Is it a problem if the tire sidewall rubs against a curb or step?
3 Answers
Generally speaking, if the vehicle does not hit the curb or step at high speed (e.g., over 30 km/h), there will be no significant damage to the tire. 1. Analysis: If only a small part of the tire sidewall's surface is scraped and the depth is shallow, causing superficial damage, it will not affect the tire's structural strength, and there is no issue—it can continue to be used. However, if the damaged area is large or the depth is significant, this may compromise the integrity of the tire's rubber and the internal steel cord layers. 2. Damage phenomenon: During high-speed driving, if the tire shoulder or the sidewall near the shoulder strongly impacts external objects (such as potholes, curbs, or large rocks), the tire may experience severe compression between the rim and the object. This can overstretch and break the tire's internal cord layers, causing air to push through the broken cords and form a sidewall bulge.
Last time, my car's tire sidewall scraped against the curb, which was indeed a problem. The sidewall of a tire is relatively weak, consisting of multiple layers including rubber and fabric. If the scrape is severe, it may cause scratches or bulges. In my case, I accidentally parked too close to the curb and the tire rubbed against the edge of the curb. I didn’t pay much attention at the time, but the next day I noticed a small bulge on the sidewall. Later, when I took it to the repair shop for inspection, the mechanic said that if I continued to use it, the increased pressure during high-speed driving could cause a blowout, which is quite dangerous. I immediately replaced the tire, costing me over 500 yuan. Normally, you should pay attention to the parking distance and not get too close to the curb; slow down when turning and avoid sharp steering; regularly check the tires for any abnormal bulges or cracks on the sidewalls. Safety first—such incidents are common in tight parking spaces or narrow roads. I recommend addressing any issues immediately upon discovery and not delaying.
I believe that scraping the tire sidewall against a curb is absolutely a serious issue. The sidewall is the most vulnerable part of a tire, and once scratched, it can easily develop bulges or cracks, compromising driving safety. I usually inspect it myself: after parking, squat down to check for obvious scratches on the affected area; run your hand over it to feel for any bulges or soft spots; if there's any abnormality, don't drive. Take immediate action to avoid the risk of a blowout at high speeds. Additionally, prevention is simple: maintain a distance of at least 30 centimeters between your vehicle and the curb; practice reverse parking skills and use side mirrors to monitor; remind the mechanic to check the tires during regular maintenance. A single scrape might not be a problem, but repeated occurrences increase hidden dangers. I've seen a neighbor cause a blowout accident due to carelessness, which was both expensive to repair and dangerous. In daily driving, especially in crowded urban areas, paying extra attention can save you both trouble and money.
