Must a small cut on the side of a tire be replaced?
3 Answers
A small cut on the side of a tire is recommended to be replaced, as continued use may pose a risk of a blowout. Below is relevant information about tires: 1. Introduction: A tire is a circular elastic rubber product assembled on various vehicles or machinery for ground rolling. Typically mounted on metal rims, it supports the vehicle body, cushions external impacts, ensures contact with the road surface, and maintains the vehicle's driving performance. 2. Performance: Tires are often used under complex and demanding conditions, enduring various deformations, loads, forces, and high and low temperatures during operation. Therefore, they must possess high load-bearing capacity, traction performance, and cushioning performance. Additionally, they are required to have high wear resistance and flex resistance, as well as low rolling resistance and heat generation.
I strongly recommend replacing tires immediately if there are cuts on the sidewalls. As a long-distance driver, I know the sidewall is the most vulnerable part of a tire, bearing significant pressure. Even small cracks can rapidly worsen and lead to a blowout. Once, I had minor sidewall damage on the highway and ignored it, only to experience a blowout shortly after—fortunately, I wasn’t speeding. Now, I regularly check tire pressure and tread wear, avoiding curbs to prevent damage. Safety comes first; spending money on new tires is always better than risking an accident. Sidewall cracks expose the inner cord layers, and once corroded or deformed, braking distance increases, and hydroplaning becomes more likely in wet conditions. Don’t cut corners—have a professional shop assess the damage with specialized tools. If the tire is compromised, replace it without hesitation.
As a veteran driver with twenty years of experience, I must say that even a small cut on the sidewall of a tire requires replacement, no matter how minor it appears. Once, my car had a small scratch from a tree branch, and I initially thought it was fine. However, my mechanic friend insisted on replacing it after inspection, explaining that sidewall cracks could compromise the structural integrity of the tire's steel belts, increasing the risk of a blowout. Now, I always check my tires for abnormal wear or bulges whenever I wash my car—preventive measures are crucial. In reality, the sidewall bears significant forces during steering, especially when cornering or on bumpy roads, and a small crack can escalate into a major issue. I still remember my neighbor's child getting into an accident last year due to a ruptured sidewall—a sobering lesson. During routine maintenance, always monitor tire pressure; both underinflation and overinflation accelerate wear. When replacing tires, opt for reputable brands for longer lifespan and peace of mind.
