What is the immediate action to take if a tire has visible sidewall damage?

When a tire shows visible sidewall damage, the immediate action to take is to remove the tire from service. Sidewall damage compromises the structural integrity of the tire and can lead to tire failure, posing a significant safety risk while driving. This type of damage often cannot be repaired effectively, and driving on a tire with a compromised sidewall increases the likelihood of a blowout, which can lead to loss of vehicle control and potential accidents.

Additionally, inspecting other tires, while important for overall safety, does not directly address the immediate hazard posed by the damaged tire and could lead to neglecting an urgent issue. Continuing to drive on a damaged tire is unsafe and irresponsible, as is attempting to patch it; repairs cannot adequately restore a compromised sidewall. Thus, the best choice is to immediately remove the tire from service to ensure the safety of the vehicle and its occupants.