My flat tire.... Slashed? Or Natural Causes? ?

Question

I had a flat tire this morning, and at closer look there are three slashes in the tire wall. How can I tell if this was a tire slashing, or if it was natural cracks or something naturally caused? I have no enemies and cannot think of anyone who would do this. I live ina nice neighborhood and havent noticed any other cars that had this happen last night.

Answer 1

you can tell cracks from slashes. cracks will be dirty with road grime and a slash will be clean.

Answer 2

Slashes look like slashes.  Cracks look like cracks.  No matter.  It is done.  Whatever.

Answer 3

Damage to the sidewall of a tyre can happen if you clipped a curb or something similar, however 3 slashes sounds more like a deliberate act. When you take the tyre to be replaced ( You cannot repair sidewall damage) ask the fitter his opinion as he would have seen many types of tyre damage. My guess would be that this is the work of a young person with a box knife.

Answer 4

there will be a noteable difference b/w slashes and cracks, however if you hit a curb, a nail, glass or a pothole it is possible to get slashes on the sidewall...

with 3 slashes i'd lean towards that, but have the tirerepairman give his opinioin...

Answer 5

How old are the tires. Take a look between the treads and see if there are any noticeable signs of dryrot (it will look like slashes). If not, my opinion, without seeing the tire, would be that you got slashed. Just because you're in a good neighborhood doesn't mean your neighbors don't have kids who wanted to have a little fun at your expense.