Must a small cut on the tire sidewall be replaced?
2 Answers
Tire sidewall with a small cut must be replaced promptly. Below are relevant details about tire damage: 1. Conditions of tire damage: Tire damage includes tread cracks, tread bulges, missing tread rubber, severe sidewall wear, and multiple punctures by foreign objects. During daily vehicle use, tires may be punctured by foreign objects or accidentally hit against objects, all of which can cause tire damage. 2. Consequences of tire damage: Damaged tires can lead to unstable tire pressure, increasing the risk of blowouts while driving, which may result in loss of vehicle control. Maintaining intact tires is crucial during high-speed driving, as unstable tire pressure can cause vehicle vibration and increased fuel consumption.
A sidewall puncture means you must replace the tire—this is no joke. Last time on the highway, I saw a car lose control due to a tire blowout, and later learned it was caused by a small sidewall crack. The tire sidewall is particularly fragile, supported only by rubber and cord layers, unlike the tread which has steel reinforcement. That small tear will keep expanding and could burst at any moment, especially at high speeds. Rather than living in constant fear, it's better to just get a new tire and check if the rim is deformed while you're at it. Tire shops often run promotions these days, and even domestic brand replacements are quite affordable. Safety isn't something to compromise on—replacing a tire is still cheaper than repairing a car, right?
