Tyre damage is one of those things that often catches people out, usually after it’s too late. But the good news is, many of the most common types of damage can be avoided with a bit of foresight, regular maintenance, and an understanding of what to watch for.
This article is designed to help you identify the most common types of tyre damage, understand what causes them, and offer practical advice on how to prevent or minimise the risk.
Rim crush
What it looks like: A bulge or bubble on the tyre sidewall, most seen on passenger car tyres. Less frequently, it appears on SUVs and light commercial vehicles.
What causes it: A sharp impact, like hitting a kerb or pothole, causes the rim flange to crush the internal carcass cords of the tyre.
How to confirm it: The tyre must be removed and inspected internally. A clear indicator is a circumferential crease or, in some cases, a split in the inner liner that allows air to enter the sidewall, creating a large bulge. On tyres with rim protectors, damage can be more severe, sometimes resulting in rapid deflation where the rim flange cuts through the lower sidewall.
What to watch for: Many drivers don’t link the damage to a specific impact, especially when the bulge is on the inside sidewall, because it often appears later. Under-inflated tyres are more prone to this kind of damage, as they compress more on impact.
The safety net: If you’re running Toyo’s Proxes Sport 2, you’ll be glad to know it’s covered under Toyo’s Road Damage Warranty¹, giving you added peace of mind if you do suffer rim crush from unexpected road hazards. While no tyre is immune to impact damage, it’s reassuring to have that backup if things go wrong.
Separation or cracking above the bead
What it looks like: Bubbles, bulges, or visible cracking just above the tyre bead.
What causes it: Running the tyre under-inflated for the load it’s carrying. This causes excess heat build-up, which weakens the area above the bead and can lead to cracking or internal separation.
Who’s most at risk: This type of damage is commonly seen in commercial vehicles, utes, caravans, and motorhomes, especially on rear axles or single-axle setups where load stress is highest.
How to prevent it: Tyre pressures need to match actual axle loads. For high-load setups like motorhomes or caravans, weigh your axles (e.g., at a weighbridge) and refer to your tyre manufacturer for correct pressures.
Belt fracture
What it looks like: A large puncture that causes deflation. Damage penetrates through the tread, belt, carcass, and liner.
What causes it: Impact with a sharp road hazard—often seen on SUV tyres used on unsealed roads.
Repair limits: In Australia, any puncture larger than 6mm in the tread area cannot be repaired and the tyre must be scrapped.
Prevention tips:
- Lower your tyre pressures when driving on unsealed or rocky terrain (refer to section on Airing Down for Off-Road).
- Reduce your speed to lessen impact risk.
- Tyres with light-truck construction (LT) have stronger belt packages and are more resistant to this type of damage than standard passenger tyres.
Steel belt separation
What it looks like: The top and bottom steel belts separate, often taking the tread with them. The tyre may burst, but it often stays inflated.
What causes it: Chronic under-inflation over time, especially in high-load applications such as motorhomes and heavy-duty utes.
Risk factor: This type of failure can cause serious vehicle damage when it lets go.
How to avoid it: Maintain proper inflation pressures, particularly in vehicles carrying heavy or consistent loads.
Tread cutting & chipping
What it looks like: Chunks or cuts in the tread, often from unsealed or rocky roads.
What causes it:
- Using highway tyres on rough, unsealed terrain.
- Driving too fast over sharp rocks.
- Wheel spin on shale or similarly sharp surfaces (which often causes circular cuts).
Prevention tips:
- Use tyres designed for unsealed roads.
- Lower your pressures off-road.
- Drive slower over rough surfaces.
- Avoid unnecessary wheel spin.
Can you keep using the tyre? In most cases, yes, chipped or cut treads won’t immediately compromise safety, but it’s worth monitoring them over time.
Final Thought
Your tyres take more punishment than any other part of your vehicle. But ignoring the signs of damage (or the simple maintenance that can prevent it) can lead to bigger problems down the road, quite literally. Use the tips above to spot issues early, adjust your habits, and keep your tyres (and your travels) trouble-free.
¹ Please refer to the full terms and conditions of Toyo Tires’ Road Damage Warranty program: https://www.toyotires.com.au/tyres/road-damage-warranty-conditions
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