I was a bit stupid the other day and hit a kerb. This is the tyre damage I caused. I am just wondering… Is this cosmetic only or should I get it inspected asap?
http://s21.postimg.org/b2pvb9b5z/tyre_damage.jpg
Edited to add:
I went to pump up the tyre as soon as it happened, and the air pressure valve came off with the blue cap. I was able to wind it back on and pump up the tyre, but I assume that this is bad news? Am I right?
Also, within 2 days, the tyre deflated by 3 psi….
I can assure you if you get this tyre checked it will definitely need replacing, chunk is quite deep.
Anyone saying "it'll be right" is pretty much saying wait till if blows then replace it, which could result in damaging your rim also.
Not to mention if this is a front tyre OP doesn't want to be blowing one of those going 100km/hr down the highway.
Get it inspected asap
I agree. Just stop by or call up a tyre shop to ask them to inspect it for free.
its 'ok' just makee sure you dont see the steel radial - if u see the steel radial then u must get it replaced
Thank you for that!!!
I went to pump up the tyre as soon as it happened, and the air pressure valve came off with the blue cap. I was able to wind it back on and pump up the tyre, but I assume that this is bad news? Am I right?
Also, within 2 days, the tyre deflated by 3 psi….
if the core needle came out when u unscrewed the cap this indicates that either the needle needs replacment or just tighten it back in after u have let all the air out - it will loosen air pressure if the core needle is not screwed in tight or is damaged.
Is your tyre stanced or stretched? if so i will definitely get these looked at since its low profile and they tend to have max psi of 50 and ppl fill them up at 45.
Thanks again. I only ever fill them up to 36psi.
I am not sure what you mean by stanced or stretched :(
….within 2 days, the tyre deflated …..
get it replaced, or at least take it to a tyre joint to look at it.
Don't risk yours your loved ones or other people's lives. Get it checked.
Yes you are correct that does look to be cosmetic/non structural. I've seen and passed many tyres like this. If in doubt swing past a few tyre shops and ask. They will be able to confirm that it is ok.
Is that a front or rear tyre, what sort of car is it and what speed was the impact, did you feel it in the car?
I'd be more worried about the alignment going out from movement/damage in suspension components. Does the car still track straight with your hands off the wheel on a straight piece of road with minimal camber?
Thanks so much for that. I will get it checked out just in case. Should I urgently get it checked or?
I went to pump up the tyre as soon as it happened, and the air pressure valve came off with the blue cap. I was able to wind it back on and pump up the tyre, but I assume that this is bad news? Am I right?
Also, within 2 days, the tyre deflated by 3 psi….
when you say 'air pressure valve' do you mean the valve core?
That's it! :)
@poiuy1234: Did you manage to screw it back in? If it was indeed the valve core that came loose, you would have noticed it shoot out with some force, followed by a huge rush of escaping air. I'm not sure if this is what you mean - you would also have had to use a valve core tool to wind/screw the core back into the valve?
The 3 PSI difference you've indicated is a pretty small variation and can be hugely affected by a number of factors such as temperature, method of measuring, pressure gauge used (same one?), operator error. If you are concerned about an air leak, spray some soapy water (or window cleaner) around the are you are suspecting and watch for bubbles forming which will be indicative of a leak. These will visibly form and pop, do not mistake the foam/bubbles from the spray bottle for a leak.
I was able to easily screw it back on. The valve needle didn't come off completely, just half of it, at the point where it can be screwed on… I will try the bubble trick you suggested.
Valve stem tools are cheap (they resemble a small screwdriver). Get one.
You need to screw the stem in tight, otherwise it will keep leaking.
Why wouldn't you take it somewhere instead of asking randoms on the internet?
OP, by way of the very clear photo posted, this random is simply going to observe that to be a bloody big chunk of rubber adrift of the sidewall.
Normal sidewall-flexing while driving almost certainly would - if left - result in an explosive failure.
Replace the tyre.
To answer your question, it is not okay to drive with that tire.
The sidewall provides structural integrity to the entire tire and yours is obviously severely damaged. You may get away with driving it for a small time.
But… It will blow out, probably while you're going around a corner and you could end up killing someone as a result.
Tyres aren't that expensive anyway. Just spend about a 100 bucks and get it replaced. You could get them rotated, balanced or all of them changed as well (if its close to the time/distance).
not sure if you can get low profile tyre for 100 bucks, I'd guess 250-350 depending on brand size etc.
Good point. Was not aware it was a low profile tyre. It is a cost one would have to live with I suppose for the performance/looks.
It's up to you, probably be fine but you might get a flat or get in trouble with the police. TBH I don't think they'll mind though because you can always say "oh that musta been the bump i hit yesterday".
That's not a problem from what I see, a bit of tread on the side got torn off, not an issue.
I'd replace it.
