Is it serious if a small piece of the tire sidewall peels off?
2 Answers
Tire sidewall peeling off a piece of rubber is a significant issue that requires immediate replacement. The sidewall is the weakest part of a tire, and once a piece of rubber is scraped off, it may have already damaged the sidewall's cord layer, leading to risks such as air leakage or a blowout. Below is more related information: 1. Introduction to tires: Automobile tires are mostly radial tires, primarily composed of cord layers, steel belts, and rubber. The cord layers consist of transverse and longitudinal cords, whose main function is to bear the load, while the rubber's primary role is sealing and flexible deformation. The sidewall is the most vulnerable part. If a forced repair is attempted, the constant deformation and recovery during rotation can cause the adhesive on the sidewall to peel off. If a mushroom plug repair is used, it may lead to the breakage of the sidewall cords, resulting in bulging. 2. Hazards of tires: Tire thickness is designed with specific requirements. If a piece of rubber is scraped off the tire, it can affect tire pressure, potentially leading to increased pressure issues in summer. It also poses safety risks during high-speed driving. If a piece of the tire peels off, it is best to visit a repair shop to check the tire's wear level. For safety reasons, it is generally recommended to replace the tire with a new one.
As a seasoned driver with over a decade of experience, I've encountered many similar situations. Losing a small chunk of rubber from the tire sidewall might seem minor, but it's actually quite dangerous because unlike the tread which has cushioning layers, the sidewall is particularly vulnerable. That small defect may not cause issues during daily driving, but under high speeds or on bumpy roads, the pressure can increase and make it worse, leading to slow leaks or even blowouts. I once scraped my tire against a curb, damaging the sidewall, and initially didn't think much of it—only to find it leaking air three days later. An inspection revealed possible damage to the internal cords, with moisture seeping in and accelerating aging. My advice: if you notice any sidewall damage, get it checked by a professional immediately. If the damage is deep enough to expose the cords, you must replace the tire. Don't skimp on this expense—safety comes first. Also, be mindful of curbs when parking and check tire pressure regularly to avoid many potential issues.
