Tire Sidewall Damage: How Much Damage Is Too Much?

A tire is a comparatively simple rubber component – in theory, at least.

The tire sidewall is the vertical portion of the tire – the circle-shaped bit you can see when looking at the side of your car.

There’s no tread on the sidewall. Why would there be? It isn’t there to maintain any link with the road at any time.

Rather, the tire sidewall’s main job is to provide structural durability. Its reinforced sides are much more robust than the tread.

Tire sidewall damage is merely a reference to any harm caused to this area.

How Much Damage Is Too Much?

You might have noticed a gash, tear, or laceration on your tire sidewall. Perhaps you can even peel the rubber back to see beneath.

It’s prudent to check how much damage is terminal and how much is safe to drive on.

In general, tire sidewall damage should be swiftly repaired.

However, if the cut is relatively shallow, it should be fine.

Utilize a flashlight to inspect the revealed area if you can retract it. You can utilize any blunt tool to assist with this.

Do you see a glint of metal wires? If so, the tire is compromised.

You’ll need to put the backup wheel on and go to a tire shop.

Even if you’re unsure about the tire damage (for example, if you can’t see), it’s still best to follow this procedure. A technician might conclude that the tire’s okay – but it’s better to be cautious than sorry!

In all circumstances, bulges or punctures in the tire wall mean you need a new tire.

Can You Repair A Damaged Tire Sidewall?

It is not feasible to fix a damaged tire sidewall. If the structure has been compromised, there is no way to repair it.

The force and pressure endured by the tire sidewall are immense. You might not think about it often, but those four pieces of rubber handle the weight of your car, the force of driving, torque differences across differentials, and the lateral forces involved with turning.

That’s not even including road conditions, weather, speed bumps, unintentional skids, and overall damage (such as hitting a curb).

Because of this, there’s no way you can safely repair a tire sidewall. Don’t listen to anyone who says you can! They’re wrong.

Different Types Of Tire Sidewall Damage And Causes

Any substantial damage to a tire’s sidewall means the tire is a hazard. It’s likely to blow out while driving.

As stated above, put the spare wheel on and go to a mechanic if you’re uncertain.

Here are the most prevalent types of tire sidewall damage and what might cause them.

Cut/Gash/Tear

Many tires have some kind of cut, gash, or tear in the sidewall. Numerous of these aren’t deep enough to be of any concern. They’re just superficial lacerations.

If a mechanic checks your tire, they will tell you if there’s no problems and you can continue. It’s crucial to go to a nearby shop that you have confidence in. A few may attempt to persuade you to buy new tires.

Sometimes, the cut/gash/tear could slice deeply into the tire sidewall. The tire is no longer good if this laceration reaches or passes the metal wires.

You’ll need a fresh tire.

Puncture

Punctures typically affect the tire’s tread – but not always.

A puncture is any pointed object penetrating through the rubber surface. The most common examples are screws, nails, glass fragments, and sharp rock fragments.

A puncture could affect the tire sidewall in less common (but still possible and not uncommon) cases.

For instance, a screw might penetrate through the tread near the rim. It might then pierce through the sidewall, too.

If any tread punctures are too near to the sidewall, they can’t be patched anyway.

Whether the foreign body stays in your tire or not, puncture damage to the sidewall is fatal. You’ll need a new tire in all situations.

Deterioration

Checking your tires is an essential part of car ownership, yet most entirely neglect it.

A flat tire could be caused by numerous things. But, all the same, you should never drive on a deflated tire! The whole corner of the car would be supported solely by the tire sidewall due to the absence of air pressure.

As robust as tire sidewalls are, they aren’t designed for this. They’ll start to break down almost immediately.

A deteriorating flat tire is an uneasy feeling. The ride will become very jarring, and you could suddenly lose control of the vehicle.

Extremely poor alignment (toe) could also lead to a damaged sidewall.

In summary, the rubber and the entire structure deteriorate to the point of being completely worthless.

If you find you’ve inadvertently driven on a flat tire, pull over in a safe location. Remove the wheel, put the spare on, and then go straight to your local tire shop.

You’ll need an extra tire.

Bulge

All tire sidewall damage has the potential to be deadly but bulges most of all.

If you see a bulge in your tire wall, do not drive your car before swapping it for the spare wheel.

A tire bulge is an air bubble. It means the sidewall structure has deteriorated and can no longer contain the air pressure.

They’re most commonly caused by damage (hitting a curb or pothole), underinflation, age, or inferior-quality tires/manufacturer flaws.

In short, it will blow out, and there’s nothing anyone can do about it. Driving on this tire will only increase the forces acting on it, making the situation more severe.

You should put the extra wheel on and head to a tire shop. You need a new tire.

The Best Way To Get A New Tire If You Have Sidewall Damage

You could put the spare wheel on (safely) and drive to a nearby tire shop, as detailed in the above examples. This is a fantastic option.

You could also opt for a portable tire changer. Look for local businesses or national chains that come to your home (or anywhere) and change your tire on the spot.

This means you won’t have to drive anywhere and is arguably the optimal option. The main disadvantage is that you might have to wait a day or two before getting a new tire.

The technician will recommend changing both tires across the axle. This is important for several reasons, such as:

• Both wheels ride at the same height, putting less strain on the steering and drivetrain.
• You’ll have a reference point for tire wear.

Although this is proposed, it’s up to you and isn’t enforced.

Conclusion: Tire Sidewall Damage

In summary, damage to a tire sidewall can be catastrophic. Don’t take any needless risks!

Shallow cuts and gashes are often harmless, but it never hurts to make sure! All other tire damage is deadly and will lead to (at least) one new tire.