To keep driving on this? I'm not entirely sure what happened, I just noticed the damage to the tire when I pulled the MINI out of the garage this afternoon. I haven't hit any curbs or anything, so the only thing that I can think of that could have caused it was when I heard a loud "WHAM!" noise driving through a highway construction zone this past weekend (Saturday, I think). The first two pics show the front left tire, where a section is partway peeled off the sidewall. The third pic is the rear left tire, with a scuff and a small nick. Both tires hold air just fine (they're both at 35 psi, same as the other two).

So, am I likely to kill myself if I drive on this tire? I'm not planning on any hard cornering or anything, but I was planning on driving a couple hours out of town and back this coming weekend. Thoughts?

 

Buy a tire, or two. Soon. One good bump, and you will be flat.

 

:impatient I realize that the tires are run flats, but if it were my MINI, I'd be looking for new tires tomorrow; but thats just my opinion. To me the picture of the tire with the cut in the sidewall does not look safe at all.

 

I would definately drive with caution....better safe than sorry if that blows out no telling what other damage it could cause. Looks like two new tires are in your future

 

Is there any good reason to gamble with your safety? Get new tires. NOW. It's only money. I really think you already know the answer to your inquiry. Certainly you can't be expecting anyone on NAM to look at those pics, read your description/post and say, "Nahhh, looks alright - go ahead and take the car on a 2 hour"ish" pleasure trip", do you?

Better safe than sorry IMO.

 

Ditto ----

 

Looks like you hit a rock, a large one. How much is your life worth, or what if you blew a tire and veered into someone else? Try sleeping at night after that.

YD

 

Yea.... that's really the answer that I expected to hear. Looks like I'll be driving the Blazer for a bit...

Called Classic earlier...they want $320 each for those tires. Fortunately, I have another vehicle so I can take my time and look for a better deal on tires.

 

Folks are always selling tires here on NAM.....put up a WTB on the tires marketplace forum. Be picky and haggle!

....Les

 

Already did! (before I posted this thread, actually...)

 

Here's what you almost did... and it will do this with the next good bump, as has been said...

Yep, used runflat off here or ebay is the way to go if you have other transpo for a few days. I had to bite the bullet and buy a full-price one... argh.