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Can you drive with a cut in your tire?
Any damage that cuts into the sidewall — not just cosmetic surface damage, but actually into the sidewall — can weaken the sidewall. If the structure of the sidewall is weak, the tire may not be able to stand up to the pressure inside or to the weight of the car. You risk a flat, or worse, a blowout.
Can you repair sidewall damage?
The puncture is within the tread area* of the tire – sidewall punctures are NOT repairable. The tire puncture is ¼ inch in diameter or less. If any one of the above requirements are not met, then the tire cannot be repaired safely. However, if the tire is repairable, then a patch-plug can be utilized.
How did I get a cut in the sidewall of my tyre?
I’ve somehow managed to get a cut in the sidewall of my tyre. I can’t figure out how, but the alloy wheel is also scuffed right next to it, so I’m guessing I somehow must have wacked something. Suprising thing is, it’s on the driver’s side rear tyre.
How big is the cut in my rear tyre?
Suprising thing is, it’s on the driver’s side rear tyre. The only time I can recall that tyre getting close to a curb is when I’m overtaking something, and I think I would’ve noticed clipping the curb if I had hit it at that speed! I think the cut is probably about 4 or 5mm deep, but the tyre hasn’t shown any obvious signs of losing air yet.
How are cuts checked on tyres in the UK?
In the UK, tyres are subject to a particular check for cuts in the MOT test, for depth as well as length. The relevant part of the testers’ manual says (inter alia):
What causes damage to the sidewall of a tire?
The sidewall of a tire absorbs impact from potholes, curbs, and road debris. And unlike the tread area, the sidewall is made up of soft and thin material, which limits repairs to minor damages such as the sidewall punctures. One of the most common causes of sidewall damage is driving on a flat tire.