I'm guessing this isn't safe?

[TheTurbonator]

Just found this huge crack on the outside of the tyre. If you pull it apart a bit you can just about see a tiny bit of cord. I'm obviously not going to go for a long run down the motorway now but would it be safe to nip to shops and back, all in 30mph zones?

Scary thing is I went for a blast up the motorway last night.

Also what could have caused it?



ETA: It's only just coming up to a year old and has about 5mm of tread left. It's also an extra load tyre with a 97 load index rating and maximum psi pressure of 52. I'm always checking my pressures and keep them at 40psi, when the manufacturers recommendation is 35-50psi depending on load.

Would it be worth reporting it to the manufacturer or dealer I bought them from, to maybe get a goodwill payment or replacement?

Edited by TheTurbonator on Tuesday 15th January 12:39

[KaraK]

I wouldn't be driving on that personally!

[kambites]

I'd work on the basis that that might de-pressurise completely with little or no warning. There's probably a 99% chance that it will be fine, but is it worth the 1% risk of driving it any further than a tyre fitter? Even if the blow-out happens at 30mph, it could still cause you to swerve onto the pavement and if there happens to be a pedestrian there...

[GreigM]

I'm normally blasé about chunks out of tyres, but always keep the rule that so long as you don't see cord then you'll be ok...so in this case I would get it replaced.

Could be caused simply by a bit of flying debris on the road - unless it looks like its ripped from the inside out then I don't imagine the manufacturer would be interested.

[Snowboy]

I'm very wary about driving on duff tyres.
I one had an old tyre disintegrate under me so I allways err on thecside of caution.

Check the dot code, it might be new to you but it could be an old tyre.
Or you just hit some debris.
Either way you need a new tyre.

[ohtari]

You might be able to get it re vulcanised, but it's certainly not safe to be driving on as is.

[mi1ne]

You could drive to shops with no tyres at all.

Might mark a wheel mind you.

[busta]

It looks to me like it's been caused by a stone or other sharp object so the manufacturer would soon tell you where to stuff it.

If the cord isn't damaged I would happily drive on but look to get it repaired or replaced ASAP.

[trickywoo]

Looks like you went over a piece of glass or sharp bit of metal.

I had very similar looking damage on a motorbike tyre (only known to me when it let the air out).

I think it might be new tyre time unfortunately.

[Mr2Mike]

The problem with exposing the carcass is that the steel reinforcement will start to rust and the tyre will fail at some point.

[TheTurbonator]

The Crack Fox said:

TheTurbonator said:

coming up to a year old...Would it be worth reporting it to the manufacturer or dealer I bought them from, to maybe get a goodwill payment or replacement?

C'mon Flynn, we know it's you.

Thanks for the advice everyone, I'll get it replaced as soon as.

[scorcher]

Fill with bathroom sealant and drive on.

[rev-erend]

If a tyre has a crack then it must be pretty old.

Tyres now have the month and year they were made on them.

As a general rule of thumb - I try not to use tyres that are older than 5 years old. Especially at very high speeds and when loaded. A few traffic light grand Prixs and burn outs soon trashes old tyres if you need to justify new tyres.

[John145]

Looks like something has penetrated the tyre. As others have said, replace as soon as practical.

[CoolC]

I'd certainly get it replaced, but it can't do any harm to get in touch with the manufacturer with a few photo's and some details of age and usage.

The worst they can say is no to covering the cost.

[CrispyMK]

Definitely not safe, that's a summer tyre and there's snow on the ground.

[Frances The Mute]

That's just a cut. From the picture, it's not deep enough to expose the belt package so it can still be used.

If the wound grows bigger over time, then it would be worthwhile to replace it. Based on the photo, it's fine to use.

[TheTurbonator]

Frances The Mute said:

That's just a cut. From the picture, it's not deep enough to expose the belt package so it can still be used.

If the wound grows bigger over time, then it would be worthwhile to replace it. Based on the photo, it's fine to use.

You can definitely see some metal when you look deep into the crack and prise it open a bit though. It's not much, just a tiny silver dot that you can see.

[Petrolhead_Rich]

TheTurbonator said:

would it be safe to nip to shops and back, all in 30mph zones?

No! Will you get away with it? Probably!

TheTurbonator said:

I'm always checking my pressures and keep them at 40psi, when the manufacturers recommendation is 35-50psi depending on load.

40 PSI is a bit high, unless you regularly drive with a heavy load in, recommended is 35/36 for a C4 Picasso from what I can see!

TheTurbonator said:

Would it be worth reporting it to the manufacturer or dealer I bought them from, to maybe get a goodwill payment or replacement?

You probably hit some debris that caused damage, they will only be interested in selling you a new tyre.

[Druid]

TheTurbonator said:

You can definitely see some metal when you look deep into the crack and prise it open a bit though. It's not much, just a tiny silver dot that you can see.

Not safe and probably illegal.