GenVibe - Community for Pontiac Vibe Enthusiasts

While on my way to work today, I hit some debris with my rear passenger side wheel. The end result is a small, roughly circular gouge in the sidewall of the tire. The gouge is about 3/8 across and less than a 1/16 deep. I will post some images later tonight when I have my camera. Is there any risk of tire blowout or tire malfunction from such damage? Thanks in advance.

I agree. The tire is trashed and not safe to drive on. The sidewall is much thinner than the tread and can't be repaired. Don't take a chance.

Don't risk what you can't afford to lose.

Thanks for the quick response. I will change to my spare before I move the car & get the tire replaced this weekend.

I just had a sidewall blowout earlier this week. Not fun. Good to hear that you are going to get it replaced.

As promised, a picture of the damage. To let you all know I ordered a new tire that will be here on Tuesday. The dealer (and no one else for that matter) does not have any in stock. I got a good price on the tire ($77 + install). My cousin works at the dealership and got me his price.

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That's actually not as bad as I expected...I've done much worse......but I agree 100%, you can't take your chances with sidewall damage.Damn curbs. Always getting in my way.

It is a tough call. The pic looks like just some cosmetic surface damage, but something hit your tire hard enough to rip a piece loose, and who knows what that impact may have done to the sidewall. Might be perfectly fine not replacing the tire, but nobody can tell you what the odds are. Since you are replacing the tire you will at least have the peace of mind, won't have to worry about it every time you get behind the wheel.

quote:Damn curbs. Always getting in my way. (removed). So I am *not* the only one! I swear it's the car, it's not just me...you'll think you've cleared and then you'll run right over it.

i did that at the bank the other day, scratched my rim and made a similar gouge in my tire.