I think when I hit a curb getting out of the way of an emergency vehicle, or maybe hit a pothole, I must have done this. It's only gone through the edge of the tire where a bit curves out, presumably to protect the alloys from scrapes, so I am assuming it shouldn't cause the tire to blow out or anything? Thoughts?


Tear in tire by Chris_Moody, on Flickr

Tear just by the "e4" if you can't see it.

I think that could quickly turn into a problem - the sidewall is just as important as the tread, I've never had a blow out and don't fancy one so personally I'd replace it (I don't think they can repair tears like that). £50 for a tyre or your personal safety, I know which I would choose

If it eggs, it can cause a blowout.  I'd get that changed.

I assume "eggs" means swells? Or cracks?

Just so I'm clear, the tear doesn't run into the tyre, more towards the axle, more of a slice than a tear. If I pulled it I could take a chunk of the tyre out etc. I guess I'll see a tyre place tomorrow.

I suspect it'll be more like £75 than £50 to replace

Can you pull it apart, is it cut down to any cords?

Personally id leave it but keep an eye on it, if it starts to bulge replace it.

Do you have a spare in the car ? if you want to be cheap, swap them

Sidewall damage = replacement basically. It's the part of the tyre most stressed and could go at any moment.

I also wouldn't be surprised if that's a slow puncture.

Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk 2

Been like that for 2+ weeks with no tyre pressure change.

Also driven on it about 200 miles probably. Including lots of speed bumps and gravel/farm track roads.

I get the impression consensus is to change the tyre.

I don't know what's happened. When I had the micra, in 8 years only 2 tyres needed changing due to wear. In the last 4 years in the Mazda 3 and Mazda 2, I've had to replace 2 tyres due to damage plus probably about 6 plugs.

Low profile tyres? Dodgy compressor gauge meaning you're under filling them?

Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk 2

Even if the compressor gauge wasn't 100% accurate, it'd at least show if the pressure was going down?

Even when the below happened, the pressure only dropped 10psi over a week.


Tyre gash by Chris_Moody, on Flickr

Tempted to start keeping my old tyres, would make some good planters for in the garden etc.

http://www.etyres.co.uk/uk-tyre-law

Probably on the cusp of greater than 25mm, though I don't think you can see any ply or cord etc

Quote from: zpyder on May 17, 2013, 15:23:22 PM
I don't think you can see any ply or cord etc

Id not bother to replace it then that being the case.. but my tyres cost approx. £250 a corner so id be even less inclined to replace them if they didn't absolutely need it.

what size tyres are they ?

check online before you go to a tyre place so you know roughly how much they should cost