mdkxtreme

OK I tried to take a picture of it but my camera just plain sucks and it just looks like a blackhole in space so I'll try to explain it the best I can. The sidewall on my tires got "chipped." I can peel off a peice but parts of it is still attached. Kinda like pulling your skin back from a big cut. The cut is width of a pinky and I can't really tell how deep it is. My question is, how deep is too deep on the sidewall of a tire? I know that if it wasn't on the sidewall, I can do the penny test. But since the sidewall isn't as thick as the main tread, I can't tell if it's a serious issue or not. I'm afraid the cut might be deep enough that the tire will deflate while on the freeway. Any suggestions?

FiftyFive

Sidewall = Serious

Get it replaced.

PPLAPW

^

Same thing happen to me and I tried to get it repaired at several different tire shops and none of them would repair it. Only replace it.

Safety First!

teranfon

Hard to tell. Perhaps someone with professional tire experience can chime in. I believe, however, that the sidewall has different layers, the outermost one protecting the more important inner layers. I don't know how deep these layers are. Most of the trucks I use for commercial use have had a "chip" in them from time to time. In each case it was no more than 2 mm. It did not effect the tire in any way, and in each instance I was able to obtain the full life of the tire. I'd keep an eye on it if not too deep, and certainly replace it if it bubbles.

Advice caveat emptor.


Terry

neuronbob

I wouldn't take any chances with sidewall damage like that. I'd get rid of the tire.

Be-in my TL

Please replace the tire. Even a little cut is too big a cut; damage to a sidewall causes weak spots, and those weak spots will eventually bubble up( in other words, the strings start to separate or even break) and may lead to serious injuries due to a blow-out. They are not fun, believe me. The sidewalls are made of strings, so they can flex. Unlike the sidewall, tread should only stay straight, thus why manufacturers use metal strings lined up radially. It's like carbon fiber, they put hundreds of metal strings, so there is plenty of support to hold the rubber together. On the other hand, once the strings start to break or separate, the thin layers of rubber will stretch, and a bubble is formed. Once the bubble gets too big, it will POP. This is the same as radiator hoses with strings in them; they are used to keep the hoses from expanding too much; inversely, radiator hoses with springs help prevent them from collapsing.

Hope this helps.

Costco

with all said in this thread

Everything I've been taught tells you to never repair a sidewall, only replace.

mdkxtreme

Thanks, will definitely get it replaced from what you guys are saying.

RaviNJCLs

iTrader: (4)

Don't take chances with the sidewall.

treyster

Hopefully you got the $20 road hazard warranty at Discount on another comparable place.

I used to NEVER buy the warranty until I bought the Acura. It is well worth it!!

mdkxtreme

Nope, I didn't know road hazard warranty existed, haha.

CLpower

Go to a local Allen Tire...tell them one of the Toyo Tire guys sent you