Sidewall Damage - Cosmetic or Dangerous?

[Number_35]

This is regarding my friend's 2012 Chevy Sonic.

We were doing the seasonal tire swap (winters to 3-season tires) and noticed sidewall damage to a couple of the tires. I am looking for feedback as to how significant this is - can the tires be run safely?

The long sidewall cut is about 1 mm deep at its deepest point. Most of it is shallower.

 

[spasm3]

The big cut looks concerning, but i cant tell how deep it is. The date code looks like that are hitting 5 years old.

 

[Number_35]

The big cut looks concerning, but i cant tell how deep it is. The date code looks like that are hitting 5 years old.

It's about 1 mm (< 1/16") at worst.

You're correct - 4320 (43rd week of 2020) puts them at five years old in a few months.

Tread is very good, and there are no visible cracks due to age or UV damage.

 

[Lubener]

I don't like the look of that. I would replace the tire.

 

[rszappa1]

This is regarding my friend's 2012 Chevy Sonic.

We were doing the seasonal tire swap (winters to 3-season tires) and noticed sidewall damage to a couple of the tires. I am looking for feedback as to how significant this is - can the tires be run safely?

The long sidewall cut is about 1 mm deep at its deepest point. Most of it is shallower.

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Replace.....

 

[DuckRyder]

1BB = Hankook?

I agree i don't like the looks of the long cut plus age I would replace them.

 

[Jetronic]

This is regarding my friend's 2012 Chevy Sonic.

We were doing the seasonal tire swap (winters to 3-season tires) and noticed sidewall damage to a couple of the tires. I am looking for feedback as to how significant this is - can the tires be run safely?

The long sidewall cut is about 1 mm deep at its deepest point. Most of it is shallower.

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cosmetic as long as no plies are uncovered

 

[CapriRacer]

While I agree that if no plies are involved, it's OK - and the way to tell is bulges - radial bulges in the sidewall.

But I don't like the look of that long cut.

 

[CapriRacer]

1BB = Hankook?

Yes, starting April, 2025 (by golly that's this month!!), all plant codes are 3 digits. Carryover codes are the old 2 digit codes with the number "1" in front.

I've published a copy of a list from Tire Business here: Barry's Tire Tech: DOT Plant Codes

 

[z71bill]

4.5 years old - sidewall split - I would replace them.

Well unless nobody you care about ever rides in the vehicle -

These are on my MIL's car what should she do? RUN THEM.

 

[barkingspider]

Replace

 

[siriusc1024]

At least make sure they aren't on the steer tires. I get that people are in different financial situations, but don't play around with something like this because it's never worth it. Obviously replace.