First curb rash - Would you replace this tire?
 

I guess sooner or later we will get it all but in my case it was sooner. Less than 2000 miles and we have our first curb rash. Ever since I have my mobile wheel guy, I am not sweating anymore about those wheel defects. It costs me 100 bucks and the wheel looks almost like new again. This time my issue is the tire. As you can see in the pictures, a small chunk of the tire side wall came off and I am wondering if it is safe to keep the tire on. Everything below the defect looks solid but I am wondering how long it will stay like that. Honestly I think it is a little overkill to change the tire because of that but in the same time I don't want to risk anything. Also, when I replace the tire, is it ok to just replace one tire? Thoughts?








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Me, I'd replace it now at <2000 miles although I'm not sure this is worth replacing.

No, I wouldn't replace, it's just part of the tire's wheel guard. The integrity of the tire is still good. :corn:

I wouldn't replace it.

The gouge and rim rash indicate possible internal damage, right across the bead area.
No way of assessing it without de-mounting the tire and inspecting.

Assuming it is safe/serviceable is not entirely without peril.:to_order:

I would buy a new tire. Probably coast you less than $300, installed (using your wheel repair guy).
That's cheap peace of mind, IMO.

Oh, mixing new/used on the same axle is also frowned upon, depending on the mileage between old and new one (tread depths).
For sure, different tire brands/models should be avoided- on the same, or different axles. No bueno.

I am in agreement with Liste-Renn.

Safety of the vehicle occupants + value of the vehicle = I wouldn't throw it to chance - not worth it.

Replace the tire.

I would only replace if I tracked the vehicle.

How much is your life worth? And that of your family?

How much is a new tire?

Is the your life (and that of your family) worth less than a new tire?

No - I would not re[place it. The damage is cosmetic. While it is in the general vicinity of the bead, the bead is actually within the wheel
and not visible in any of the photos.

You could dab some silicone sealant just to ensure no moisture seeps into the crack and could potentially (only if the cut is deep enough) reach
internal steel tire components.

If it's still holding air, the bead is unaffected.


YOUR money, peace of mind, etc.

I’m not a tire engineer but to me a gouge and crack in the sidewall of a high-performance tire justifies replacement. Retaining air so far doesn’t equate to being structurally sound as you encounter all the things you will through the seasons. Have you ever seen a windscreen crack grow? The material in the sidewall is there for a reason. Without manufacturer assurance I wouldn’t assume the reason included possible gouges and cracks. It’s a safety issue which if it required $2,500 or more maybe you go through this analysis but for $300?

I would ask the wheel repair guy. He sees that all the time. If there is any doubt, replace. At least with only 2000 miles, you only need to replace one tire.

Thank you everyone, really appreciate your answers. I decided to repair the wheel and replace the tire. The chances that there are any issues are low but I don't want to bet the life of my family on it.The main reasons I hesitated to replace the tire is more because I would be changing the OEM condition and would cause some misbalance with the other parts of the car. But as few of you already stated, with 2000 miles, there are hardly any wear on the other tires so I don't expect any issues. I will do the wheel first and the tire afterwards, this way if there are any balance changes, they can take care of it when they install and balance the tire.

Any recommendations with the tire shop? I had my other porsches done at firestone & amrericas tire and was happy with them. I don't think Costco carries the specific Pirelli tires we have on the Macan, otherwise I would have gone there. Somehow hesitate to bring it to Porsche dealership, since they might charge me an arm and a leg for a simple tire change. Thoughts?

PS: For the peace of mind, checked owners manual and it is saying: The difference in tread depths on one axle must not exceed 30%. I doubt I have more than 15% of wear on my tires after 1900 miles. So it seems I should be fine.

I would do a price check with the Porsche dealership. It may only cost an arm and a foot...

Discount Tire has been good to me with 3 cars. Even the TT that I had to use once in an emergency, and I am paranoid about the PCCB rotors with a tire gorilla on them.

All depends on the guy doing the work at your local DT.

Smart to replace it, even if you are doing DD at 45 mph locally.

It took some time and experience with my Tacoma but I trust the manager and installer at DT in Orem, UT. Their process guards against scratching or otherwise damaging wheels and I’ve had none over around 10 tire changes. Their go-to installers handle a lot of high end cars and wheels and the manager makes sure those cars are serviced by the go-tos. I trust the SL Porsche dealership too and have used them. But they charge around 35% more for tires and service, you can’t talk to the service people and they won’t do the work right where you pull up, while you wait.