Damaged Tyre Sidewall: Is it Repairable?

Your tyres play a critical role in the safety and performance of your vehicle, and any damage to them shouldn’t be ignored – especially when it comes to the sidewall.

But if you’ve noticed a cut, bulge, or crack in your tyre’s sidewall, you might be wondering: can it be repaired, or does it need replacing?

In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about sidewall damage, including the types, causes, risks, and whether repairs are possible.

What is a Tyre Sidewall?

The sidewall of a tyre is the area between the tread (the part that makes contact with the road) and the bead (the edge that sits against the wheel).

It plays a crucial role in maintaining the tyre's shape and providing lateral stability during cornering.

Additionally, it absorbs some of the impact from road imperfections, contributing to a smoother driving experience.

Unlike a tyre’s tread, the sidewall does not contain reinforcement belts, making it more vulnerable to damage from external forces like kerbing, potholes, and road debris.

How Do I Know My Tyre Sidewall is Damaged?

Sidewall damage can appear in different forms, including:

• Scratches & Nicks – Minor scuffs from kerbs or road debris.
• Cuts & Gashes – Often caused by sharp objects like glass, stones, or metal.
• Bulges & Bubbles – A sign of internal structural failure.
• Cracks – Usually a result of ageing, UV exposure, or harsh chemicals.
• Punctures – Unlike tread punctures, sidewall punctures are serious and usually require tyre replacement.

If left untreated, sidewall damage can escalate, increasing the risk of a sudden blowout while driving.

What Causes Sidewall Damage?

Sidewall damage can happen for several reasons, but some of the most common include:

• Kerbing Your Tyres – Scraping against the kerb when parking or turning too sharply can cause cuts or nicks.
• Potholes & Road Debris – Driving over potholes, speed bumps too fast, or encountering sharp objects can lead to cuts, bulges, or even internal damage.
• Underinflation & Overinflation – Incorrect tyre pressure can place excessive strain on the sidewall, making it more prone to damage.
• Ageing & Weather Exposure – UV rays, extreme temperatures, and chemical exposure can cause cracks and dry rot over time.
• Overloading Your Vehicle – Carrying too much weight can strain the tyres, increasing the risk of sidewall bulging or cracking.

Can You Repair a Damaged Tyre Sidewall?

The short answer is no – sidewall damage cannot be repaired.

Unlike a tread puncture, which can often be fixed with a patch or plug, sidewall damage compromises the tyre’s structural integrity.

This is because the sidewall constantly flexes while driving, meaning any repair attempt would not hold for long.

Any cut, bulge, or puncture in the sidewall weakens the entire tyre, making it unsafe for continued use.

For this reason, tyre manufacturers and professional fitters strongly advise against repairing sidewall damage.

Instead, if your tyre has visible cuts, bulges, cracks, or a puncture in the sidewall, replacement is the only safe option.

Continuing to drive on a compromised sidewall increases the risk of sudden tyre failure, which can be extremely dangerous at high speeds.

Why Driving with Sidewall Damage is Dangerous

Many drivers assume that small cuts or bulges aren’t a major issue, but even minor sidewall damage can put you at risk.

A weakened sidewall increases the chance of a tyre bursting at high speeds, which can be extremely dangerous, especially on motorways. Damaged tyres don’t perform as they should, affecting grip, braking, and cornering.

Additionally, if the damage is severe, your vehicle could fail its MOT test, making it illegal to drive until the tyre is replaced.

If you notice vibrations, uneven tyre wear, or visible sidewall damage, have your tyres checked immediately.

How to Check for Sidewall Damage

To keep your tyres in top condition, it’s important to regularly inspect them for any signs of damage. Here’s how:

• Perform a Visual Inspection – Look for cuts, cracks, bulges, or scrapes on the sidewalls.
• Feel for Abnormalities – Run your hand along the tyre to check for unusual bumps or bubbles.
• Check After an Impact – If you hit a pothole or kerb, inspect your tyre afterwards.
• Monitor Vibrations – Unusual vibrations while driving can indicate internal tyre damage.
• Inspect Both Sides – Damage isn’t always visible on the outer sidewall—check the inner side too.

A quick inspection every few weeks can help prevent more serious problems down the road.

How to Prevent Sidewall Damage

While sidewall damage can’t always be avoided, there are steps you can take to minimise the risk:

• Avoid Kerb Impacts – Take extra care when parking or manoeuvring.
• Steer Clear of Potholes – Drive cautiously and avoid potholes whenever possible.
• Maintain Correct Tyre Pressure – Underinflation and overinflation can both weaken the sidewall.
• Protect Against UV Exposure – If possible, park in the shade or use tyre protectants.
• Don’t Overload Your Vehicle – Excess weight puts extra strain on your tyres.
• Store Tyres Properly – If storing spare tyres, keep them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.

By following these preventative measures, you can extend the lifespan of your tyres and avoid costly replacements.

When to Replace Your Tyre

If you spot any of the following issues, it’s time for a replacement:

• A deep cut that exposes the inner layers of the tyre.
• A bulge or bubble, indicating internal structural damage.
• Visible cracks in the rubber.
• A puncture or hole in the sidewall.
• Excessive vibration or unusual handling when driving.

Ignoring these signs can put your safety at risk, so always replace damaged tyres as soon as possible.

Will a Damaged Tyre Sidewall Cause an MOT Failure?

Yes, a damaged tyre sidewall can cause an MOT failure if the damage is severe enough to compromise safety.

The MOT test checks for cuts, bulges, or significant damage to the tyre sidewall.

If there are deep cuts exposing the cord or fabric, bulges caused by internal damage, or any structural weakness that could lead to tyre failure, the vehicle will fail the test.

Minor cosmetic damage, such as superficial scuffs, may not result in a failure.

Final Thoughts

Sidewall damage is more than just a cosmetic issue – it’s a serious safety concern.

While minor scratches may not be a problem, any deep cuts, bulges, or cracks mean your tyre needs replacing.

Since repairs aren’t possible, it’s always best to invest in a new tyre rather than risk driving on a compromised one.

At Blackcircles.com, we stock a wide range of tyres from leading manufacturers, ensuring you can find the perfect replacement for your vehicle.

Browse our online store today to browse our selection and keep your car safe on the road!