CFIMIKE

Any tire experts out there? I still have the OEM B.S. EL42s on my 2005 non-navi. Just coming up on 25k miles with about 40% tread remaining.

Problem is, I just discovered one of them with a 3" cut in the sidewall that is between 1/8" and 3/16" deep. Looks like it might be the result of a chuck-hole hit. Does not seem to go into the cord.

Question is, do I immediately trash the tire(s) or roll the dice for the next few thousand miles. I think I know what you're gonna say but you never know for sure until you ask the question. A set of tires is cheap life insurance, for sure.

Thanks for any advice, agreements, disagrements, etc.

EnvisionTL

It should still be under warranty since it is on the side wall...?

I have a similar type of a cut except its only about an inch and a half long on my Michelin MXMV4(?). I was planning to take it into the dealer to see if it needs replacing. If they do need replacing it should be under warranty right??

MTVtec

The EL42's are by far the worst for the TL. They have the worst traction, they are noisy, cause a rough ride and dissapoint me. Trash the tires and get new ones.
Just my

Matt

CFIMIKE

Thanks for the get-back, guys. I know the EL42s are considered junk by just about everyone here but they have served me "O.K." until now; probably cuz I'm a fairly tame driver. And I agree they are indeed noisy.

I'll probably go ahead and get a set of Pirelli PZero Neros. They look like the best bang for the buck from what I read here and elsewhere.

I don't know if sidewall damage is covered by warranty but I doubt it - they will probably say "road hazard damage", not materials failure. And then, I'll not be exchanging Bridgestone for Bridgestone so that could muddy the waters too.

Again, thanks for the replies.

Ron A

Since no one actually answered the question about safety, I will tell you to be extremely careful and replace the tire as soon as possible because the tire could rupture at any time.

01tl4tl

Agree with Ron

Any cut or serious bulge in the sidewall is asking for disaster at any speed- lets just call this --thrilling when it happens!

When you buy new tires- buy the road hazard replacement warranty- covers any damage to tire- well worth having with the amount of debris on the road, potholes, various instruments of destruction etc

Will Y.

Trash cut tire and replace.

If you decide to buy tires from Costco, they come with a road hazard warranty and nitrogen fill (neither of which I have ever bought previously). However, Costco has only various Michelins in stock for the TL.

CFIMIKE

Yup, that's kind of what I thought. I'm going to replace all four, and quickly. Cheap life insurance.

Again, thanks!!