Why risk it, it looks like a cheap brand tyre also.
Any kind of sidewall damage = replace the tyre. Given you have take quite the chunk out of the tyre (and its a low profile tyre as well) it wouldnt take much to cause a sidewall blowout which if your lucky it wont cause damage to the inner guard/suspension components and not spit you off the road into the scrub (esp if its a steer tyre)
Any kind of sidewall damage = replace the tyre.
Wrong.
Uh yes. Ive lost count at how many tyres ive had blow and have seen blown from sidewall hits (truck tyres)
People vastly underestimate how much stressed is placed on the sidewalls of tyres during normal day to day driving.
This discussion is about a car tyre. Post link to the replacement requirement please, because you do the same thing on Whirlpool and never back it up with anything.
@pmupsinep:
Why don't you post something to back yourself up?
At least he managed more than one word, which can't be said about you.
He is correct, any sidewall damage warrants the tire to be replaced. The sidewall is a far more important part of the tire than the tread.
Why don't you post something to back yourself up?
How do I post something that doesn't exist?
I look forward to your next intelligent reply.
Surely there is something on the internet that says you shouldn't replace your tire after it gets sidewall damage.
Just like there is a load of stuff on why you shouldn't vaccinate your children.
I look forward to your next intelligent reply.
Surely there is something on the internet that says you shouldn't replace your tire after it gets sidewall damage.
Why don't you post a link to it then?
Just like there is a load of stuff on why you shouldn't vaccinate your children.
Yep, and also a load of stuff about having to replace your tyre if it has a small cut in it. You can find anything on the internet. What matters is vehicle registration and safety legislation and requirements. So far neither of you have posted something to back up your claims.
I look forward to your next super intelligent reply.
Yes, because we all know that legislation and the registration is enough to make everything safe.
But okay, VicRoads says that it should be replaced. I presume that the SA equivalent of VicRoads would be the same.
https://www.vicroads.vic.gov.au/~/media/files/documents/safe…
Repairs to the sidewall, shoulder and bead are not permitted nor does anyone many any tools or products to repair them because its stupid to try and fix it.
@Drew22: Are you even reading what you're posting?
It says sidewall repairs are not permitted, and it says cuts are unacceptable if they're likely to cause failure. That does not mean, sidewall damage = replace.
VicRoads says that it should be replaced.
Where is this explicitly stated that all sidewall damage requires replacement?
@pmupsinep: It does indicate that it is an irreparable fault, something that cannot be improved upon without further weakening the tyre. That would indicate to most intelligent people that replacement should be a priority.
Clearly that doesn't apply to you.
Re "getting it checked urgently", to avoid this (for example, if it's inconvenient due to work-commitments and you need to wait until the week-end) can't you just put the spare on, and then get the damaged tyre checked at your leisure? Or is this a dumb idea for some reason that escapes me? I can't imagine why doing this wasn't the first thing suggested on here…
Space-savers are also dangerous. Supposed to be used only for getting to a repairer and not much further. But still IMO a hell of a lot safer than continuing to use that tyre….
What is a "Space-saver"?
Those things with the ugly yellow rims. I think they made them because they fit better into today's smaller cars…
@GnarlyKnuckles:
A smaller spare tyre placed in many new cars to save boot space. They are not designed to be used for long distances or high speeds and as such should not be used for anything more than safely getting to a repairer.
http://resources.carsguide.com.au/dp/images/uploads/space-sa…
@dvsbastard: I always thought space saver was a way to talk out of them cheaping out on including a proper alloy spare.
@dvsbastard:
Ah cheers dv, perfect pic to link to btw. I've never even heard of, let alone actually seen one of these… It looks like a severe road accident waiting to happen to me! Surely it's not considered safe/legal to drive on? I mean, if you knew nothing much about cars, and just whacked one of these on the front when you got a puncture then drove as normal, wouldn't the car just about flip on the first corner you took on the wheel at normal speed? I say that because based on that pic, it looks like they'd actually sit further under the car (as in, closer to the middle on the longitudinal plane) than a normal/full-sized wheel…
Bizarre lookin' things! I'm enlightened. And a bit scared.
No.
Dont think. Feeeel. Id would not even think about it just get it replaced.
Low profile tyres have larger stress and another note you dont want to fork out the cost of a mag wheel and tyre once it goes flat or the side wall collapse when under stress.
time to buy a new tyre.
put the spare on now and shop for a new one tomorrow.
If it does blow, could you live with your conscience if it caused a crash and you injured someone else?
And secondly, if you wouldn't buy a tyre in that condition, why would you drive round with one in that condition?
"… if you wouldn't buy a tyre in that condition, why would you drive round with one in that condition?"
Is this some sort of riddle rowers? Because it seems to completely lack a logical basis. I mean, I certainly wouldn't buy a car that was in the condition my car is in currently, but I still drive around in it every day. Then there's my wife… 'Nuff said.
