How much sidewall damage = replace immediately?

[thismonkeyhere]

Long story short, I'm a tt. Botched a three point turn and kerbed the front ns wheel which has scraped the (previously immaculate) wheel and has lifted a flap of sidewall rubber just above the rim. Not very deep, and it all appears sound under the 'flap', but sidewalls are, I believe, not to be messed with.

It's a fairly new tyre, so obviously would prefer not to ditch it now. However, should I just bite the bullet and get it replaced without further ado?

[Leafspring]

Pictures?

I'd change it but if it hasn't bulged out and really is really very shallow, (like less than 2mm) you might get away with it

[GOG440]

thismonkeyhere said:

Long story short, I'm a tt. Botched a three point turn and kerbed the front ns wheel which has scraped the (previously immaculate) wheel and has lifted a flap of sidewall rubber just above the rim. Not very deep, and it all appears sound under the 'flap', but sidewalls are, I believe, not to be messed with.

It's a fairly new tyre, so obviously would prefer not to ditch it now. However, should I just bite the bullet and get it replaced without further ado?

A picture would help be certain but my gut feeling is bite the bullet and buy a new tyre

[ecsrobin]

There was a gouge in my tyre when I purchased the car looked like nothing as soon as it was on a tyre machine it split quarter of the tyre. I have pics somewhere if you want to see an example. So from my experience I would get it changed.

[996TT02]

No. The rubber does not have any structural strength, it is the fibres of the carcass that do. The rubber is just a layer that provides the grip and the sealing. If it bothers you, try some flexible superglue (seriously).

Any damage to the fibres is generally evident, the tyre acquires a lump in the damaged area because the rubber itself just can't take the pressure, has very little tensile strength.

Of course no doubt someone will soon be around to tell you that you need to replace at least the pair of tyres across the axle, the steering rack, lower wishbones, McPherson struts if fitted, and finally have a four wheel geometry check. Just to make sure.

[thismonkeyhere]

996TT02 said:

Of course no doubt someone will soon be around to tell you that you need to replace at least the pair of tyres across the axle, the steering rack, lower wishbones, McPherson struts if fitted, and finally have a four wheel geometry check. Just to make sure.

[Silverbullet767]

thismonkeyhere said:

996TT02 said:

Of course no doubt someone will soon be around to tell you that you need to replace at least the pair of tyres across the axle, the steering rack, lower wishbones, McPherson struts if fitted, and finally have a four wheel geometry check. Just to make sure.

Don't forget the wheel refurb, knocking that paint off will have unbalanced the wheel. Oh yeah, and another balance for good measure. Did I mention you have to get it detailed to see if there's any other damage you're not aware of? Safer just to write it off TBH.

[backwoodsman]

It wasn't you I saw yesterday was it?

Same thing happened to this, in front of me.

[andburg]

Would be a truly amazing if it was!

if it looks like the once in the pictures then im sure its fine legcally, I'd check how much tread i had left and make the decision from there.

I know for a fact that my company car wouldn't have that tyre repalced as there is no bulging

[JB!]

No cords showing? crack on, only replace if you can see the cords in the sidewall.