Cut in sidewall, safe to drive?

[Jerk]

Just notice this cut in my sidewall. Must have happened my last off-road outing. SC rotated these tires after that, so I assume it’s ok. Is this safe to drive on?

EDIT: I went to Discount Tire today and they said it was cosmetic. They’d look for seams to show in the cut to warrant a replacement. Honestly, I fully expected them to try to sell me a new tire, so I trust the assessment. Thanks for everyone’s responses!

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[tate16t]

Why gamble, get it replaced while its drivable.

 

[COdogman]

It’s probably ok for now if you just noticed, but I sure wouldn’t roll the dice and assume it doesn’t need to be fixed or replaced.

 

[DRJ564]

I would personally drive on that.

I would not tell someone that it’s ok though. You should get that replaced.
How many miles and life left in the tires? You will likely need to get all 4.

 

[jjswan33]

I would personally drive on that.

I would not tell someone that it’s ok though. You should get that replaced.
How many miles and life left in the tires? You will likely need to get all 4.

A Rivian does not have a differential. No need to buy 4 new tires.

 

[Captain JB]

That is not ok….I got one of those off roading in Moab, Utah and got it repaired before I left town.

 

[madgrey]

A Rivian does not have a differential. No need to buy 4 new tires.

I thought it was more about having consistent handling characteristics at all four wheels

 

[Jerk]

About 9000 miles on the tires. Drove it back from Alabama to Atlanta after the last wheeling trip, then had a 5 wheel rotation at the SC.

 

[Mathme]

Since you did a 5-wheel rotation, that implies you have 5 wheels. I'd rotate that one out as a SPARE ONLY and consider it only 4 wheels. Then when it's time to get new tires, replace all 5. Can you get by on that tire in a pinch in an emergency...likely. Would you want to drive on it full time...not likely.

 

[shap]

I thought it was more about having consistent handling characteristics at all four wheels

yep, if there is a significant difference in traction between new and others. Depends on the wear. But even then, you can just buy a used tire with similar wear to others.

I guess the good point is that you will not damage the differential by having very different tires as there is no differential used.

Personally, I would not drive with a sidewall cut, the chances that the tire can blow up under 7k pound car is not worth it.

 

[mkg3]

Interesting response to a sidewall cut from the community.

Without knowing how deep the cut or crack is, it's hard to say. I do know this though, and that is tires are my number 1 safety item on any vehicle.

People put wraps, ceramic coat, this accessory, that accessory and spend thousands of dollars, yet take a chance on the only thing that keeps the vehicle on the road safely - where the rubber meets the road.

Over the years, I've had blisters and cuts on the sidewall and regardless of how bad or deep, the tire got replaced immediately.

I am not risk averse person. I do care about not having "oh $hit" moment though, if I can easily avoid it....

 

[Hereforthesnacks]

It’s probably ok for now if you just noticed, but I sure wouldn’t roll the dice and assume it doesn’t need to be fixed or replaced.

No, no, no. I would not at all assume this is ok for now. We can’t tell a lot from a pic. A damaged sidewall on a tire carrying a 7000lb car should be looked at asap. Take it to an America’s Tire or similar to get their opinion. If a sidewall fails, especially at high speed, it can be very bad.

 

[COdogman]

No, no, no. I would not at all assume this is ok for now. We can’t tell a lot from a pic. A damaged sidewall on a tire carrying a 7000lb car should be looked at asap. Take it to an America’s Tire or similar to get their opinion. If a sidewall fails, especially at high speed, it can be very bad.

I just meant if it has been driven on since the last offroading trip it’s probably ok to drive on to get it looked at. I agreed it needed to be checked and probably replaced. Just be cautious and don’t take the highway. No reason to freak out.

 

[FooF]

I just meant if it has been driven on since the last offroading trip it’s probably ok to drive on to get it looked at. I agreed it needed to be checked and probably replaced. Just be cautious and don’t take the highway. No reason to freak out.

No need to get it looked at since any place you take it to will recommend replacing the tire. Use it as a spare for an emergency or replace it. Why take chances with your and others safety?

 

[Zoidz]

A Rivian does not have a differential. No need to buy 4 new tires.

Rivian does have a recommendation regarding tire wear differences. If you do a 5 tire rotation, this could ultimately impact all tires.

While Rivian does not have a differential, large variations in tire diameter probably affect traction control/braking software routines.

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