Another curb rash.. Insights on tire damage?
 

Hi all,

Curbed my rim, was wondering in any one’s opinion does it look like my tire needs replacement due to the sidewall?

Took the car out for a spirited ride and also did a couple brake tests at 50, 60, and 70 MPH. The tire pressure is holding steady.
Thanks for any help.

Took some more pictures… I’m not sure if the “rim guard” took most of the hit, if I look at a top down perspective, it looks like it’s flush with the rest of sidewall oppose to edge.

Thanks again for any input,:wave:

While I am no expert - I think you are ok to keep using the tire. To me that looks like surface superficial damage only to the rim guard. I’d trim off that little piece of the rim guard sticking up and keep rolling.

Thanks for the input! Been eating me alive all day. Lived in NY for a long time with this car and never curbed the rims. Live in Florida and I somehow curb with a paver sticking out…1 paver!!

With damage to the tire like this, it is very dangerous if you use it for a long time, or you go on the highway because the position of the tire wall is under great pressure when moving. So, you need to replace it immediately. If not replaced, it is easy to lead to sudden tire explosion.

That ridge of extra rubber on the tire is there to protect the rim. Looks like a brutal hit, but I've seen and done worse. If you aren't seeing cords or running on a track, then I wouldn't worry about it too much. If you do, or are, then swap the tire.

Manure happens. Looks superficial but I am NOT a tire expert.

I curbed my wheels really bad back in August. The damage to the tire was way worse than that, drove it for another few months. Tire pressure held up, even above triple digits, until I replaced the wheels recently.

Looks like sidewall damage is not deep enough to cause trouble for most driving. I would not stress the sidewall in a performance situation like hard launch or cornering. You did not say if front or rear tire.
Under normal circumstances with occasional "spirited" driving I think this tire will last a year. I am guessing by the photos that you have about a year of tread left. In florida, you are going to want to replace these tires before the tread depth gives you trouble in heavy rain.

I really doubt that area will leak, but you could also hit it with soapy water occasionally to check on it.

Watch for the sidewall to possibly bubble, that will be a sure sign that requires replacement. I've driven a tire like that before it can seem more cosmetic but it's worrisome nonetheless, and tires ain't cheap. That's possibly TWO new tires right there (replace both on the same axle).

Absolutely keep an eye on this, basically until you replace the tire.

Doesn't look like the damage is into the side wall. Looks to be mainly the rim protector.

One of the PS4S's on my Camaro has a similar damaged spot. I don't worry about it.