Not all tyre damage is created equal — while small punctures can often be fixed, cuts to your tyre’s sidewall are a different story. This guide explains why sidewall damage can’t be repaired, how to identify it, and what steps to take to stay safe on the road.
When it comes to remaining safe and in control of your vehicle at all times when out on the road, one of the first things that drivers are encouraged to check is their tyres. Tyre tread depth, the level of air pressure, and of course signs of external damage all fall under the need for regular monitoring.
But what do you do when you spot or identify signs of damage? Can damaged tyres be repaired at home, do you need to take them to a garage or mechanic, or does a damaged tyre immediately need replacing?
It really depends on the type and extent of damage your tyre has suffered.
Can a Damaged Tyre Sidewall be Repaired?
Some examples and types of damage can be repaired.
Unfortunately, a cut to the tyre sidewall is not one of them.
That means that if you spot a cut in the sidewall of your tyre, it will need to be replaced; there is no safe way to repair this kind of damage.
Why? Because damage to the tyre sidewall denotes damage to the structure of the tyre, impacting its safety levels. In short, when there is a cut to the tyre sidewall, there is likely to be damage running through the internal structure of the tyre, impacting its stability. The high risk of blowout and loss of control means tyres with this form of damage will need to be replaced.
What Kind of Tyre Damage Can be Repaired?
The same is not true of other examples of tyre damage.
Provided a cut is restricted to the outer edge and tread of the tyre, and falls under the maximum size limit of 6mm, then it most likely can be repaired with ease at home or with the support of a mechanic.
Punctures can also be temporarily repaired by drivers themselves using a puncture repair kit, before being taken to a local mechanic for a professional repair job.
