Sidewall cuts can crop up when the tire rubs against sharp objects such as curbs, stray pieces of metal, or potholes. Another frequent culprit is driving around on underinflated tires. This makes the sidewalls bend and flex way too much, upping the odds of them getting cut.
Make no mistake, sidewall damage isn’t just a matter of looks – it strikes right at the heart of the tire’s structural integrity. Unlike the tread area, you can’t simply patch up or repair the sidewall. It’s the part that takes the brunt of the tire’s flexing and pressure. A damaged sidewall dramatically hikes the risk of a blowout, and that’s an extremely perilous situation, especially when you’re speeding down the highway.
If the sidewall damage is deep enough to reveal the inner workings of the tire, replacing it pronto is the safest bet.