If you’re an average driver, you probably don’t think much about your tires until there’s a problem.
While a tire blowout or flat is probably the most obvious cause to replace a tire, this type of damage is not the only type of damage that means it’s time for a new set of tires for your car.
The damage we will talk about here is sidewall wear, or damage. What is tire sidewall damage, and when should you replace a tire for it? Read on, and we will find out.
What Is A Tire Sidewall Damage?
Tire sidewall damage means there is damage to the sidewall of the tire, and not the tire tread. Tire sidewall damage is mostly irreversible!
You can generally identify tire sidewall damage by seeing a deep scratch or bubble on the side of the tire, which can happen from a minor accident, or driving too closely to a road curb.
Tire sidewall damage can also be caused by sticks and/or sharp objects on the road. The bad news is that tire sidewall damage is really not fun to deal with driving a vehicle, and we explain why below.
Is it safe to drive on a tire with sidewall damage?
No. It’s not safe to drive with damage to the sidewall of a tire. The sidewalls of tires are much more sensitive than the tread area. In many cases, the damage affects the whole structure of the tire, and it could blow out at any given moment.
It does also depend a little bit on the size of the scratch or damage. If the scratch is very small and quite shallow and does not reach the threads, it’s probably not something you should worry about too much.
How much tire sidewall damage is too much?
A simple guideline regarding tire sidewall damage is if you see threads in the damage, then definitely replace the tire.
Threads can usually be found about 1/8 inch to 3/16 inch (3mm to 4.5mm) from the tire surface, but to make a careful decision about tire replacement, you need to take a closer look at the damage.
If there is any bulge in the sidewall of the tire, then the best decision for your safety is to replace the tire immediately since it is apt to blow in the near future with a bulge.
To make sure nothing serious happens with your tire, you should have someone take a look that is an expert.
It is better to go to a repair shop that does not sell tires and then seek their opinion. If you visit a repair shop that sells tires, they might just recommend or push for replacing at least one of the tires, even when it is not necessary.
Can You Repair a Tire Sidewall Damage?
A tire sidewall that has the damage all the way to the thread should never be repaired because it compromises the tire’s entire structure.
If there is a bubble on the tire’s sidewall it should never be repaired either; small punctures should also not be repaired.
The only time you can glue any tire sidewall damage is if it is a very shallow scratch that does not reach the thread.
But if the scratch or damage is that shallow, there is no point in gluing it at all; so I will say, never repair tire sidewall damage.
Causes of a Tire Sidewall Damage
There are many things that could cause tire sidewall damage. Typically, it will either be from sharp objects that you hit accidently while the sidewall of the tire is in contact with the ground, or possibly because of age, or even driving around with insufficient air pressure in the tires.
Here are some common causes of tire sidewall damage:
- Hitting a curb
- Under-Inflation
- Potholes
- Sharp objects
- Age
- Overload
- Manufacturing defects
FAQs.
Can I just change one tire?
If you change tires on the drive wheels, you should change both tires, because different tire diameters can stress the transmission. If you replace the rear tires of a front wheel drive car, you can replace a tire.
If you are in a 4WD car situation, it is always advised to replace all four wheels, because of the different tire diameters. Different tire diameters can cause stress to the differential or transmission. The best way to discover this, is just to ask your authorized dealer if you can either change just one tire on your particular car.
Does tire sidewall damage apply to warranty?
In short, no. Tire sidewall damage is considered self-inflicted damage and not a manufacturer problem, this is why in most cases it is not covered under warranty.
Though, if you want to be sure, you can always ask or review your documents. Sometimes you may have a special car warranty.
How thick is a car tire sidewall?
A car tire usually has a sidewall thickness of 1/4″ to 5/8″ (5 to 15 mm). This can vary with the tires used. Some tires may have thicker or thinner sidewalls depending on the design and application.
For example, race car tires may have thin sidewalls to improve grip, while some off-road tires may have thick sidewalls to help protect against punctures.
How much tire sidewall damage is, OK?
Generally speaking, tire sidewall damage is excessive. If there is a bulge or tear in a tire’s sidewall, the integrity of the internal tire structure has been compromised, and the tire must be replaced immediately. Driving on a tire with a damaged sidewall can cause the tire to blow out, potentially resulting in serious injury or accident.
Tire sidewall damage means there is a cut, puncture, or other damage to the tire’s sidewall. Do not drive without replacing your tire if you have tire sidewall damage, or attempt to repair damage to the tire’s sidewall.
The sidewall is an important part of the tire structure, and thereafter, if repaired, can affect the handling of the vehicle or the tire blowout may occur, leading to an accident.
Issues of tire sidewall damage can be due to many things, but the most common is hitting a sharp curb or pothole.
If you encounter sidewall damage on a tire, replace it as soon as possible by a certified mechanic. Do not skip on cost of repairing something as hazardous as a sidewall tire damage!