Is it serious if the tire sidewall gets scuffed black?
3 Answers
As long as the cord fabric inside the tire sidewall is not broken, it is not serious. Here is some relevant information about tires: 1. Tire Introduction: Tires are the only parts of a car that come into contact with the ground. Some car owners only replace the tires on the drive wheels when changing tires. For example, some front-wheel-drive car owners only replace the two front tires, while some rear-wheel-drive car owners only replace the two rear tires. In fact, this practice is acceptable. 2. Tire Aging: Tires are made of rubber and will age over time. It is recommended that car owners replace their tires every four years, even if the mileage is low during those four years. Because tires can also age when left unused for long periods, it is important to check the production date when purchasing new tires.
Last week when I was reversing, I scraped the curb and immediately noticed a blackened spot on the tire sidewall. At the time, I didn’t think much of it, assuming it was just surface dirt. The next day, a friend warned me that this could be dangerous because the sidewall structure is fragile and lacks tread support. If the damage is deep, it could lead to a sudden blowout at high speeds. I quickly went to a tire shop for inspection. The technician used a light to examine it and found minor scratches without any exposed cords. He advised me to avoid highway driving for a few days and monitor the situation. If the damage worsens or bulging appears, I’ll need to replace the tire to prevent accidents. This experience taught me to be more careful when parking and to keep a safe distance from curbs.
Don't take tire sidewall scuffs lightly. With years of taxi driving experience, I've seen sidewall damage frequently. The severity varies: light surface scratches can be wiped clean, but deeper cuts or cracks exposing the cords are dangerous—immediate tire replacement is necessary to prevent leaks or blowouts. Drive carefully to avoid hard objects like curbs and speed bumps, and check tire pressure regularly for prevention. After spotting scuffs, do a quick self-check: feel for bulges and assess depth. If unsure, spend a few dozen bucks at a professional shop for evaluation—safety first, don't skimp.
