Will the tire be damaged if it rubs against the curb?
3 Answers
Tire rubbing against the curb can cause damage. The following symptoms may occur when a tire rubs against the curb: 1. The tire may undergo severe deformation. 2. The cord ply may break due to excessive compression and stretching. 3. The tire may develop a bulge. 4. The risk of a tire blowout increases. Here are some related techniques for driving over curbs: 1. Use a ruler to measure the ground clearance of the side skirts in advance to ensure a safe range and minimize unnecessary damage. 2. Use low gear and high torque to slowly climb onto the curb. Do not rush up forcefully, as this can cause irreparable damage to the tires, shock absorbers, and suspension structure. 3. When descending from the curb, let the tires come down one by one to avoid unnecessary scraping of the undercarriage. If the front of the car hits, it may damage the engine and nearby critical components, such as the oil pan, catalytic converter, and suspension lower control arm, which can result in fatal damage.
I've been driving for several years. Last time I parked, I accidentally scraped the tire against the curb. At first, I thought it was nothing, but the next day while driving, I felt something was off. When I took it to the repair shop, they found a cut on the tire sidewall that was slowly leaking air—I almost had a blowout on the highway. It cost me over 800 to replace the tire, and they also checked if the rim was deformed. Actually, curbs are very hard, and rubber tires can easily get damaged when they hit them, especially the sidewall, which is the thinnest part. Once damaged, it's hard to repair and usually needs replacement. When parking, always leave some extra space—don’t get too close. Make it a habit to check the wheel clearance, or you might regret it when something goes wrong. These small collisions can add up over time and may even affect the suspension system. Always pay attention to the height of the roadside while driving—safety comes first, above everything else.
Scraping your tires against the curb is genuinely risky. As a car enthusiast, I've researched this issue. That friction can scratch the tire sidewall, where the material is softer and not as thick as the tread. Once damaged, it may lead to slow leaks or sudden blowouts. The wheel rim can also get dented, affecting wheel balance and causing abnormal vibrations while driving. Common issues include accumulated dirt in surface scratches corroding metal components, gradually reducing shock absorption effectiveness. It's best to visually inspect the tire immediately after scraping for any bulges or dents. If abnormalities are found, visit a repair shop promptly to prevent minor issues from escalating. During daily driving, slow down when approaching curbs, use mirrors to adjust position, and avoid hard impacts to protect your car and save on repair costs.
