On this page
- What's the difference between a cut in the tread and one in the sidewall?
- How can you tell whether the cut is serious?
- What should you do right away with a cut tyre?
- Can you drive on a cut tyre?
- Can a cut tyre be repaired?
- What causes cut tyres in Milan?
- How does SOS Tyre deal with a cut tyre?
- Frequently asked questions
What's the difference between a cut in the tread and one in the sidewall?
The tread is the thick part that touches the road; the sidewall is the thinner side wall that flexes with every turn of the wheel. That's why a cut in the sidewall is much more serious: the tyre is working there constantly, and damage weakens the part that carries the load.
| Cut in the tread | Cut in the sidewall or shoulder | |
|---|---|---|
| Severity | Variable, depends on depth and length | High |
| Repairable? | Only if small and within limits, needs assessing | No |
| Can you drive? | Only if superficial and the tyre is holding pressure | No |
| Sealant kit | Not suitable for cuts | Not suitable |
How can you tell whether the cut is serious?
A cut is serious if it's deep, if it's losing air, if it's on the sidewall or if you can see wires or fabric through the rubber. Look carefully, without poking anything into the cut:
- Visible plies or cords: the structure is exposed, the tyre must be replaced.
- Swelling near the cut: indicates broken internal plies, like a bulge in the tyre.
- Air loss: the cut has gone right through.
- Superficial cracking due to age is a different problem: it indicates ageing rubber that should be checked.
What should you do right away with a cut tyre?
- If you notice it while driving, switch on your hazard lights and pull over somewhere safe without sudden manoeuvres.
- Put on your high-visibility vest before getting out when it's compulsory in Italy, and place the warning triangle.
- Don't inflate a tyre with a cut on the sidewall: the pressure can make the damage worse.
- Don't use sealant: it won't close cuts and it fouls the inside of the tyre.
- Photograph the cut close up, and the whole wheel.
- Fit the spare wheel if you can do so safely, or call for assistance.
Can you drive on a cut tyre?
You can't drive on a tyre cut on the sidewall, even if it seems to be holding pressure: the damage can give way suddenly and turn into a tyre blowout. With a small, superficial cut in the tread that isn't losing air, you can drive slowly to a tyre fitter for a check, avoiding high speeds.
If in doubt, treat the cut as serious: a close-up assessment is a job for a technician.
Can a cut tyre be repaired?
A tyre cut on the sidewall or shoulder can't be repaired and must be replaced. Long cuts in the tread are usually not repairable either; only small damage, comparable to a hole, may fall within repair limits after an internal inspection.
A new tyre needs to be checked on the phone based on size and availability; in the meantime, the spare wheel can be fitted. Find out more in when a tyre can be repaired.
What causes cut tyres in Milan?
In the city, cuts are mainly caused by contact with sharp edges: the edge of the kerb when parking, the edges of tram tracks, raised manhole covers, glass and sheet metal near building sites and bins.
To reduce the risk, approach the kerb at as wide an angle as possible, avoid mounting it and keep your tyres at the correct pressure: an underinflated tyre has a sidewall more exposed to pinching.
How does SOS Tyre deal with a cut tyre?
SOS Tyre comes out 24/7 to wherever your vehicle is, in Milan and its province, and sets off as soon as you call. Call +39 377 326 0999 or fill in the assistance request with your location, vehicle, tyre size and a photo of the cut: the photo helps us see straight away whether the damage is on the sidewall.
On the spot, the technician checks the damage and, if the tyre can't be repaired, carries out a wheel change with your spare or space-saver. If your car doesn't have one, read what to do without a spare wheel.
Frequently asked questions
Is a small cut on the sidewall that isn't losing air dangerous?
It can be. The sidewall flexes with every turn of the wheel, and even a cut that isn't losing air today can widen or may have damaged the internal plies. Have it looked at as soon as possible and in the meantime avoid high speeds and heavy loads; if you see a bulge, don't drive.
Can I trim off a flap of rubber hanging from the tread?
Better not: a detached flap can indicate a deep cut or tread separation, and trimming it hides the damage from whoever has to assess it. Leave the tyre as it is, photograph it and have it inspected by a technician.
If I cut one tyre, do I need to replace the other on the same axle too?
It depends on wear. If the new tyre has much deeper tread than the other one on the same axle, the tyre fitter may recommend replacing both to keep the car's handling balanced. If the wear is similar, replacing the damaged one is usually enough.
Is cracking on the sidewall the same as a cut?
No. Fine, widespread cracks are signs of the rubber ageing, caused by time, sunlight and ozone. They're not a cut, but they indicate a tyre that's losing elasticity: check the DOT date code on the sidewall and have it assessed by a tyre fitter.