rebe1

Hi,

I just drove back 500 miles in my new to me previously owned 997S, but noticed afterwards that my sidewall of my rear passenger side tire has a piece that's ripped or shredded (I included a fuzzy camera phone pic). I'm guessing its from road debris, but more to my point of posting this is, what should I do about it?

Its a little deeper than what the picture shows, but not so deep that I think will cause a problem.

Some friends recommended superglue, but doesn't that eat rubber?

Thanks!

Stephenkng

For a cut like that, I would replace the tire. No question ask.

jcnesq

I had something similar and Wheel Enhancement OK'd me to keep the tire - it depends how deep it is. Anyway, I wouldn't take any chances, have an expert look at it.

Stephenkng

From the pic, it looks like 1/3 of the side wall was cut. I won't keep the tire for daily use. Maybe as a spare.

CJC

I agree with Stephenkng . The sidewall and an average of about 10,000 miles worth of thread wear is the only thing between your rim and the road. Depending on how many miles on the car/tires it may be
a good time to purchase 2 rears and be done with it. Peace of mind.
Good Luck

Edgy01

I've seen the effects of blowing a rear tire at speed on a 911 (I was about 3 cars back in a trail of 911s) and it's amazing how much body damage can result. I would have a tire guy check it out.

Dan

rebe1

Tire specialist it is! Thanks a lot for your input guys!!

SilverSteel

Not worth the risk, replace it.

robbonds

id replace - nothing more important that good safe tires

Coochas

A Bic lighter and a little patience will seal that flap nicely. Just kidding, I would bring it in and most likely end up replacing it.

rebe1

*carefully puts back lighter*

j/k

MMD

H E L L O---

I'm thinking that ridge is there exactly so it will absorb accidental and minor damage to the sidewall (from a curb etc). It's really just a thick, stretchy, floppy, rubber band stuck to the tire. There's no strength or reinforcement to it. Therefore I conclude preliminarily that it has a cosmetic/protective function.

Ask a *well-informed* tire guy why that ridge is there. It's easy to BS someone about a *cut* like that when they don't really know... .

rebe1

I am going to take it to a tire shop just to be safe (don't know if I can find a reputable one around here though), but I will also take a nicer, non-Camera phone picture.

Like MMD noticed, it is at the part where the rubber comes out to protect the rim, and like I said it is not as deep as it looks like in the picture. I am hoping it is just cosmetic damage, the thickness of the piece is less than 1/10 inches, no cords or anything visable. Looks like someone took an utility knife and took a shaving off, but I'm certain it was just from road debris on the 500 mile journy home from the dealership.

Will keep you guys updated!