Tyre bulge - replace?

Marvin · 15 Apr 2013 at 15:38

The roads around here are pretty torn up at the moment, and while driving home from work the other night, a rather inconsiderate driver coming the other way forced me to the side of the road - where there's a large pothole (~12" across & several " deep). I noticed today that the front passenger side tyre is bulged, probably about 1 cm proud of the sidewall - it looks like a marble is trying to push out.

Anyway, the car's a Ford Fiesta Zetec (60 plate) with ~7000 miles on the clock (bought in Dec 12 with 4k miles), and has 195/50 R15 Continental Premium Contact 2s all round (original set I'd think). Here are pics:

Click to enlarge

Click to enlarge

I believed that any bulge would mean a tyre replacement, am I right to think this? Also, with 7k miles, will I need to do both fronts, or am I ok to replace just the bulged one?

Maccapacca · 15 Apr 2013 at 15:44

Yes in a long Clarkson voice for replacement No in a long Clarkson voice unless you have the cash spare for changing the pair

monkeys · 15 Apr 2013 at 15:45

Immediately replace, tyrewall damaged.
Replace both ideally, unless almost identical to a would be new one.

Howard · 15 Apr 2013 at 15:48

Yeah I'd replace that ASAP as it'll likely go bang at any moment. Evacuate all surrounding areas within a 2km radius just to be safe.

the_r_sole · 15 Apr 2013 at 15:53

if you are only doing the one, you could swap the rears onto the front as they should be worn evenly

pepsilol · 15 Apr 2013 at 15:58

monkeys said:
Replace both ideally,.

Lmao

MooMoo444 · 15 Apr 2013 at 16:02

Unless you want the thought of a blowout at 70mph+ in the back of your mind whenever driving, I'd just change it.

apeksdiver · 15 Apr 2013 at 16:04

replace it, I would put the spare on if I were you as I would not want to drive with that.

MrMoonX · 15 Apr 2013 at 16:06

replace ASAP!

pugheaven · 15 Apr 2013 at 16:07

Above, replace man, that goes and it will at speed believe me, it's gonna be messy!

Marvin · 15 Apr 2013 at 16:08

So general consensus, yes definitely replace, do both if feeling flush otherwise don't bother? Is it worth rotating the fronts to the rears or just leave as is with the front left replaced?

I would have put the spare on if it had one. Got one of those puncture repair kits unfortunately, which just shows why a spare is better...

Jez · 15 Apr 2013 at 16:14

Yes, I had a blowout after ignoring a bulge like that. Although personally I wouldn't replace the pair unless the other needs it soon anyway, what a waste.

bledd · 15 Apr 2013 at 16:15

Replace, 195/50/15 is a super cheap tyre size!

Might as well go for a pair of Continental Premium Contact 5's if it's worn down. Otherwise, just get a single PC2

Get them to move your rear tyres to the front (I'd assume they've got far more tread than your fronts)

Then put remove the old front tyres and put the PC5 on the back.

-I'm assuming this damaged tyre is a front one

Amos91 · 15 Apr 2013 at 16:16

Marvin said:
So general consensus, yes definitely replace, do both if feeling flush otherwise don't bother? Is it worth rotating the fronts to the rears or just leave as is with the front left replaced?

I would have put the spare on if it had one. Got one of those puncture repair kits unfortunately, which just shows why a spare is better...

Changing in pairs is ideal. Then put the best/newest set on the back.

Marvin · 15 Apr 2013 at 16:36

Ok, and recommended places? I know of Black Circles, but the nearest garage is a little way away (>4 miles), though I do have about 600 garages in town that are less than a mile away (Kwik Fit, ATS, National, Halfords). Black Circles is the only one with CPC5s, and has them cheaper than CPC2s at any of those.

Any online retailers like Black Circles that are any good?

blueboy2001 · 15 Apr 2013 at 16:42

ATS aren't too pricey if you order online.

Maccapacca · 15 Apr 2013 at 16:43

Kwik Fit price match online now.

If it were me I'd just get a replacement of the same tyre they aren't a bad tyre and sometimes everything gets turned into a black art, it's just a tyre, you need a new one, garage sells and fits tyres, buy tyre and drive away.

mattyfez · 15 Apr 2013 at 18:20

Marvin said:
Ok, and recommended places? I know of Black Circles, but the nearest garage is a little way away (>4 miles), though I do have about 600 garages in town that are less than a mile away (Kwik Fit, ATS, National, Halfords). Black Circles is the only one with CPC5s, and has them cheaper than CPC2s at any of those.

Any online retailers like Black Circles that are any good?

Best buy tyres are the same kinda thing as black circles and a bit cheaper sometimes, worth a look, I've used them twice as they happened to be cheapest, last lot were PC5s funnily enough, with no issues.. Although 4 miles isn't exactly far!

Marvin · 16 Apr 2013 at 12:28

Bought a pair of PC5s from Camskill and will be getting them fitted at ATS who are just over the road - works out the cheapest that I can see.

Mr-White · 16 Apr 2013 at 12:36

I can sell you mine so you have a matching pair ?

MW

Tyre bulge - replace?

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