Just found a cut in tyres sidewall - ilegal?

jd82

Was doing the weekly checks and found this on one of the tyres.

http://i167.photobucket.com/albums/u141/amazingtrade/Tyre.jpg

Is this ilegal?

babyshoes

No, I don't think so - it looks like a shallow gouge in your photo, but for future reference I have mentioned the law below!

The law says that a cut is illegal if it is over 2.5cm long and deep enough to reach the cords or ply. This applies anywhere on the tyre, including the tread area.

That means that if you can prise apart the edges of a thin cut and see stringy bits, it is illegal if the cut is about an inch or longer.

jd82

It is about an inche, the tyre is getting a bit scruffy anyway so I might just replace it. Having a clean licence is far more important than a bit of money.

babyshoes

Fair enough, but if you can't see any of the stringy bits it definitely isn't illegal! However, if the tyre is badly perished that could make it illegal, or not enough tread depth. If you are worried, get it checked over properly by a professional!

jd82

The fire wall is very scruffy due to all the kerbing (not by me!) so it is due for replacement anyway, I had intended to it but I didn't think it was urgent till I saw it.

babyshoes

Fair enough, kerbing a tyre can cause bulges, which can lead to a blowout, so safest to replace it!

DaveMacD

If it's getting near the end, I'd just replace it.... and sack the other driver... or better yet, get them to pay for it since it was probably their kerbing the wheel that did the damage in the first place.

Inactive

jd82 wrote: »

The fire wall is very scruffy due to all the kerbing (not by me!) so it is due for replacement anyway, I had intended to it but I didn't think it was urgent till I saw it.

I would take the keys away from whoever drives it like that.;)

red_eye

jd82 wrote: »

It is about an inche, the tyre is getting a bit scruffy anyway so I might just replace it. Having a clean licence is far more important than a bit of money.

i agree i would also suggest that you learn not to drive so close to the curb. you will save money and the resale value by not damaging the tyre and alloy and possibly a blowout

ignore this if your not the one who drives everywere scrubbing the curb:D

if you corner so hard that you driving on the sidewalls then:beer: just make sure you dont do it on public roads

Shoshannah

jd82 wrote: »

It is about an inche, the tyre is getting a bit scruffy anyway so I might just replace it. Having a clean licence is far more important than a bit of money.

Being alive is more important still - personally I would be worrying more about whether this tyre is safe rather than the legal side of things.

cyclonebri1

jd82 wrote: »

It is about an inche, the tyre is getting a bit scruffy anyway so I might just replace it. Having a clean licence is far more important than a bit of money.

Keeping yourself and others alive is also a consideration :A