Why are there dents on the side of the tire when touched?
2 Answers
Tire sidewall dents are a normal condition. The straight-line dent phenomenon on the tire side is caused by the overlapping of the carcass cord fabric joints. The carcass cord fabric joint is where the carcass material overlaps at the connection point. The joint part reinforces the carcass locally. When the tire is inflated, this area expands less than areas without joints, resulting in a dented appearance in this part of the carcass. Below are specific details about tires: 1. Functions of tires: Tires support the entire weight of the vehicle, bear the load of the car, transmit traction and braking torque, ensure the adhesion between the wheels and the road, reduce and absorb vibrations and impacts during driving, prevent severe vibrations and early damage to automotive components, adapt to the high-speed performance of the vehicle, reduce driving noise, and ensure driving safety, handling stability, comfort, and fuel economy. 2. Tire maintenance methods: Tire maintenance methods include regularly cleaning stones from tire treads, minimizing exposure to sunlight, frequently checking tire pressure, paying attention to suspension maintenance, periodically inspecting front wheel alignment, and being mindful of driving habits.
I've been driving this car for five or six years and found that dents on the sidewalls of tires are usually caused by hitting curbs or other sharp objects while driving. It could also be due to the natural irregular shapes formed as the rubber becomes brittle with tire aging. My biggest concern is safety, as dents may damage the cord layers, increasing the risk of a blowout, especially at high speeds—it's really dangerous. Remember to regularly inspect the entire tire surface for cracks or bulges accompanying the dents. If it's just a small dent without air leakage, it might still be usable, but deep dents require immediate tire replacement. I once ignored a small groove, and three days later, the tire suddenly went flat, nearly causing an accident. I recommend using a tire pressure gauge monthly to check the pressure, as maintaining proper inflation can prevent some deformation issues. Prevention is better than cure—ensure a safe journey.
