What to do if there is a cut on the tire?
2 Answers
Tire with a cut should be handled as follows: 1. If the scratch is caused by a blunt object, the surface will appear uneven, and there may be debris like small stones inside the scratch. In this case, it is recommended to visit a professional tire dealer for inspection to determine if it can be repaired; 2. If the tire is damaged by a sharp object, it is likely caused by sharp debris while driving. Such damage usually has a small cut surface but can be very deep. If the radial structure inside the tire is damaged, replacement is recommended. For radial tires, if obvious side scratches are visible to the naked eye, immediately replace with the spare tire and drive to a repair shop for a tire change. For bias-ply tires, due to their sturdy rubber and metal layers, if the scratch is not deep, it can be ignored or repaired. However, if the scratch is deep, replacement is still recommended.
I once encountered a tire sidewall cut right after starting to drive. That day while parking in my neighborhood, I scraped the curb. Getting out to check, I found a small scratch on the sidewall - my heart sank. My first reaction was to park, turn off the engine, and inspect the location and depth. If the damage is on the sidewall or deep enough to expose the internal cord layers, the risk of blowout is extremely high; if it's a shallow surface cut on the tread, it might be temporarily manageable. But never take chances - what seems minor can escalate into disaster at highway speeds. I always use my phone flashlight for thorough inspection, then run my finger along the crack edges. If there's air leakage or signs of crack expansion, call a tow truck to a repair shop immediately. Professionals will assess whether replacement is needed, with costs ranging from hundreds to over a thousand yuan depending on tire brand and specifications. Remember: safety first. Temporary fixes like sealants only create hidden dangers. As a side note, develop the habit of quickly scanning your tires during each refueling - check tread patterns and proper inflation. Underinflation accelerates wear while overinflation increases cracking risk; maintaining standard pressure extends tire life. Avoid deep potholes and sharp objects when driving, and keep distance from curbs when parking. In summary: stay calm when issues arise, but act swiftly.
