Disturbing Reminder of the Critical Importance of Thoroughly Inspecting Tires Regularly

[TDinDC]

So, I was changing out my winter rims and tires for my summer rims and tires, and found this cut all the way down to the belts as I did my inspection. Yikes. I can’t imagine having a blowout at 100 mph, although I would hope the mode of failure would be a loss of pressure first. But I may not have seen this if the tires had not been off the car because it would have to be just in the right position to be visible.

Once at VIR (www.virnow.com), we had a heavy rain during a race, I had rain tires on the car, but was young(er), dumb(er), and lazy(er), so I just inspected tires between races by looking at tread from side of car rather than getting under the car like I should have. Turns out the outside tread was fine, but inside tread was worn nearly bald, which is not surprising since not pushing the car enough in such horrible conditions. Results? Hydroplaning at speed on the back straight. Terrifying. Learned then to be sure to see entire tread. Reminded today that must inspect full length of tire tread, not just one section from side to side.

Sponsored

 

[TDinDC]

In looking at this cut, it seems like this may have been caused by hitting a pothole at mid speed (i.e., not too slow and not too fast), as it doesn't really look like a cut from a sharp object. I wonder whether the weight of the Taycan makes it more susceptible to this type of damage?

 

[f1eng]

If we cut a tyre in F1 racing the tyre technicians inspected carefully to see if any fibres were cut and trimmed any protruding bits of compound and if the fibres were undamaged we continued to use it.

 

[TDinDC]

Fibers are cut and I’m not taking chances when a new tire is only US$435 + US$85 for mounting and balancing. Life’s too short . . .

 

[f1eng]

Fibers are cut and I’m not taking chances when a new tire is only US$435 + US$85 for mounting and balancing. Life’s too short . . .

I wouldn't keep using it on a road car either, but a blow out is only a risk if the fibres are cut, like yours it seems, the rubber itself contributes nowt to the structure.

 

[BigBob]

Fill it with bathroom sealant. It’ll be fine.

 

[alexsas]

Fibers are cut and I’m not taking chances when a new tire is only US$435 + US$85 for mounting and balancing. Life’s too short . . .

Only

 

[TDinDC]

Well, sort of good news. I uncharacteristically purchased tire hazard insurance from the dealer, so this damage is covered, which is very good because you have to replace both tires on an axle if the wear differential is more than 2 mm. These Goodyear Eagle F1 asymmetric 3s come new with 8/32" (.25) tread depth. With only 5.5K miles, I am over the 2mm mark, so I guess it's all new tires for the rear of the car . . . I'm a little surprised at the rate of wear . . . .

 

[TDinDC]

Only

Well, with that kind of damage, imagine how expensive (and dangerous) a blowout at high speed could be? I don't want to be penny wise and pound foolish . . .

In any event, I found out from dealer that I'm getting two fresh tires for the rear axle on them . . .

Does anyone here know what the standard wear pattern is for most Taycans? Do the rears tend to wear the same, less or more than the fronts?

 

[Scandinavian]

Well, with that kind of damage, imagine how expensive (and dangerous) a blowout at high speed could be? I don't want to be penny wise and pound foolish . . .

In any event, I found out from dealer that I'm getting two fresh tires for the rear axle on them . . .

Does anyone here know what the standard wear pattern is for most Taycans? Do the rears tend to wear the same, less or more than the fronts?

This Type of Tyre and Wheel insurance was not available in France. I did not have a cut like yours but got some damages from a pothole incident while driving in the U.K. And I also changed both front tyres at that stage.

From my experience the rears wear faster than the fronts, not by much, but I guess it is due to the more powerful motor at the rear. Overall my tires have lasted much longer than I had thought from the start. I have the Good Year Eagle F1 tyres.

Sponsored