damaged tire might be repairable, but only a professional repair shop can accurately determine whether the 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 if it can continue to be used.
I had this issue with my previous car—there was a cut on the tire shoulder. At first, I thought it was minor and ignored it. But shortly after getting on the highway, I felt the car drifting badly. When I pulled over to check, the cut had already expanded significantly. The tire shoulder is particularly vulnerable because it's the sidewall, which isn't as thick as the tread. Once damaged, especially during turns or under load, it’s more prone to internal failure, which can lead to a blowout. Possible causes include scraping against curbs, impacts from road debris, or aging. My advice? Don’t delay—visit a professional repair shop immediately. Use a depth gauge to measure the cut; if it’s deep, you must replace the tire. Safe driving is paramount—never risk DIY repairs or ignore the issue. Make it a habit to inspect your tires regularly, especially before long trips. A single oversight could ruin your entire journey or even endanger lives.
I think this is quite serious. A cut on the tire shoulder is no joke. The sidewall of the tire is relatively weak, and even a small scratch can affect the internal cord layers, leading to unstable air pressure or sudden blowouts. I've experienced this myself—once while driving in the rain, I felt something was off, stopped to check, and found a crack on the tire shoulder. Luckily, I handled it in time and avoided an accident. Possible causes include road debris, poor driving habits, or prolonged tire aging. I recommend going to a 4S shop or a professional tire store for an assessment as soon as possible. If it's a shallow scratch, you might be able to monitor it for a while, but if it's a deep cut, you absolutely need to replace the tire. Don't cut corners—safety comes first. Pay attention to regular tire maintenance, such as cleaning and checking tire pressure, to prevent similar issues. After changing a tire once, I learned that saving a few hundred bucks is nowhere near as valuable as your life.
