Small Cut in Tyre Sidewall? Here’s What to Do

A small cut in your tyre might look harmless, but it could hide serious internal damage. This guide explains the common causes of sidewall cuts, how to assess the severity, and when replacement is essential. Tyres.co.uk offers expert advice and affordable replacements to keep you safe on the road.

We expect our car tyres to deal with a great number of ups and downs throughout their lifespan, navigating potholes and unexpected bumps in the road, clipped curbs, and adverse weather conditions.

All of this means that, throughout its time on the road, the chances of a single tyre suffering some form of damage are high. And while this often manifests itself in wear and tear, in some cases tyres can suffer more severe damage that requires either quick repair or even replacement. 

One of the most obvious signs of damage to a tyre is a cut in the sidewall – that is, an opening in the sidewall of the tyre that could run from the outer groove all the way in towards the metallic base of the wheel.

In this article, we’re talking through the causes of this type of damage, what it can mean for your driving style and safety, and what to do if you spot this kind of damage on your tyres.

What Causes Cuts in Your Tyre Sidewall?

The most obvious cause behind a cut or slit in the sidewall of a car tyre is something sharp which you have driven over, and which has caused damage to the structure of the tyre.

Some common culprits include sharp stones, shards of glass, nails, and oversized rocks which have fallen onto the road surface.

Because of this, drivers are at higher risk of suffering tyre sidewall cuts and damage when driving off road than they are on a smooth tarmac surface. 

Other potential causes of cracks and cuts in your tyre sidewall include:

• Age and regular wear and tear 
• Exposure to the sun, an issue in particularly hot climates which impact the stability of the tyre

What Happens When a Tyre Sidewall is Damaged or Cut?

Now that you’re more familiar with the causes of sidewall damage, what should you do when you notice a cut or slit in your tyre?

First thing’s first, some damage sustained by sharp objects will result in a puncture. Obviously, a puncture is not something that a vehicle owner can ignore and so this will require immediate resolution in the form of fitting a spare tyre and getting the permanent tyre replaced as soon as possible. 

If the damage is not as severe as this, for example if it’s a cut caused by age and wear, and you happen to notice the cut as a visual symptom rather than one which impacts your driving, then we recommend taking it to a garage to have it checked over. In some cases, a minor cut in the sidewall of your tyres does not pose an immediate risk – however, it can compromise the control you have over the vehicle. It can also conceal signs of internal damage which is difficult to diagnose but leaves your tyre more susceptible to future damage. 

In all cases, a tyre with a cut or slit in it needs to be replaced. Which is where Tyres.co.uk comes in.

As a leading tyre supplier in the UK, we have a range of tyres to suit all vehicles, road conditions, and driver preferences. Get in touch with our team to discuss available options and to find out how we can help you to identify and source the right tyres for your vehicle.