What do you drive? If your car is in a bad condition, I'd like to know so I can try to stay the hell away from it. Are you one of those people that others avoid parking next to at the supermarket? ;)
Oh it's roadworthy/safe; there's just no way I'd buy it, due to the condition (cosmetic) that it's in. And I probably am one of those peeps, but it likely has nout to do with my car…
Classic! But I feel your pain. Been there myself. I've lost count (not kidding) of the buckets I've driven. But I'm guilty of not all of them being safe. Hindsight is a wonderful thing.
Does the blue valve cap make the car go faster?
Um no.
However, if you look inside one of these aluminium valve caps, you should see a little black O-ring in there.
It's meant to reduce pressure loss.
But if his valve stem/core came loose, he first has to screw that back in, nice & snug. Or better yet, replace the tyre.
no it's not ok. The side walls take the most stress and must not be damaged. If you have a blow out and kill someone's kids or parents, the police will be the least of your worries.
"… The side walls take the most stress"
I'm no expert on cars Ozzy, but I know a wee bit about physics, so I'd imagine this is particularly true when rounding a corner yeah? And what if that damaged tyre was "locked-and-turned" as it skidded around a sharp corner, such that much of the weight of the car was being exerted on that damaged point of the tyre? Surely it would be highly likely to "blow out" (if that is the right term?) with potentially disastrous results?
A tyre ship will fell u its shot and it needs replacing because they want to sell you another tyre, but really its fine — if you hit a kerb again, its going to pop.
"A tyre ship will fell u…"
Wow man, that sounds extreme… like sommat from a futuristic maritime horror movie. Better change that tyre pronto, OP
;)
EXTERMINATE, EXTERMINATE. FELL IN PROGRESS.
I really gotta get my tyres checked now.
lol sorry auto spell check
Better be safe by getting it checked….
Going to a tyre shop to ask if it needs to be replaced is just the same as walking into a barber shop and asking if you need a haircut. Just also depends where and who you go to.
The tyre will hold for a while, except it is a ticking time bomb. Losing that much PSI in a single day means there's a leak (tyre has been defected or theres a hole). Best to use your spare wheel now and get the tyre replaced to be on the safe side. $200 can save you a lot of issues in the future, and the mental stress from worrying.
Dude if it looks a deep cut, at least use it as a rear tyre or better yet spare.
I travelled for 5 weeks in the country with about 3 chips/gouges in one front tyre, because I kept hitting those pesky kerbs. This tyre's now the spare but still fine.
Also removing and putting on the air hose fitting will let air escape. Could that explain 3psi?
Also get them to check your alloys. You might have slightly warped or cracked them, totally unnoticeable underneath the rubber and likely not to feel any different either. It may be a possible cause of losing air.
And yes, change tyre asap. That thing is waiting to blow.
Goodluck.
Get it checked, if you hit a kerb, depending on how and how hard, you may need a wheel alignment too
You run the risk of it blowing out at higher speeds, yes its a pain in the bum but just get it changed.
Tyres are not something worth skimping on.
Hi guys, I've got a similar question. I haven't changed my tyres for around 5 years, and they seem to be heating up a bit. I got my kid to hop out on the freeway to take some pics so you guys can let me know whether it's okay to drive on tyres like this. Oh crap… I just remembered I forgot to let Billy back in the car, he's still out on the freeway.
http://s1.cdn.autoevolution.com/images/news/woman-runs-red-l…
Have you replaced it yet?
I had a tyre that was a week old that developed a minor puncture around that area. I tried repairing it myself (as I have done in the past successfully) but it would not hold pressure, & had a minor leak. As mentioned above, the sides are thinner, & therefore a repairman wouldn't want to risk repairing it.
I drove around on My Kumo's with similar, slightly minor cosmetic damage such as this.
Was fine. Never had an issue with it. But, get it checked to be safe.
Its just the rim protector. It did its job! (kinda). I wouldn't not drive the car because of it, but I'd drive with it in mind.
The problem is it now can't protect him in future. If he does the same thing again, boom!
Isn't the answer obvious? Replace the tyre immediately.
I find it funny that someone who's gone to the expense of fitting aftermarket rims and even lary aftermarket valve caps has to ask this question.
Had this once. Was a very minor leak (as u see the psi slowlyu dropped over couple day)
Went to a service next to a gas station. The guy took less 5 mins to put something on to seal the crack and didn't even bother to charge me.
I guess if I have to pay it would cost $20 fo such tyre repair?
Deleted.
Definately needs replacing, it's not cosmetic. Why risk it?
Had the tyre inspected and was told it's just cosmetic, and that I was very lucky :)
Thank you all for your advice and comments.
Why to take a chance..Be wise and get it checked?