NJTypeS

I have a bubble on the stock Michelin's. I already ordered replacement tires and rims from tirerack.com. Ordered Kazera 18 x 7 wheels and Goodyear Eagle F1 GS-D3's. Read some pretty good reviews on the goodyears. I really don't want to install new rims before the winter with all of the snow and salt. The bubble is not that big. Do you really think its unsafe to drive on it a few more months or should i install the new tires and rims immediately?

Jens H.

A bubble is a huge question mark .How long will it last ? who knows? do you REALLY want to find out ?

Jens

NJTypeS

Thanks Jens, I think I'm going to put on my new rims and tires weekend.

Bulldog01

Heed Jens' advice. It is not something that has a timetable. I've had a number of bubbles in sidewalls, and I wouldn't want to find out how long the tire will last, particularly at highway speeds.

Scrib

I wouldn't wait until the next weekend to replace the tire. A bubble in the sidewall is like squeezing a zit. With the right amount of pressure, the sucker will pop...

And is it a front tire??? The last thing I'd want is a blowout on a front-side tire on a FWD car.

Throw the spare on just to be safe...

NJTypeS

Thanks for the quick replies everyone. I'm going to borrow my brothers car for the week so I can still wait for the weekend. Tirerack had my new rims and tires shipped within 3 days. great experience with them. Can't wait to install them. By the way, the tires are 225/40 ZR 18. Anyone have any experiences with them? Goodyear eagle F1 GS-D3

beestea

I had a couple of my tires get bubbles on them.

1st one I replaced right away.

Second one I drove on for probably 4K miles before I bought a whole new set. Its probably not the smartest thing to do, but this was on the rear passenger side tire (both times).

Funniest part was the second time around I had at least 2 or 3 different people stop me on the highway to tell me I had a bubble in my tire :P

CLASSYCLS

Yes I have to say I also had 2 bubbles in 2 tires, stock OEMS, One was vissible it was a big nipple, the other was inside of the tire which was not visible(facing the brakes) now that was a huge nipple!! I drove on them for a while, not smart, but nothing had happened, but what if I didnt change the other tire, who knows for how long I was driving on the the other one!!

Ant7701

your supposed to get them done right away...however I've driven on a bubble for almost 10k miles...no biggie...depends on the size of the bubble and your driving style...also after the bubble happens...lower you tire pressure to approx 28 psi until you get a new tire..

1SICKLEX

I've heard of some going out in 50 miles, I've had one be fine for 5,000 miles. From my understanding it is dangerous cause your tire can blow.

It is a TIRE defect, check the tire warrenty or the place u bought it for a pro-rate on the new tire.

fender4

WAIT WAIT,,, there has got to be a bubble burst calculation somewhere,, ?? just kidding,, get that thing off or you will surely end up having a knot on your head,, (read knot head)

Bulldog01

If it's a stock Michelin, he won't get squat for it.

studebaker

Firestone F1-GS-D3 are amazing tires, really sticky in dry - amazing in the rain.... but not designed for snow.....and probably not at their best in low temperatures... These are 3 season tires which can be stretched but not expected to perform - even as well as an M&S all-season tire in snow.
Try 34-36 lbs pressure for best performance, remembering that you lose about 1 lb of pressure as the outside temperature falls 10 degrees (F)........and, of course gain in reverse. These tires can feel mushy at 28-30 lbs.
(These pressure recommendations based upon my tire-wheel combination.)

2002 CL Type S Factory rims 225-45-17 Goodyear F1-GS-D3
Comptech Springs, Sways, Neuspeed Upper Strut Bar