# Damaged Sidewall. Need replacing or drivable? **URL:** \ **Category:** Maintenance/Repairs\ **Tags:** fusion, ford\ **Created:** [July 9, 2021, 4:19pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/damaged-sidewall-need-replacing-or-drivable/177941 "2021-07-09T16:19:47Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 9\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![missanp93](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/9fc348/32.png) [@missanp93](https://community.cartalk.com/u/missanp93)\ **Post date:** [July 9, 2021, 4:19pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/damaged-sidewall-need-replacing-or-drivable/177941/1 "2021-07-09T16:19:47Z")
I’m not even quite sure where this damage came from, but I am notorious for hitting curbs, so most likely that’s the culprit. I haven’t noticed any changes in driving, psi, or anything of the sort. The only reason I even saw the damage is because I was walking the dog and happened to look down. I don’t see any wires showing either. Is it safe to drive or should it be replaced? ![image](https://global.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/original/3X/b/2/b24b9d8935fecc23bdd664c02eecc1c9d8dbc0f4.jpeg) ---
**Author:** ![VDCdriver](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/vdcdriver/32/30_2.png) [@VDCdriver](https://community.cartalk.com/u/VDCdriver)\ **Post date:** [July 9, 2021, 4:34pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/damaged-sidewall-need-replacing-or-drivable/177941/2 "2021-07-09T16:34:15Z")
That looks pretty superficial, at least to my eye, but others may differ. However, if you have a history of hitting curbs I strongly suggest that you have the alignment checked. ---
**Author:** ![Mustangman](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/mustangman/32/44130_2.png) [@Mustangman](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Mustangman)\ **Post date:** [July 9, 2021, 9:14pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/damaged-sidewall-need-replacing-or-drivable/177941/3 "2021-07-09T21:14:13Z")
Looks fine. No cords showing, no wheel damage. No worries. ---
**Author:** ![weekend-warrior](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/weekend-warrior/32/26122_2.png) [@weekend-warrior](https://community.cartalk.com/u/weekend-warrior)\ **Post date:** [July 9, 2021, 9:27pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/damaged-sidewall-need-replacing-or-drivable/177941/4 "2021-07-09T21:27:00Z")
if you are prone to hitting curbs like you say you are. heres a thought… go to a junk yard and pick up a rim for your car. then put the damaged tire on the rim you picked up and keep it in your trunk. this way if you have a sidewall blow out you have a rim and tire to put on and you can keep driving. I am not sure what year your car is, but most newer cars dont even come with a doughnut to put on. just a thought. ---
**Author:** ![Barkydog](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/barkydog/32/2470_2.png) [@Barkydog](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Barkydog)\ **Post date:** [July 10, 2021, 12:03am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/damaged-sidewall-need-replacing-or-drivable/177941/5 "2021-07-10T00:03:04Z")
I would suggest you consult a tire shop, internet opinions are not worth risking your life on! ---
**Author:** ![George\_San\_Jose1](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/e5b9ba/32.png) [@George\_San\_Jose1](https://community.cartalk.com/u/George_San_Jose1)\ **Post date:** [July 10, 2021, 12:08am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/damaged-sidewall-need-replacing-or-drivable/177941/6 "2021-07-10T00:08:02Z")
Good advice above. I don’t think there’s much of a worry there, just keep an eye on it to make sure it isn’t getting worse. I experienced a nick like that after switching from Michelin tires on my car to another brand. In my case there was no alternative b/c Michelin no longer manufacturers the size my car uses. But if you can purchase Michelins for your Fusion next time you buy tires, that’s an option worth considering imo. ---
**Author:** ![Scrapyard-John](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/f6c823/32.png) [@Scrapyard-John](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Scrapyard-John)\ **Post date:** [July 10, 2021, 12:18am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/damaged-sidewall-need-replacing-or-drivable/177941/7 "2021-07-10T00:18:37Z")
I don’t think that’s deep enough or large enough to “compromise the integrity of the tire”. If you have a tire shop that you trust (and isn’t going to try and just sell you something for no reason), it might not hurt to get their opinion. ---
**Author:** ![wentwest](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/wentwest/32/6073_2.png) [@wentwest](https://community.cartalk.com/u/wentwest)\ **Post date:** [July 11, 2021, 3:19am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/damaged-sidewall-need-replacing-or-drivable/177941/8 "2021-07-11T03:19:51Z")
I would continue to use that tire. If it starts to lose air pressure then get it checked. But that’s me, not you, so you decide. ---
**Author:** ![CapriRacer](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/capriracer/32/22_2.png) [@CapriRacer](https://community.cartalk.com/u/CapriRacer)\ **Post date:** [July 11, 2021, 11:36am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/damaged-sidewall-need-replacing-or-drivable/177941/9 "2021-07-11T11:36:44Z")
That damage is in the rim protector and superficial at that. OK to go!! (Looks like the rim protector did its job!!)