What should be done if there is a linear crack on the tire sidewall?
3 Answers
If there is a linear crack on the tire sidewall, the tire should be replaced promptly. Below are situations where the tire should no longer be used: 1. The tire is worn out: Tires have tread wear indicators. If the rubber tread blocks wear down to the same height as these raised markers, the tire should be replaced immediately, as continuing to drive is no longer safe. On excessively worn tires, the tread pattern cannot channel water away from under the tire, which can lead to loss of vehicle control. 2. The tire is damaged: Hitting a curb, falling into a pothole, or having a nail puncture can severely damage a tire. Damaged tires may be repairable, but only a professional repair shop can accurately determine whether the tire can be repaired or needs to be replaced. Generally, sidewall damage cannot be repaired, and for safety reasons, the tire must be replaced. 3. The tire has aged: If the tread is deformed or shows significant cracking, stop using the tire immediately and have it inspected by a professional repair shop to determine if it can still be used. 4. The tire has a bulge: A bulging tire is a high-risk factor for a blowout, especially on highways, and is extremely dangerous. If a tire has a bulge, it should be replaced promptly.
I've been driving for over a decade, and I know you can't take sidewall cracks lightly. Last time I pulled over to check my tires, I found a big gash on the sidewall – it gave me cold sweats instantly. That area is dangerously thin and prone to blowouts. I immediately stopped driving to assess the crack depth: if shallow, I could slowly drive to a repair shop; but if deep or deformed, don't touch the steering wheel – call a tow truck straight away. That incident happened because I neglected tire pressure checks, driving at high speeds with underinflated tires which accelerated aging and cracking. Since then, I've made it routine: monthly pressure checks, avoiding curb impacts, and regular tire rotations. Safety first – spending on new tires beats dealing with accidents. On the road, tire health is your lifeline; replace them at the first sign of trouble.
As a car enthusiast who loves to tinker, I believe tire sidewall cracks should be handled step by step: First, don't panic and immediately inspect the crack. If it's just a fine line mark, you might still drive short distances at low speed to a repair shop; but if the crack is large or bulging, stop in a safe place without moving the vehicle and directly contact professional technicians for rescue. From my experience, such cracks are often caused by aging, impact, or low pressure—with extremely high risk of blowout. Prevention is key in daily life: I casually glance at tire conditions weekly, being careful to avoid hitting hard objects when climbing steep slopes or making sharp turns. For temporary solutions, like discovering cracks on highways, drive slowly to service areas, but replacing the tire is the safest option. Remember, don't save small money only to invite big trouble—timely maintenance is the most cost-effective.
