Tyre sidewall damage

[RonanF]

I had a run in with a kerb yesterday. This moring I notices a small flap of rubber lifting from the sidewall of the tyre. It's very thin, on the first ply, and about 5mm long. There is no bulge or loss of pressure.

Is it safe to keep driving on this or should I just replace it? They're almost brand new tyres (EcoContact 5s) so it would be a pain, but then again I don't really fancy a blowout on the motorway.

Cheers.

[ikarl]

I wouldn't want to say it's safe because I'm not qualified to say so, but I have probably driven with similar or worse with no problems

[Mr2Mike]

As long as none of the tyre carcass has been exposed it should be fine, but check it to ensure no bulges develop from internal damage.

[Frances The Mute]

Do you have a picture?

You say it's on the first ply. If any sidewall plies are visible behind the flap you managed to create, it's game over.

[RonanF]

Frances The Mute said:

Do you have a picture?

You say it's on the first ply. If any sidewall plies are visible behind the flap you managed to create, it's game over.

I'll get a pic later when I'm home.

When I say the first ply, it's the surface of the sidewall.

I shouldn't have asked whether or not it's safe, don't think anyone can comment on that, was just looking to see if anyone has had a similar experience in the past.

Thanks for the replies

[jon-]

Have you just nipped the slightly raised curb protector?

[RonanF]

I think it's higher up than the curb protector. I'll get a shot of it this eve when I'm home.

[RonanF]

Two pics of the damage;





Any opinions?

Thanks.

[Gandahar]

Get it replaced.

I was once in Stanmore with a broken back after a motorcyle accident, luckily not a wheelchair case, and met a guy who flipped his Escort with one bald tyre and who was in a wheelchair. Forever.

As William Shakesspeare once said, "for the sake of a nail the kingdom was lost...." Or it might have been my mum. Either way, best listen.

[jamieduff1981]

I assume you don't have a broken spring or ought like that? Usually they gouge out the sidewall round the wholr circumference though. Maybe a sharp edge of a kerb you mounted? Raised manhole cover on roadworks?

[HustleRussell]

RonanF, that looks absolutely fine, I'd have no qualms whatsoever about continuing to use that tyre.

[HustleRussell]

Gandahar said:

met a guy who flipped his Escort with one bald tyre and who was in a wheelchair. Forever.

OP's tyre is not bald though- it's nearly new. Also, vehicles don't just spontaneously flip upside-down because the tyres are worn.

[Viperz888]

Looks like you've had a fair few run ins with kerbs :P
But I'd happily drive on that, I've done the same, not quite as long as yours, but it's still going fine.

[RonanF]

Cheers guys.

I had to quickly move out of the way of some idiot taxi driver who barged into my lane, I was able to scrub off a lot of speed before I hit the kerb, however it still got a decent bang. Thankfully, there doesn't appear to be any structural damage to the wheel or suspension. My trusty Mk1 Focus will live to fight another day!

On balance, I think I will replace it. For piece of mind more than anything else.

[Wacky Racer]

Yes replace it...not worth gambling with your life, (or someone elses) for the sake of a few quid.

Bit of a sickener though, wouldn't be so bad if the tyre was half worn.

[Frances The Mute]

That's very superficial damage and fine to use based on what you see there.

One thing to bear in mind is any residual damage which may have occurred. Keep an eye on it over the next few weeks. If you notice any bulges or undulations in the area, get it replaced. Otherwise, carry on as you were and pay more attention to where you're aiming the car

[Ray Luxury-Yacht]

Looking at your pictures, it seems that the main 'flap' isn't so deep - however, in the 2nd pic it looks like there is a half-moon shaped 'cut' that runs a bit deeper?

Anyway, it's your decision - some people are saying it's fine, others wouldn't risk it.

My take on it is that, as annoying and expensive as it is - I wouldn't risk it either.

Every time we go out on the roads, there are enough idiots, situations, pot-holes, spillages and un-expected occurrences, that challenge and threaten our safety and survival. Not to mention the safety and survival of passengers, and even other road users and pedestrians.

The only thing we DO have control over to negate those risks, is our driving skill and experience, and the integrity of our vehicles. If you choose to drive with a safety-critical item that is below par in any way, then you lower those odds to your loss in my opinion.

I guess the question is, rather flippantly - do you feel lucky?

But seriously, thinking about your own safety is one thing.

But I would consider the safety of others. For example, as unlikely as it is - god forbid - but if a tyre on your vehicle fails and you kill someone waiting in a bus queue...you may well go to prison, and then have a death on your conscience for ever.

Yep - again, unlikely, and a little bit sensationalist I agree. But for me, a £100 hedge against that to change the tyre could be the best £100 you ever spend. Even though you won't ever know if it was a good investment I guess. A bit like insurance in that respect!