Small Chunk of Tire Sidewall Missing: What to Do? (Explained)

Chunking can happen while driving due to numerous reasons. Some drivers may quickly notice the chunk, while others take time to spot them. In addition, some chunks can be so tiny that they are just on the tire’s surface and can only be considered cosmetic damage.

So what do you have to do if there is a small chunk of tire sidewall and it is missing? There are various causes of missing a small chunk of the sidewall, such as hitting a curb while driving, driving off-road, or frequent driving on unpaved roads. A minute chunk on the tire’s surface might not be an immediate cause of concern, and some people just chose to use super glue to fix those issues, however, the tires hold up most of the pressures of the car when you are driving, and, in some cases, the adhesive properties of the superglue will eventually stop working once the car generates a lot of friction as the tires roll along the road.

However, it’s essential to note that some seemingly harmless chunks may have caused structural damage inside the tire. Having a chunk on the tire sidewall may not be a cause of immediate danger, but it is best to have it checked by experts since the tire’s sidewall is most exposed to external hazards.

Let’s find out the best thing to do when there is a chunk on the tire’s sidewall.

Table of Contents

Why Do You Have A Small Chunk Of Tire Sidewall Missing?

There are various causes of missing a small chunk of the sidewall, such as hitting a curb while driving, driving off-road, or frequent driving on unpaved roads.

The rough road surfaces can cause the tread of the tires to be torn or ripped off, and the unexpected pressure resulting from the tire hitting some potholes and road depressions can chunk off some parts of the tread. Loose surfaces of the roads, rocks, and gravels can increase the risk of chunks due to their sensitive nature.

In this case, sharp rocks get stuck in the tires, and since the road surface is loose, it causes the tires to slip, leading to some treads of the tire being worn off. The age of the tire also needs to be considered. Some tires have a lifespan of 10 years; others have a shorter age than that.

Once you have used the tires for years, the rubber can become brittle. In some cases, overinflation of the tire can also cause cuts and chunks to the tread. There is increased pressure inside the tire when it is overinflated.

When this happens, the tire’s contact with the road is lessened. This will then lead the tire to have increased chances of catching on something sharp that chunks of the sidewall because the tire does not meet the road as it should be.

To reduce the chances of the scenarios mentioned above, make sure to check your tire pressure and avoid potholes and uneven roads as much as possible.

But if you need to drive around uneven and loose road surfaces, you’d better buy tires that can withstand such kinds of roads. In addition, make sure that you drive correctly and monitor any objects on the road as much as possible to avoid hitting or driving through them.

Is It Safe To Drive On A Tire With A Chunk Missing?

A small chunk missing is not instantly dangerous, but it can make the lifespan of a tire shorter. The more the chunks go missing, the less grip they’ll have on the road. The critical point to remember is determining how considerable or much damage the chunk has on the tire.

There are moments when some people think that a chunk’s damage is only minimal. Still, upon further evaluation, they’d find out that it has a more significant amount of damage to the tire’s internal structure. In that case, it can be dangerous to drive around.

Moreover, the car’s sidewall is quite vulnerable. Thus, even a tiny chunk can result in more extensive damage or a tire blowout in other cases.

Once there are signs of damage on the tire’s sidewall, there is a greater risk of compromising the tire’s integrity and a greater probability of the car veering off the road and causing accidents.

Therefore, a chunk more significant than a dime needs to be assessed thoroughly.

The best thing to avoid road accidents and injury is to ensure that any part of your car is in its best condition. Try to avoid driving with missing sidewall parts. Most importantly, let an expert assess the chunk to ensure that it is safe to drive.

Can A Missing Small Chunk In The Sidewall Of A Tire Be Fixed?

A minute chunk on the tire’s surface might not be an immediate cause of concern, and some people just chose to use super glue to fix those issues.

However, the tires hold up most of the pressures of the car when you are driving, and, in some cases, the adhesive properties of the superglue will eventually stop working once the car generates a lot of friction as the tires roll along the road.

Moreover, if you try to fix the chunks on your own, the pieces of the rubber used to cover up the chunk may eventually come apart as you continually drive your car around. Having damages on the sidewall of the tire, even slight damages, can increase the risk of further damage since the sidewall is constantly exposed to environmental elements that could harm it.

If the tires’ sidewalls are further damaged, the tires will not be able to hold air properly in the long run.

How To Fix The Tire With A Small Chunk Of Tire Sidewall Missing?

The chunking of tire sidewall tread tends to happen when driving the car. Thus the chances of finding the rubber pieces can be pretty tricky, and if you do find some of those tread pieces in your driveway or garage, there is still a possibility that it will not fit perfectly when glued to the tire.

Moreover, sidewall damage is most likely challenging to repair since any patch on the sidewall will not hold for a long time. Therefore, it’s always better to ask the tire experts or mechanics for some advice on fixing the chunk of the tire, even if it is just a small one.

Do You Need To Replace The Tire With A Small Chunk Of Tire Sidewall Missing?

Sidewall chunks need to be assessed by the experts first and see what kind of advice they would suggest. Some chunks may appear small on the surface, but they might cause more significant damage inside the tire’s structure.

Initially, small chunks aren’t necessarily dangerous, but they can eventually damage the tire.

The tire sidewall is the most vulnerable to cuts and sharp objects, and having a small chunk in that part may be aggravated easily because of its location.

Immediate replacement of the tire is much needed when you can see the cords inside the chunk, or there are bubbles on the tires, and if the chunk is more significant than a dime and cuts deeply into the tread. It can be dangerous and can cause the tire to blow out.

Summary

Sidewall chunks, even small ones, can eventually reduce the tire’s lifespan and may eventually lead to further damage.

Therefore, it is essential to consult the experts for advice when assessing sidewall chunks. After all, driving safety and avoiding road accidents should be the top priority.

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