Should I replace the tire?

Question

I just came back from a ride and noticed that something took a chunk out of my back tire. While it did not completely penetrate the tire, the rubber has a small slice in it and has a divot missing in the middle of the slice, there is what and I can see what looks like the steel bands you'd see in a car tire. It's not huge, but should I go ahead and replace the tire now or ride a few more times to see if it gets worse?

Answer 1

I agree, you can continue to use tires with small cuts that don't penetrate the tire, or small punctures that do.  But if it's missing a chunk or you can see threads, replace it immediately.  A trip to the ER costs way more than a tire.

Answer 2

Replace it. It is unsafe to drive it with the steel bands exposed. It could cause a serious accident.

Answer 3

Time to replace; anytime you can see the inner part of the tire from the outside, you dont have long before the tire fails completely.

Answer 4

I agree with everyone here. Never ride with a damaged tire. This could cause more than a flat tire. Whenever uncertain, just change it. The hospital bill will be higher after an accident.  

Answer 5

Safety outweighs financial cost and damaged tyres are dangerous so replace it.