What to Do About Scratches on the Tire Sidewall?
3 Answers
Solutions for scratches on the tire sidewall are as follows: 1. If the scratch on the tire sidewall is not severe and has not damaged the tire's cord layer, it may not be a big issue even if left unrepaired. 2. Of course, if you're still concerned, you can go directly to an auto repair shop to patch the damaged area and redo the wheel balancing. A properly patched tire will perform almost as well as before the scratch. 3. However, if the scratch has reached the cord layer inside the sidewall, the tire should generally be scrapped immediately to avoid potential safety hazards. In summary, scratches on the tire sidewall directly impact driving safety and should never be ignored.
I just encountered this situation a few days ago—I scraped the curb while driving. Never underestimate a scratch on the tire sidewall because it's the thinnest and most vulnerable part, unlike the tread which has steel belt protection. Stop immediately to inspect the depth of the scratch. Use a coin to measure the depth of the damage. If the white cord layer inside is exposed or you feel a noticeable dent, the tire is done for and must be replaced. Even if the scratch seems shallow, stay alert for potential bulging. I recommend going straight to a professional tire shop for an assessment—don’t take shortcuts and risk driving on the highway, as a blowout is no joke. The spare tire can only serve as a temporary replacement for a few dozen kilometers. When replacing the tire, check if the rim and suspension have also been damaged.
I've been driving trucks for twenty years and seen plenty of tire issues. For sidewall scratches, the key is location and depth: the shoulder area bears the most stress and is most dangerous, while areas closer to the wheel hub are relatively safer. If you find a scratch, slow down and stop immediately. Use your phone flashlight to check for exposed white cords or cracks. If it's raining and visibility is poor, apply some saliva to the wound—bubbles will seep out if there's a bulge. Never try to patch it up with glue or tire sealant; tire patches are completely ineffective on sidewalls. Last time I had a scratch, I switched to a full-size spare and drove about a hundred kilometers, but never exceeded 50 mph. When getting new tires, remember to adjust the spare tire's pressure to the standard value—significant wear differences can cause the vehicle to pull to one side.