Hello Myg37,

I am in trouble. I have just discovered that I have a sidewall rip, and I assume this happened during g the snow storm that hit the Boston area this Monday.

I cannot get new snow tires till the 15th of January, and I have an hour long drive to make today, and one next week. My question is, is it safe to drive the vehicle?

The TPMS has not turned on and neither do I see any cords, nor any bubbling.

PICTURES Tirewall tear G37xS - Imgur

EDIT: so, I think for now the spare will do. I needed to get winter tires anyway, I was getting a nice price from my local dealer but the tires weren't coming in till the 15th. Now I am just going to order from tirerack. Guys and gals of myg37, thank you for the input. The truth is, in a situation like mine, if one has to ask then one already knows the answer: Not safe to drive at all. The damn gash is deep and seems like the sharp stab may have even reached the cables. Not safe at all, indeed.

 

That looks pretty deep, and that is a high stress area of the tire. I don't think anyone on here is going to recommend driving on it. It is much, much, safer to have working equipment. You might be able to limp to a tire store, but I wouldn't make any long distance drives. Sorry to hear about your damage, please don't drive on that and risk a more serious problem.

 

I agree. Plugs and patches work really well on the surface of the tires, but sidewall damage at any level should be addressed immediately by replacing the tire. I wonder how that happened as its really deep?

 

There is no way I would drive on that. The sidewall supports the entire tire and any weakness in the sidewall will cause it to shred and separate from the rim. Not only do you risk wrecking the car, at the very least you would risk damaging the wheel.

David

 

Looks ugly. I don't think anyone will recommend driving on that or tell you it's safe. As a short term alternative you could consider replacing just that one tire with a cheap used tire for the next few weeks until you get the snow tires.

 

Man dont listen to them...slap some duct tape on there and you'll be fine (joke)

in seriousness though...Don't drive on that

 

I agree with the other posts, don't drive on that tire!

 

I would say that's pretty compromised really. That's a really deep tear.

 

What about your spare tire?

 

Hmm, he could just ride the spare until it's repaired.. Just don't go all out and drive on it for like a month..

 

His spare probably doesn't have winter tires.

 

Nasty looking.... Not safe at all to drive on. R&R

 

A blowout at highway speeds with passengers in the car will be far more costly than a replacement tire...

 

Well said...

 

Needs a new one. . .