Is it serious if a piece of the tire tread crown falls off?

[Joan]

Since the tire tread crown is relatively thick, losing a small piece usually doesn't have significant impact. However, if a piece falls off from the tire sidewall, it requires immediate attention. The reasons why a missing piece from the sidewall can easily lead to a tire blowout: The sidewall is inherently weaker, and losing a piece makes it even more vulnerable. When the vehicle is in motion, friction between the tire and the ground generates heat, causing the tire temperature to rise. The internal gas pressure also increases accordingly. Additionally, the sidewall must bear loads and undergo bending, making it highly susceptible to failure under high pressure, potentially resulting in a blowout. You should replace your tires promptly under the following circumstances: 1. Tire wear approaches the wear indicator; 2. Cuts or bulges appear on the sidewall; 3. The tire has been in use for over 5 years, showing signs of natural aging; 4. The tire has been patched more than 4 times; 5. Deformation occurs on the tread or wheel rim; 6. Prolonged driving with low tire pressure has caused excessive tire compression.