1
vote

I put new tires about 2 months ago. Today I hit kerb quite hard and a chunk of rubber removed from the sidewall of the tyre. Should I change the tire or is it safe to drive in them? Here temperature gets very high - up to 52C (120F+) and I usually drive at 120km/h ( 75 mph)+ on highways. Car : Ford Explorerenter image description here!

4
  • Personally I would replace the tire as soon as possible with a chunk that size missing - but that's just me.
    – Norm
    Apr 4, 2018 at 17:12
  • 1
    Are you talking about the white spot? From the picture it really doesn't seem that bad... hard to tell really.
    – JPhi1618
    Apr 4, 2018 at 19:20
  • 2
    That is no big deal it has just cut into the underlying whitewall material and has not gotten into the structure of the sidewall. Its ugly but safe.
    – Moab
    Apr 4, 2018 at 21:52
  • Thank you. Yes the only the black rubber is peeled, nearly the thickness of a balloon .
    – user36687
    Apr 5, 2018 at 17:37

3 Answers 3

Reset to default
1
vote

No, that is cosmetic damage.

Because it is a whitewall tire the only thing scraped away is a thin layer of black rubber. If the damage went through the white layer and into metal or nylon you would know you had hit inner plys and had serious damage.

0
votes

I'd say check the pressure - make sure that (a) the tyre isn't losing pressure through the damage and (b) that at full pressure the tyre isn't deforming in any way. Otherwise it's probably OK, although slightly tricky to tell from that photo.

1
  • Thank you! The pressure is intact for the last two days and there's no apparent deformity in the tire.
    – user36687
    Apr 5, 2018 at 17:35
-1
votes

STOP...STOP...STOP... “Let get real!” We are talking about collision damage. Wheel vs. curb. So, before we send this vehicle out on the road again, it needs a professional inspection. So, lets' start by jacking up the suspected wheel and checking for loose or broken parts. Tie-rod ends, wheel bearings and other related steering components, are no match for a curb, and are easily over-looked, especially when everyone is looking scuff marks on a tyre. So-Next: let’s do a real safety inspection. Remove the tyre and wheel assembly and put in on a hi-speed dynamic wheel balancer, and start looking for a bent wheel or broken belt internally inside the tyre. Finally, we need to disassemble and dismount the tyre and wheel assembly to see if there is any hidden damage inside the tyro. Last, inspect the wheel for damage such as cracks as it is a casting metal and subject to braking like glass into little shards. Not a very good experience at any speed. Finally, here is the true professionals part. Making a professional judgement on whether the tyre should be replaced or put back into service That will only come from experience, but when in doubt, lets replace the tyre. It Give everyone some piece of mind and the for safety of all... Not all, tyres are an easy fix... 35+ years in Automotive Repair... This is an easy "One" @-Highway speeds if you have to ask... Replace-It!...

3
  • 1
    Don't you think you are a bit overcautious after a common incident like hitting a curb?
    – juhist
    May 5, 2018 at 7:25
  • 1
    So, like the old-timer who taught me “How to Work” on cars No-Do-Overs… You just might get someone killed… Do-it-right-the-first-time. Or get a different job.
    – James Monaghan MSc.
    May 5, 2018 at 8:59
  • 1
    this is pretty common thing to hit a curb, the tire damage looks only cosmetic totally disagree with you in this case.
    – AsenM
    Dec 19, 2018 at 5:51

You must log in to answer this question.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged .