Is this safe?

Steedie · 16 Aug 2015 at 15:21

Hey guys,

Driving through town today and some nutter decides he's going to try and go in to my lane while alongside me, I had to swerve to avoid him hitting me and mounted the kerb slightly.

Got home and noticed this. The tyre is only a month old so am really annoyed and really don't want to replace it unless I have too. A tyre specialist said its just the rim guard so it's fine as its structurally sound. But he wasn't in work and worried he just couldn't be assed to look properly (he trains at my gym).

It's not flapping about as its only that cut at the top but still, if it needs replacing then I will

I'm hoping his assessment was right

Diddums · 16 Aug 2015 at 15:26

I wouldn't trust that.

norm · 16 Aug 2015 at 16:21

So long as the cords aren't exposed and it's not bulging I wouldn't pay it much thought. The grime on those alloys would bother me more.

Steedie · 16 Aug 2015 at 16:30

It definitely needs some love

haven't been able to clean it for weeks

koolpc · 16 Aug 2015 at 16:35

If in doubt, change. Simples

mjt · 16 Aug 2015 at 16:36

Take advantage of the fact it's new- you only need to replace one rather than two.

I'd replace it as it looks more than just the rim guard to me but I'm no pro. It goes all the way to the rim..

OpenToSuggestions · 16 Aug 2015 at 16:40

The sidewall depth provides resistance to bursting.
The fact that it is now thinner in that area majorly increases the chance of a blowout, even though you cannot see the chords and there is no bulging.

100% change it, or it could be your other half posting that you're under a lorry by next weekend

.

The tyre will probably cause no problems, but as it is the only thing that keeps you on the road, you will poo your pants if it suddenly goes.

Sirrel Squirrel · 16 Aug 2015 at 16:44

Looks quite deep, I'd personally change it.

Rybo89 · 16 Aug 2015 at 16:55

Rim protector sorta did its job. I wouldn't worry about it.

geekman · 16 Aug 2015 at 16:56

I had identical damage to that on 2 tyres after hitting a brick on the motorway. Had to change both tyres, several people advised me it wasn't safe in that condition. Mine were brand new 255/35/20s if that makes you feel any better.

Akagi · 16 Aug 2015 at 17:01

I'm still amazed that people have to ask if they should change their tyre which has a massive gash in it! :eek:

djshauny1 · 16 Aug 2015 at 17:02

Change it mate.

OracIe · 16 Aug 2015 at 17:15

I'd change it, better safe than sorry.

ci_newman · 16 Aug 2015 at 19:42

Another +1 for changing it. Rim protectors are there to protect the alloy from a scuff, not reinforce the tyre for added sidewall protection.

Steedie · 16 Aug 2015 at 20:35

Damnit guys

Fair enough, I'll get it changed. Just my OCD is going to find it really hard to replace just one tyre even if they are both basically new at the front

Jimbeam3678 · 16 Aug 2015 at 20:58

OpenToSuggestions said:
The tyre will probably cause no problems, but as it is the only thing that keeps you on the road, you will poo your pants if it suddenly goes.

Exactly this.

nutcase · 16 Aug 2015 at 21:00

Acme said:
I'm still amazed that people have to ask if they should change their tyre which has a massive gash in it!

This.

mjt · 16 Aug 2015 at 21:51

Steedie said:
Damnit guys

Fair enough, I'll get it changed. Just my OCD is going to find it really hard to replace just one tyre even if they are both basically new at the front

Put it on the back then, and swap the rear to the front

dacads · 16 Aug 2015 at 21:57

I'd replace the alloys while you're at it

Jk.. just a good clean needed

Sanchez · 16 Aug 2015 at 22:07

I had a similar sized slash in my tyre

I just replaced. My thinking was for the sake of £160 or whatever it was, why risk it?