Is it normal for the side of a tire to feel indented?
4 Answers
It is normal for the side of a tire to feel indented. The straight-line indentation on the tire sidewall is caused by the overlap of the carcass ply joints. The carcass ply joints occur where the carcass material overlaps at the connection points. These joints reinforce the carcass locally, and when the tire is inflated, this area expands less than the surrounding areas without joints, resulting in the indentation. Below is additional information about tires: 1. A tire is a circular elastic rubber product installed on various vehicles or machinery to make contact with the ground and roll. 2. Mounted on metal rims, tires support the vehicle body, absorb external impacts, ensure contact with the ground, and maintain driving performance. 3. Tires often operate under complex and demanding conditions, enduring various deformations, loads, forces, and extreme temperatures during driving. Therefore, they must have high load-bearing capacity, traction performance, and shock absorption. Additionally, they must exhibit high wear resistance, flexibility, and low rolling resistance with minimal heat generation.
I've been driving for over 20 years, and it's absolutely abnormal to feel dents on the sidewall of a tire. I remember last time I noticed a small pit on the left front tire, thinking it was dirt, but it was still there after wiping with a cloth. The mechanic told me it might be caused by the tire rubbing against the curb or being scratched by sharp objects, leading to internal cord breakage or bubbling. He advised replacing the tire immediately; otherwise, the sidewall might not withstand the pressure during high-speed driving, increasing the risk of a blowout and accidents. Since then, I've developed a habit: inspecting the tire's appearance weekly, including feeling the sidewalls for any abnormalities; avoiding potholes and curbs while driving; and regularly checking tire pressure to maintain it within the proper range. Safety is no small matter—these little details can save lives. The higher cost of replacing a tire is worth it, much better than facing an unexpected accident.
A dent on the sidewall of a tire is definitely not a good thing, and I understand your concern. The sidewall is the weakest part of the tire, and once a dent appears, it indicates potential internal damage, such as broken cord layers or deformed tire body. If left unaddressed, it increases the risk of a blowout, especially during long-distance high-speed driving. It's recommended to visit a professional repair shop for a thorough inspection—they can use specialized equipment to assess the extent of internal damage. Avoid guessing on your own. Remember to check the tire's appearance before driving and avoid hitting hard objects. Maintain proper tire pressure, as both overinflation and underinflation can cause issues. Paying attention to these small habits in daily life can extend tire lifespan and ensure safety.
A dent on the sidewall of a tire is completely unacceptable, as it likely indicates damage to the tire's internal structure. Ignoring it could lead to a sudden blowout while driving, which is extremely dangerous. I've seen many friends get into accidents because of this, so it's crucial to stop and inspect immediately. Either switch to a spare tire or call a tow truck to take it to a professional shop—don't delay. Also, develop good habits: avoid obstacles while driving and regularly inspect your tires. Life is more important than a tire; don't take risks to save money.
