Is it safe to drive with sidewall damage?
Sarah Richards
Published Jun 08, 2026
A sidewall tire damage is not safe to drive around with. The sidewalls of the tires are much more sensitive than the tread area. In many cases, the damage is damaging the whole structure of the tire, and it can cause it to blow at any moment.
Can I drive with a damaged side wall?
Can you drive on a tyre with a damaged sidewall? The short answer is no, you should not drive your vehicle if any of the tyre sidewalls are damaged, unless driving to have the problem fixed. Not only is it dangerous, but it will lead to an instant fail of your MOT as it's considered illegal.When should I worry about tire sidewall damage?
To determine how much sidewall tire damage is too much you need to check the threads in the area of damage. If you can see the threads or the radial cords, it's time to replace the tire. These threads are located 0.125 to 0.188 of an inch beneath the surface of the sidewall.Can a tire with sidewall damage be repaired?
The puncture is within the tread area* of the tire – sidewall punctures are NOT repairable. The tire puncture is ¼ inch in diameter or less. The angle of the puncture is at least 45 degrees or more. The tire does not have another repaired area overlapping the new area to be repaired.How do you know if you have sidewall damage?
A tire with a bulge or bubble cannot be repaired.
- A bulge or bubble on the sidewall of a tire generally indicates damaged cords caused by a severe impact.
- Damaged cords are often accompanied by a visible break in the inner liner.
- If cords have been damaged, air has infiltrated into the plies and can result in a bulge.