Driving with Damaged Tyre Sidewalls? Know The Risk Of Cracks, Bulges, And Scratches
Sidewall of a tyre is very important part of a tyre. It is the layer between the tread and the inner liner, made up of rubber and fabric. The sidewall provides stability to the tyre and also helps in transferring forces from the tread to the rim of the wheel. You can understand the importance of sidewall by considering that it supports the entire weight of your vehicle, as well as absorbs shock and impacts from the road surface. So what happened if your sidewall is damaged or worn out?
What kind of damage does a sidewall face?
According to our expertise, we face various kinds of sidewall damage that include scratches, cuts, punctures, cracks and bulges. These damages can occur due to various reasons such as hitting curbs, driving over sharp objects or potholes, or even just general wear and tear.
Scratches:
These are common and usually occur during everyday driving. Scratches can be caused by debris on the road, parking too close to a curb or accidentally hitting a sharp object. While small scratches may not cause much harm, larger ones can weaken the sidewall and make it more susceptible to further damage.
Cuts:
Cuts are deeper than scratches and can be caused by sharp objects such as glass or metal on the road. Small cuts may not cause much harm, but the more deeper and larger cuts can affect the structural integrity of the sidewall and lead to air leakage.
Punctures:
Punctures usually useful for minor repair that occurs at the tread area, but if it happens at the sidewall, they can be more dangerous. Punctures in the sidewall can cause air to escape rapidly and result in a blowout while driving. That is why, we do not recommend repairing punctures on the sidewall and instead, suggest replacing the tyre.
Cracks:
Cracks can occur due to age, weather condition, chemical use to clean tyre or under-inflation. They can also occur due to overloading a vehicle or driving on rough terrain. Cracks in the sidewall can compromise the integrity of the tyre and make it more prone to leakage or even failure.
Bulges:
Bulges occur when there is a weak spot in the sidewall due to manufacturing defects or impact damage. The weak spot can cause the sidewall to bulge out and may lead to a blowout while driving. Bulges should be addressed immediately by replacing the tyre as they can be extremely dangerous.
Is it OK to drive with sidewall damage?
It is not recommended to drive with a damaged sidewall as it can compromise the safety and performance of your vehicle. The sidewall supports the weight of your vehicle and any damage to it can weaken its structural integrity, leading to tyre failure while driving. Driving with a damaged sidewall can also increase the risk of blowouts, which can be extremely dangerous for you and other drivers on the road.
Can sidewall damage be repaired?
In some cases, minor scratches or cuts on the sidewall can be repaired by a professional tyre technician. However, it is important to note that repairing a sidewall is not always safe or recommended. It depends on the severity and location of the damage. If there are any doubts about the safety of repairing your damaged sidewall, it is best to replace the tyre instead.
The sidewall carries a lot of responsibility in ensuring the safety and performance of your vehicle. It is important to regularly check for any damage or wear on the sidewall and address it immediately to avoid any potential risks while driving. Remember, when in doubt, consult a professional tyre fitter for their expert opinion on whether your sidewall can be repaired or if it’s time to replace the tyre. Your safety on the road should always be a top priority!
