Tire sidewall damaged
 

The sidewall of my tire got gouged by a curb. Is it safe to drive on this?

http://i479.photobucket.com/albums/r...ps2vfnjskp.jpg

Hmm, nice tires too. Real shame.

Doesn't look that deep but generally speaking sidewall damage means replace the tire.

Jeez how fast were you going? That rim is pretty messed up too. Might want to check if it's bent if you chunked the sidewall.

My $0.02

It's not deep, just a bit wide. I'd hate to replace this tire because it has lots of life left. The curb damage on the rim is shallow too. The tire took most of the damage. Was going maybe 20kmh. I was turning left and misjudged the curb (there was also another car turning onto the right lane so I was trying to give him space).

Off topic, How do you like the PSS? I'm getting a set installed tomorrow on my cayman.

that happened to me also a year and a half ago. and haven't changed my tire. There's actually metal that cages inside the tire and if it doesn't show, it should be fine.

Maybe check tire pressure just in case.

If you can see the cords, replace tire. If not, I think it should be OK. Take it to a tire shop just to be on the safe side. I had a chunk like that missing when I got my last car but you could see the cords. The dealer replaced the tire.

Id go to Big O Tires on Kingsway and have them take a look at it just in case. They do sidewall damage repair.

I had a thick metal staple jammed in my tire recently. Canadian Tire wouldn't fix it because it was too close to the sidewall, they said it was not repairable and that I should just order a new tire. Called around and got referred to Big O's Kingsway location and they repaired it no problem. Told me that the tires have no restrictions, and can be driven like it never happened. Charged me a very reasonable rate too.

PSS's are dope. Great tire (although not for this time of year - OP, you know these are no good sub 8 deg cel right?)

I'd run the tire on the street, but I'd take a good look at the running gear also. The rim shows the damage, but the suspension components took the hit too.

No cords showing and no bulge = I'd run it.

Yeah, should be safe. Just keep an eye on it for the next few weeks to make sure bulges don't start appearing. If they don't, keep truckin' on. But if they do appear, replace it ASAP.

another reason why I hate anything with a lower profile than 55 (for a dd)

not to mention reduced fuel economy, slower acceleration, harsher ride, more expensive tires...

Effects of Upsized Wheels and Tires Tested - Tech Dept. - Car and Driver

It's all relative to the width and wheel diameter. ie. 235/40/18's have the same or taller sidewall then a set of 175/55/15's

I work at a Costco wholesale tire centre and currently in LA for training.

- if there is sidewall damage that just takes out the rim guard or piece of rubber, but no chords or thread or steel wiring it showing, it's generally okay
- if there's a bubble, bulge, inner tire construction showing, or damage to the actual bead seat of the tire it is a road hazard and should be taken out of service immedietly.

WHEN IN DOUBT, REPLACE IT

No. Just no. Passenger and light truck tires are not designed for any sort of sidewall repair or patching or plugging. Sidewalls damage means immediate road hazard and should be taken out of service as per TIA standards

Close to the sidewall and actual sidewall are very different.

if the belts or cords aren't showing, you're fine. no to sidewall repairs - if there's ever a puncture lol

^^ Well I guess I should've been more clear with my case, but it was within the 2 inch rule that Canadian tire uses, so they refused to fix mine. It wasn't on the actual sidewall though.

Thanks guys. I think it will be fine. I'll keep an eye on it for a bit.

Oh and PSS are the best tires ever.

its fine dont worry about it, i seen MUCH worse......... and ppl still chose to drive on them. U'd be amazed what we see on a daily basis

my dd's don't roll anything bigger than a 15 or 16 so that's not useful information for me

ijs

I had some cracks on my sidewall, years ago, and every tire shop i went to (kal, canadian, big-o) told me i should replace it

so a chunk missing would have me :/ so its surprising to hear everyone say its okay, even the experts, but i dont know anything :D

now im feeling maybe i got played :crazy2:

You are allowed small superficial cracking from ozone exposure (as some may refer to as dry rotting) on the exterior of the tire. But if any cracks go deep, or run the radius of the tire, crack near the bead or belt, or cracks ANYWHERE on the inner liner it then it needs to be replaced. Without pictures it's hard to know which kind of cracking you had.

no belts showing, cosmetic damage.

id check the balance of the wheel if your concerned. the cheap method of checking is going on the highway up to speed and see if you feel any wheel shake.

if you feel wheel shake:
1) check tire pressures, all to spec.
2) rebalance wheels, might as well check balance on all 4
3) alignment.

What kind of driving do you do? <70km/h DDing or some highway stuff too?

This is sidewall damage

http://i.imgur.com/s0BYY4n.jpg