Wife hit a curb..

Hi Everybody,

Last spring my wife clocked a curb and put a gouge in her tire. The tires are all about a year old so tread life is still very good. Winter is approaching soon here in VT and we are getting ready to put the winter tires back on. Is this mark enough to consider the tire unsafe and needs to be replaced? It does not go through the backside if that helps. I asked my local shop and they didn't really give me a good answer, just told me what I already know.

I know it might be hard to tell from just a photo, but I figured I'd see if anyone had an expert opinion on here.

 

Any amount of wear to a sidewall like that adds a higher potential for a blow out, think about taking a sharp turn at a higher speed, the truck will lean more into that tire pushing pressure down etc, it will look for the weakest point to push pressure onto and blow. Will it happen, no way to know, but if you are already unsure and concerned, id just replace it for peace of mind.

 

My rule of thumb was if you try and peel it back and you get to the cord line it’s junk.
Usually I let it ride with about an inch.
This realistically ,by the looks of the top most part looks deeper than the rest, is a concern
To me and I would replace it. Weather the inspector would pass it or not, since I can physically
Probe and inspect it, it would be a call for failure..
It’s one tire…..

 

END THREAD/

 

If it were mine I’d replace the tire. Sidewall damage is a bit sketchy not worth risking it popping while driving

 

Thank you all for the quick responses.

My instinct was to replace it as well.

A follow up question. Like I mentioned they are about a year old, do I need to replace the other side as well for matching tread life? Or will the difference be so minimal it won't matter?

 

I’m not anything close to Tacoma Mike on this in terms of knowledge but I’ve spent way too much time lately trying to figure out my own tire situation.

OP can you tell us how old they are (DOT marking is YYWW) and how many miles / how much tread life?

Also, what is the condition of your spare tire? Could you rotate this tire to the spare location and bring your spare on for duty? Presumably that means mounting and balancing x 2 which may not be cost effective.

I would definitely deal with that but I have kids. At the very least make sure that wheel is on the rear axle.

 

you have been driving on that tire since the spring, probably ok to keep going at this point

 

Ah, one year old, sorry I missed that. Still may be useful to know year and week of manufacture.

Typically if you have one tire newer or older than the others you’d rotate it in the back as well. Driver side is nice as you can see it when entering the vehicle.

 

Replace it. Well worth the peace of mind.

 

Scour your local craigslist or facebook, see if can find a lightly used to match? Rather than a brand new one?

Just a thought if you are only wanting to buy one and you don’t use the spare or swap those two. Heck, even ask discount tire or your tire shop if they have any matches? I sold my tires to Discount when I put on BFGs, so maybe you can find one that works with.

 

Replace. Sidewall damage is always an increased risk. Consider, if the tire fails while LOYL is driving, then you will be called to rescue and will get an ear full.

Measure the tread depth on the opposite tire. Compare to the tread depth on the new tire.

A difference of less 1/32" is not a concern, IMHO.

Some tire shops can shave a new tire tread to match the tread on the other tire.

 

Took it off and put summer tires on a couple days after it happened. We are getting ready to put her winters back on now.

 

I think I will be replacing it. If I am understanding this right, the new tire should be put on the rear of the vehicle?

 

Dig up your receipt if you can find it. Sometimes there’s tire insurance of sorts. They’ll put it on without you even realizing. You might be able to fanagle a free replacement. If no, the suggestion to swap in the spare when time to swap back to summer tires is what I’d do. Not if it’s a little temporary spare, they clearly state on the sidewall not for over 50 mph, even though I see them all the time doing 70-90 on the freeway.

 

Oh, these are your winter tires, I see. I have a set as well. Usually on the pricey side and usually not a match to the spare?

I am ridiculous myself and have always wanted a full set of 5 winter tires because if you do flat in a crappy spot you might prefer to have the winter tire as spare. But that’s kinda getting looney.

I would start it on the rear driver side wheel but I’d expect your tire shop to do that automatically for you and I defer to them regardless.

 

Replace it now. Your lives ride on your tires. That is a blowout waiting to happen. Some tires depending on where you got them have road hazard coverage. Be sure to check if you have that. If you do then tell the shop you hit a large rock in the road. They may not cover if you tell them you hit a curb.

 

I wouldn’t worry about the location. If your tread depth is close you won’t notice a difference. I’ve had to replace a single tire before with my others at probably 50%. It’s not ideal but it sounds like yours are in decent shape plus you run another set for winter so you probably won’t need a full set for some time. Just replace the damaged one for safety and don’t worry about it.

 

1year I would think. Couple of 32nds possibly. I wouldn’t worry about it. The issue you get into is replacing in pairs with big tread depth difference.
Put the new tire on the RR and skip 1 rotation on that side.

 

Replace wife