Is a Tire Scrapped if Punctured on the Sidewall?
3 Answers
Tire sidewall punctures can be repaired, depending on the following situations: 1. Tire sidewall damage: If the cords are not exposed and there is no air leakage, there is no safety issue, but it is best to repair the outer rubber protective layer to safeguard the cord layer. 2. Tire sidewall damage with exposed cords: If no more than three cords are broken and there is no air leakage, the outer rubber protective layer must still be repaired. 3. Tire sidewall damage with air leakage: If the puncture is within repairable limits, it can be fixed directly using a hot patch method. 4. Tire sidewall bulging: Cannot be repaired. Bulging occurs due to broken cords in the sidewall, so repair is not recommended—replacement is necessary. 5. Severe tire sidewall damage: If the puncture exceeds repairable limits or more than three cords are broken, repair is not advised, and the tire should be replaced immediately.
If the sidewall of a tire is punctured, in most cases, it should indeed be scrapped—it's best not to take the risk of continuing to use it. Personally, I think the sidewall of a car tire is extremely fragile, with little reinforcement structure there. Once punctured by a nail or sharp object, the inner cord layers can easily be damaged. At high speeds, as the tire heats up and pressure increases, a blowout could happen in an instant, which is extremely dangerous. I remember seeing a news story about a car owner who didn’t replace a sidewall scratch, leading to a high-speed blowout and rollover, endangering themselves and others. So, if you notice such an issue, don’t hesitate to spend the money—head to a professional repair shop for a new tire immediately. Safety comes first. Also, when parking, be careful not to scrape against curbs, as that can easily cut the sidewall. In short, life is precious—don’t risk it for the sake of saving a little.
From an economic perspective, don't even think about repairing a sidewall puncture - it's basically a write-off. Just replace it. Although buying a new tire costs several hundred bucks and hurts the wallet, it's far more cost-effective than dealing with a blowout. Imagine driving when the tire suddenly bursts: the car loses control, causing an accident where repair bills and medical expenses could easily exceed thousands, plus potential fines and penalty points. I reckon tires are like a car's feet - once the sidewall is damaged, the structural integrity collapses. Even tire repair shops won't touch such jobs, and there's no money-saving alternative. Pro tip: when buying tires, don't cheap out with obscure brands. Choose reliable brands for longer lifespan and greater peace of mind.
