How Bad Is the Damage to My Tyre If I Hit a Kerb?

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 by Chesca D
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Chesca D is a Content & Editorial Coordinator at Tyres.co.uk and is responsible for researching, coordinating, and producing accurate, up-to-date tyre guidance for our Knowledge Hub..
Each article is created using manufacturer specifications, recognised industry standards, and current UK regulations, and is reviewed internally to ensure clarity and technical accuracy. Content is updated regularly to reflect changes in tyre laws, safety guidance, and product specifications.
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Even the most careful driver can clip a kerb — especially on narrow UK roads. While it may seem minor, hitting a kerb can cause serious tyre and wheel damage, from sidewall tears to wheel misalignment. This guide explains the common types of kerb-related damage, how to assess the severity, and what to do next to ensure your vehicle remains safe and roadworthy.

With cars getting bigger, it’s safe to say that many of the roads and country lanes up and down the UK are not designed to accommodate so much traffic. A single journey from point A to B in the UK could see you having to pull over multiple times to let a vehicle pass in the opposite direction – increasing the risk of hitting a kerb at the wrong angle exponentially.

But what kind of damage should drivers look out for, and potentially expect to see, when hitting a kerb? In this article, we talk through some of the most common examples of damage caused by hitting a kerb, and what to do to minimise the risk of damage. 

Common Tyre Issues Caused By Hitting the Kerb

Some of the damage that can arise after hitting the kerb include:

  • Damage to the sidewall, that affects the interior structure of the tyre
  • Damage to the beading of the tyre 
  • A puncture, as a result of a cut to the outer sidewall of the tyre 

All of these issues can be severe enough to take a tyre off the road for good, almost instantly.

As a result of this, if you hit the kerb while driving it’s important to pull over and check the damage as soon as you safely can. If the tyre is losing pressure at a rapid rate, or you can see that cracks or cuts have appeared, particularly in the sidewall of the tyre, then the chances are that it is unsafe to drive on.

Damage to Other Parts of the Vehicle

It’s not just the rubber tyre itself that can suffer if you hit or knock the kerb.

Damage can also appear on the wheel rim, and you may find that a severe knock on the kerb causes your wheels to become misaligned.

Some issues are cosmetic and aesthetic only, while others are more structural and have an impact on the safe running of the vehicle. Either way, it is always best to get the wheel and vehicle checked following a knock.

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Replacing Tyres With Ease

If you are particularly unlucky and your bump with the kerb causes damage beyond repair, then it helps to know that there’s a local and reputable tyre supplier on hand.

At Tyres.co.uk, we stock a wide range of tyres to suit all vehicles and driver preferences, with the team able to advise as well as guide you in finding the best and most durable tyres to compliment your surrounding road surfaces. A little tip from us, if you live close to lots of country lanes and thin roads where the risk of kerb knocking is high, opt for durable and premium tyres!

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