Is a small shallow cut on the tire okay?
2 Answers
It depends on how deep it is. Here is relevant information about when to replace a tire based on the depth of sidewall damage: 1. It is recommended to replace the tire if the sidewall cut is 4mm deep: Since the rubber thickness on the tire sidewall is often no more than 1cm, a 4mm deep cut on the sidewall warrants tire replacement. 2. When the inner cord layer of the sidewall is damaged: If the cut is not severe and hasn't reached the cord layer of the tire, it can still be used even if it exceeds 4mm. However, if the inner cord layer of the sidewall is damaged, the tire must be replaced even if the cut is less than 4mm, otherwise there is a risk of a blowout.
Even a small cut on the tire, no matter how shallow, requires extra caution. As a veteran driver with over a decade of experience, I've seen many cases where minor damage was ignored and later turned into major issues. The key is to check the location: if it's on the tire shoulder or sidewall areas, these weaker spots are more prone to cracking under increased pressure during daily driving. I recommend driving to a professional tire shop immediately for inspection—they can use tools to measure the depth and check if the cord layer is exposed. For shallow scratches on the tread, a simple repair might suffice; but if it's too deep, replacing the tire is a must—don't risk safety to save a few bucks. The risk is even higher at high speeds, where temperature and velocity can worsen minor damage. A sudden blowout could lead to disastrous consequences. I once had a friend whose tire had a shallow cut, and after a long drive, it suddenly lost air and caused a loss of control—luckily, nothing serious happened. Since then, I've made it a habit to regularly inspect my tires—safety always comes first.
