Tyre Side Wall Damage Query

HazardLights

HazardLights

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MG4 Trophy LR
Hi,

I had to go on the verge to let a car pass on a single track road approaching my house today and my nearside rear tyre picked up some side wall damage (I guess from an unseen branch). I assume this being the side wall it will need replaced. My car was just serviced and reported as having 6mm tread on all tyres. Do you think replacing a single tyre would be okay with this much tread? The MG4 has done just over 2000 miles.

If not, I wonder what tyres would be the best choice for replacing the pair.

Regards,
Hazardlights

PXL_20250104_104120198.jpg
PXL_20250104_104129702.jpg
 
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Your attachments don't seem to be working :unsure:

If you can pick up an identical tyre, a single replacement would be fine. If not I would go for an axle pair. There are lots of threads discussing alternative tyres that you'll find with a quick search :)
 
siteguru said:
I can see the photos fine ... maybe the attachments were fixed in the meantime.

Yes - that tyre needs replaced; that's not just a scratch, it's a chunk out of the sidewall.
Click to expand...
Not a chance!!!

Just peel off that bit of rubber if it bothers you!

I used to pre mot cars when I worked in a garage and that really is nothing to worry about.

If you were through to the carcuss as per my example photo below, then maybe, but not the tiny slither of rubber you have.

Screenshot_20250104_151323_Google.jpg
 
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HazardLights said:
Would the side wall not be weakened? I salute your gutsy approach!
Click to expand...

Not gutsy, years of experience.

If you hit it hard and fast then possibly, but you didn't.

The biggest give away to internal damage is a bulge which you do not have.

Throw your money away on a new tyre by all means if it makes you feel better.
 
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This is an exerpt from the MOT testers manual on the .gov website;

The following criteria should be used when assessing a cut in a tyre:

  • any ply or cord that can be seen without touching the tyre - fail
  • if by folding back rubber or opening a cut with a blunt instrument, so as not to cause further damage, exposed ply or cord can be seen irrespective of the size of the cut - fail
  • if a cut which is more than 25mm or 10% of the section width whichever is the greater, is opened with a blunt instrument and cords can be felt but not seen - fail
Before failing a cut, you must make sure it’s the cords that you can feel not a foreign object. If you’re not sure, then you should pass and advise.
 
Doug C said:
This is an exerpt from the MOT testers manual on the .gov website;

The following criteria should be used when assessing a cut in a tyre:

  • any ply or cord that can be seen without touching the tyre - fail
  • if by folding back rubber or opening a cut with a blunt instrument, so as not to cause further damage, exposed ply or cord can be seen irrespective of the size of the cut - fail
  • if a cut which is more than 25mm or 10% of the section width whichever is the greater, is opened with a blunt instrument and cords can be felt but not seen - fail
Before failing a cut, you must make sure it’s the cords that you can feel not a foreign object. If you’re not sure, then you should pass and advise.
Click to expand...

No cord/ply is visible. So it sounds like it is okay like Bricktop said.
 
Given that the 4 pieces of rubber are our only contact points with the road, each of us must make our own risk assessments. :)
 
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stevegus said:
The brown/cream vertical lines in the cur ARE the cords.

Its a fail on the criteria posted earlier
Click to expand...
They weren't visible on my PC screen but my phone has more accurate colour rendering and I can see them now. EDIT: Actually on my phone I was looking at the example picture of cords. I still don't see them on mine.
 
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I agree with @Bricktop X PWR that this tyre doesn’t need replacement. There are no cords visible and no bulging either. Beyond that the cut has happened in the bit of sidewall that flares out to protect the rim. It looks a bit naf but it has done what that rim protector was designed to do. Although ironically there does still seem to be a bit of damage on the wheel cover.

I’ve had a cut like that on one of my tyres on the RCZ for years.

If you are bothered by it though you can just replace that one tyre like for like. I see you have the Bridgestone (enliten is their thing) so I’m assuming the OE fitted Turanza T005 EV, which starts life with only 6mm of thread so it sounds like you’ve had negligible wear, and thus a single tyre replacement will do fine.

stevegus said:
The brown/cream vertical lines in the cut ARE the cords.

Its a fail on the criteria posted earlier
Click to expand...
I think you are referring to the example photo of what cords look like, this is not the cut HazardLights has on their vehicle. The OP has Bridgestone Turanza, and the example photo appears to be a Goodyear Eagle F1. In the OP’s photos no cord is visible as far as I can see.
 
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stevegus said:
The brown/cream vertical lines in the cut ARE the cords.

Its a fail on the criteria posted earlier
Click to expand...

You're quite clearly referring to the example picture in my post, NOT the OPs picture!!

Get yourself to Specsavers ASAP.
 
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Interesting the rim is also damaged, that would have to be a rock not a branch wouldn't it?
It's possible a sharp rock would just cut the rubber, whereas a blunt branch would give more of a pressure impact.
 
I have been on a rollercoaster with this but I have concluded that, it is fine. I am reluctant to waste the tyre that doesn't seem to have any functional degradation. If the tyre was down to 2 or 3 mm of tread I'd probably replace the rear pair or if the damage was worse at this wear level the single tyre but as things stand I think I am okay with taking no action.

As to whether it was a rock or stone, the truth is I am not entirely sure when it happened and nothing noticeable occurred. I do live in the country with single track minor roads as my only access method so verges and the like are frequented by necessity.
 
decrep said:
You can blame us, if it blows out on you. In which case it would be much better on the rear.
Click to expand...
Thank you. That's very kind of you. Although I have never found blame to be as useful as many people think it is :ROFLMAO: That never stops me blaming my own stupidity for most things. On reflection I seldom find that I didn't have the casting vote on my decisions.
 

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