* Sudden Tire Failure: The tire belts are crucial for structural integrity. A broken belt weakens the tire significantly, making it prone to sudden and catastrophic failure. This can lead to a loss of control of the vehicle, especially at higher speeds.
* Blowouts: A broken belt can easily lead to a blowout, where the tire rapidly deflates. This is extremely dangerous, as the vehicle can swerve violently and become difficult to control.
* Tire Separation: The broken belt can cause the tire's tread to separate from the carcass, leading to a similar dangerous situation as a blowout.
* Damage to Vehicle: Beyond the immediate danger to the driver and passengers, a broken tire belt can also damage the vehicle's suspension, wheel, and other components.
* Secondary Accidents: A loss of control due to a tire failure can easily cause collisions with other vehicles or objects.
In short, a broken tire belt is a serious safety hazard that should be addressed immediately. Don't drive on a tire with a known broken belt. It's far safer to replace the tire. Even a seemingly minor bulge or damage could indicate a broken belt.
