Is this tyre damage OK?

DominicStar · 7 Sep 2016 at 22:47

Just looking for some advice on whether this tyre damage is OK. Sorry for the rubbish photos, best I can do at the moment.

The flap is about 25mm x10mm x (I measured it) 3mm deep. From reading up it looks like it is on the rim protector so might be OK. I definitely cannot see any cords when I pull the flap back and there are no bulges on the tyre. The tyre is a Continental SportContact 5 with a kerbing rib/rim protector and has only had 1500 miles on a 1 month old brand new car. The tyres are still full of rubber spikes and writing imprint all over the tread so I could really do without having to replace it :mad:

Steampunk · 7 Sep 2016 at 22:49

I'd say not.

DazQ87 · 7 Sep 2016 at 22:52

Personally I wouldn't risk that on my own car.

The_Abyss · 7 Sep 2016 at 22:53

Mysterae_ · 7 Sep 2016 at 22:58

The MOT notes state:

"The side wall of your tyre is a vital part of the tyres structure. You should check your tyres sidewall condition periodically. Damage to the side wall of the tyre is the most common cause of tyre blowouts. If you find any damage in your sidewall you should have it checked out as soon as possible. Generally speaking any minor cut that extends for 25mm or more is not safe, as is any serious cut of any size. If in any doubt have it checked by a tyre centre or competent mechanic."

Diagro · 7 Sep 2016 at 22:59

It's a month old and you have curbed the wheel?
What we're you doing? I have only once clipped a curb and that was 2 years ago!

Akagi · 7 Sep 2016 at 23:00

If thats on the thick rim protector I'd be inclined to say its OK, its difficult to say without knowing how much meat there is on the protector. If you don't know either it would be best to just replace it and be on the safe side!

Ricochet J · 7 Sep 2016 at 23:02

It looks fine, and similar to mine. See thread:

https://forums.overclockers.co.uk/showthread.php?t=18717197&highlight=startername_Ricochet

Recently my car passed its MOT with no advisories even with the small damage to the tyre. I specifically asked the MOT tester about the side wall damage and he said it didn't even flag as an advisory.

Yours looks similar to mine. If it is, don't worry about it.

DominicStar · 7 Sep 2016 at 23:03

Diagro said:
It's a month old and you have curbed the wheel?
What we're you doing? I have only once clipped a curb and that was 2 years ago!

It wasn't kerbed, it knocked something on a pretty damn shoddy country road. It gets parked at least a foot from the kerb because the tyre height is so low.

Tee Hee Johnson · 7 Sep 2016 at 23:06

I don't think id be at ease driving about with that.

It might be fine, it might not... but I would always worry about it.

I'd likely just get it changed asap.

paradigm · 7 Sep 2016 at 23:09

Looks like rim protector to me, but I'd be getting it checked properly at my earliest convenience.

DominicStar · 7 Sep 2016 at 23:21

Ricochet J said:
It looks fine, and similar to mine. See thread:

https://forums.overclockers.co.uk/showthread.php?t=18717197&highlight=startername_Ricochet

Recently my car passed its MOT with no advisories even with the small damage to the tyre. I specifically asked the MOT tester about the side wall damage and he said it didn't even flag as an advisory.

Yours looks similar to mine. If it is, don't worry about it.

Cheers. It certainly looks nowhere near as deep as the worst of that and it is the same tyre. I will have another look in the morning when it gets light.

Scania · 7 Sep 2016 at 23:26

The tyre has undoubtedly took a knock, whilst I've seen worse tbh equally I have had a blowout (on a car) after ignoring far less damage than that....

It's one of the four things that keep you in contact with the road, is it really worth hoping it's not been weakened and everything will be fine & dandy.....?

I'd change it and would advise you to do so.

SpeedFreak · 7 Sep 2016 at 23:28

Can't see that it is worth taking the risk for the sake of a hundred pounds.