Tyre wear- what's this?

[carreauchompeur]

Bought a Contisport part-worn tyre from eBay. Plenty of tread- 6mm. No punctures/repairs/other damage. I've just received it in the post and notice an odd 'scuff/wear' line down the middle. All other wear is consistent.

Any ideas what this is? Tyre was a very good price compared to new and is going on the back... Fecked?

[carreauchompeur]

To describe better, it's a slightly rough line about 0.5 mm deep.

[fozzymandeus]

Speculation, this, but could we be looking at a remould here?

[Jordan Rich]

probably been rubbing on an arch, unless it cuts down deep in any places it probably wont effect the tyre.

[mrmr96]

Transit/storage damage?

[HustleRussell]

I'd say that the tyre has been fitted to a car which has suffered a broken spring or spring platform at some point. Provided the damage isn't deep, I'd use it and keep a close eye on it- that is, if you can persuade a tyre fitter to mount it and permit you to leave his forecourt on it.

[carreauchompeur]

Ah, that makes sense. It really isn't deep but I couldn't work a cause out. Definitely not a remould.

I'll take it to a local tyre place and see what they say. £40 delivered against £144 a corner makes it worth a try. Failing that it goes back to the seller.

[maniac0796]

Rubbing on an arch lip. Either from a lowered car that hasn't had its arches rolled or from someone with a broken spring or carrying too much weight.

[HustleRussell]

True, on a modern car the spring bottom cups are very close to the tyre- and if the wheel has too much negative camber due to crude lowering mods, severe overloading or suspension damage, it's possible that contact could occur.

I don't think it's been rubbing on an arch because it is on the centre of the tyre.

[Ozzie Osmond]

Wonder what the car it came from hit in the big accident....

Have you checked the date code on the sidewall?

[carreauchompeur]

The tyre was only released in 2009 so I'm not too concerned about the date code. Or indeed what the car it was on hypothetically hit.

[Ozzie Osmond]

Ah well, if you're not concerned then one wonders at the purpose of this thread and why you're talking about sending it back to the seller.

The date sounds encouraging.

[Fort Jefferson]

carreauchompeur said:

To describe better, it's a slightly rough line about 0.5 mm deep.

Looks more like 5mm to me.

[carreauchompeur]

Fort Jefferson said:

Looks more like 5mm to me.

Er, no. It's got about 6mm of tread, the erosion is no more than about half a mill.

I'm not concerned about the tyre per se, just hadn't encountered this kind of wear before and wanted to check it out.

I have, I'm happy, thanks all.

[Frances The Mute]

That's a result of heat generation due to an abrasive external influence - so essentially it's probably rubbed against something like an arch/suspension strut.

[carreauchompeur]

Frances The Mute said:

That's a result of heat generation due to an abrasive external influence - so essentially it's probably rubbed against something like an arch/suspension strut.

Thanks, that's useful information and entirely fits with the appearance of the tyre.

[Ozzie Osmond]

Frances The Mute said:

That's a result of heat generation due to an abrasive external influence - so essentially it's probably rubbed against something like an arch/suspension strut.

That's the point I was alluding to earlier. The damage is consistent with a heavily crashing car where, as the body has deformed, the tyre has come into contact with crumpling metalwork while still rotating.

Guess I always try to be cautious when it comes to brakes and tyres.

[carreauchompeur]

I've managed to get hold of another one now, will see if I can get them fitted

I would not have considered part worn on the front, but the price difference with the rear tyres is massive.

[carreauchompeur]

Sorted, tyre place in Bristol checked them over and fitted both today, perfectly happy with their condition.

Fitted for free in exchange for my old ditchfinders. Happy days.

Whatever people's thoughts about part-worns these are an apparently decent pair with plenty of tread for £100 fitted, versus £290 for a new pair. It's an appreciable difference...

[FoundOnRoadside]

Good luck. Part worn tyres came off a car for a reason. Usually because the car crashed. I don't think I'd trust a tyre off someone else's write-off.

Yes, I do change all 4 tyres when I buy a used car. I'm THAT fussy.