What is a common cause of tire sidewall damage?

A common cause of tire sidewall damage is indeed impacts from curbs or road debris. The sidewall of a tire is more vulnerable to damage than the tread because it is designed to flex and absorb shock. When a tire hits a curb at an angle or strikes an object like a pothole or piece of debris, the force can create cuts, bulges, or other deformities in the sidewall. Such damage is often serious, as sidewall integrity is crucial for maintaining tire performance and safety.

While increased pressure from towing, harsh road conditions, and improper inflation can contribute to other issues like tread wear or tire blowouts, they do not directly link to the type of damage commonly seen on the tire's sidewall, making the impact from external objects the most relevant and frequent cause for this specific type of issue.