Is a severely scratched outer tire serious?
2 Answers
Whether a scratched outer tire is serious depends on the specific situation: Tire sidewall scratch: If the tire sidewall is scratched, it is essential to replace the tire as soon as possible to avoid the danger of a high-speed blowout. Although damage is not easily encountered, once it occurs, replacement is generally necessary. Therefore, car owners should be cautious about sidewall damage during daily use. Deep outer tire damage: If the contact surface is damaged beyond 4mm, the tire must also be replaced promptly, as both internal and external repairs pose potential risks. Note: Special attention should be paid to protecting the sidewalls when going over curbs or road edges. Avoid not only frontal collisions but also side scrapes, as side impacts are more damaging to the tire than frontal ones. Regular tire maintenance is also important. Check the tire pressure, cracks, and wear. Generally, under normal conditions, the tire pressure when the car is cold should be 2.2-2.3 bar for the front tires and 2.4-2.5 bar for the rear tires, which falls within the normal range. However, some vehicles may have 2.4-2.5 bar for the front and 2.2-2.3 bar for the rear. The actual tire pressure should be based on the vehicle's specified standards. Both overinflation and underinflation pose certain hazards to driving safety and even increase risks. For example, overinflation causes the middle part of the tire to bulge slightly, reducing ride comfort and leading to abnormal wear, where the middle wears out faster while the sides wear more slowly. Driving at high temperatures and speeds increases the likelihood of a tire blowout.
The severity of a cut on the outer tire depends on the specific situation. The outer side of the tire is the part that frequently contacts the road surface. If the scratch is shallow and only the surface rubber is scraped, it does not affect driving safety and can continue to be used. However, if the cut is deep, exceeding two or three millimeters and exposing the inner cord layer, it becomes very dangerous. The cord layer is like the backbone of the tire; damage to it weakens its support, potentially causing a blowout or bulge at high speeds, leading to loss of control. A friend of mine learned this the hard way—he ignored a cut on his tire, and it blew out during a long-distance trip, nearly causing a rollover. He deeply regretted it. It's advisable to regularly check the condition of your tires after parking, feeling the depth of any cuts with your hand. If you find a deep cut, take it to a repair shop immediately. Don’t underestimate small cuts—they can often be the source of hidden dangers. Timely replacement or repair can prevent major trouble. Safety first is always the right approach.
