Tyre sidewall damage

[gman88667733]

Just noticed this on our Volvo. .

Entirely my fault, I'm so used to having really chunky sidewalls I hate these skinny rubber band tyres!

Does this need attending to? I can't see any cords under the cut. The plan was to at some point later in the year, buy new smaller wheels and get bigger sidewall tyres to replace these as the current ones will be due sometime this year.

Can I leave this for say, the next 6 months give or take before buying the new wheels? I'm not sure if it is a structural issue.

The chunk hanging off is about 4-5mm thick at the thickest point.

Cheers

Edited by gman88667733 on Friday 28th January 14:23

[gman88667733]

[E-bmw]

Yes, it does.

Just because you can't see any internal structure or structural damage doesn't mean it isn't there, get it sorted immediately.

If you were going to change them all later in the year just do a pair for now & the others later.

[gman88667733]

I can't just do a pair of smaller wheels, so I'll have to try and find a smaller set asap then. I really don't want to get fresh tyres in this size as I don't want skinny tyres anymore!

[Smint]

Have you scoured the 'bay for a used tyre to replace that one.

[mmm-five]

If it had been one of those tyres with really thick rim protection then you might have got away with pulling it off or gluing it down...but that looks to have zero rim protector, so I wouldn't risk it.

[stevieturbo]

The reality is that tyre is defective.

Potentially 3 points if stopped, as well as the general safety issue

[gman88667733]

My trusted local garage seems to think sticking it back down will be fine on the size chunk it is ... Tricky one though. Maybe I'll try and find a used tyre on eBay to keep me going until I get the new set of wheels...

[stevieturbo]

gman88667733 said:

My trusted local garage seems to think sticking it back down will be fine on the size chunk it is ... Tricky one though. Maybe I'll try and find a used tyre on eBay to keep me going until I get the new set of wheels...

Will they take the 3 points for you if you're stopped ?

[E-bmw]

stevieturbo said:

gman88667733 said:

My trusted local garage seems to think sticking it back down will be fine on the size chunk it is ... Tricky one though. Maybe I'll try and find a used tyre on eBay to keep me going until I get the new set of wheels...

Will they take the 3 points for you if you're stopped ?

And pay the insurance claim if it fails spectacularly due to unseen internal damage.

Only one answer, it is unsafe, change it immediately.

[The Road Crew]

It might be absolutely fine. You'll never know though.

Would I drive on it with my family in the car? No way. New tyre now.

You'll REALLY wish you changed it should the worst happen.

[CoolHands]

The chances of being stopped by police are infinitesimally small so I wouldn’t change it for that particular reason.

[gman88667733]

I think the general trend is right here... Thinking about it, I don't really want my partner driving around with it like that. She doesn't mind, but it's just another thing to worry about..!

I'll get it sorted in some way before it gets used again. Cheers

[gman88667733]

Next question - on the rears, can I just change 1? I'd normally change both, but the other side still has a good amount of tread.

Do shout at me if need be..!

Cheers

[stevieturbo]

gman88667733 said:

Next question - on the rears, can I just change 1? I'd normally change both, but the other side still has a good amount of tread.

Do shout at me if need be..!

Cheers

It's always nice to change in pairs, but if the other really is hardly worn, I'd be happy just changing one.

In cases where I change 2...I always keep the good one for a spare tyre in case something similar might happen again.

I keep old tyres too often.....I've probably about 30 lying out back lol

[gman88667733]

stevieturbo said:

It's always nice to change in pairs, but if the other really is hardly worn, I'd be happy just changing one.

In cases where I change 2...I always keep the good one for a spare tyre in case something similar might happen again.

I keep old tyres too often.....I've probably about 30 lying out back lol

I'll check the exact tread depth, but I believe it is 5mm+
Thanks

[gman88667733]

Found a set of focus mk3 wheels that will fit my V60 a couple of hours away, so trip away in the camper next weekend to collect!

These will be down to a 205/55 R16 from a 235/40 R18.

They are the same 7Jx16 ET50 fitment as the smaller Volvo official wheels, so hopefully no issues with fitment. Looks like most ford wheels fit Volvo's.

[E-bmw]

gman88667733 said:

These will be down to a 205/55 R16 from a 235/40 R18.

That is quite a large (2%) change in rolling circumference and is outside what is generally accepted as being OK.

google "tyre size calculator" for closer sizes.

[E-bmw]

E-bmw said:

gman88667733 said:

These will be down to a 205/55 R16 from a 235/40 R18.

That is quite a large (2%) change in rolling circumference and is outside what is generally accepted as being OK.

google "tyre size calculator" for closer sizes.

Not to mention a large loss of surface area of the tyre contact patch and will likely result in a noticeable loss of grip.

[Smint]

E-bmw said:

Not to mention a large loss of surface area of the tyre contact patch and will likely result in a noticeable loss of grip.

Assuming the correct pressures are used isn't the weight imposed on the road at each corner remains the same, the weigth imposed per sq inch on the footprint slightly increasing, the shape of tyre footprint will change from a broad but short footprint to a more square offering.

Yes the change will make some difference to handling and a vast improvement to comfort, but could well offer better wet grip and certainly less incliniation to aquaplane due to that footprint having less water to clear, far better poor weather (ie snow grip) is certain, i offer my own knowledge of loading MINIS at Cowley years ago in some 6" of snow in the compound, those on large diameter low profiles would not drive forward and could only be reversed around the yard whilst those lower spec cars on narrower tyres had no trouble driving anywhere forwards.

Not sure whether the size being considered is regarded as a recommended fitment for the car in question, information would be found in the handbook and possibly the door pillar tyre size/pressure label, it might be a winter size.
If its not a recognised alternative size for the car there could be insurance implications, as such if the 205s are outside normal approved sizes then i'd be inclined to get approval from my insurer for the swap before spending out.
Yes i know you say its an official Volvo size but is that on your particular model.

Edited by Smint on Sunday 30th January 09:10