What to Do When the Sidewall of a Tire Is Leaking?
2 Answers
Tire sidewall leakage is recommended to be replaced promptly, as the sidewall of a tire is relatively weak. If the sidewall is scratched, it is almost impossible to repair, and continued use poses a risk of a blowout, creating a safety hazard. Generally, tires should not be used for more than 3 years or exceed 60,000 kilometers in mileage. Regularly rotating tires can ensure even wear on all tires of the same vehicle. It is advisable to rotate the tires every 5,000 kilometers, and perform a four-wheel alignment every 5,000 to 10,000 kilometers to avoid abnormal or excessive tire wear. It is not permissible to install tires of different models or with significant differences in wear on the same axle.
I panicked last time when the side of my tire was scraped by the curb, but now I have experience. A leak on the tire sidewall is more dangerous than a puncture on the tread, just like injuring an artery. It's crucial to stop and check the leak immediately. If the scratch is over 6mm or there's a bulge, the tire is basically beyond repair, and driving with a patched tire like that is nerve-wracking. Remember, never drive slowly to the repair shop! I once pushed it for two kilometers and almost ruined the wheel rim. It's best to call a tow truck or change to the spare tire. When changing the spare, make sure the jack is securely in place before crawling under the car. Lastly, a reminder to everyone: never mount a patched sidewall tire on the front wheels—putting it on the rear wheels can still get you by for a while.