Gash in tyre

[fast_eddie]

Hi all,

to preface this - I know I'm goosed with this, just wanted feedback from the combined experience of the group...

My car didn't feel right pulling out of work car park this evening, somewhat soggy, and after a few hundred yards the tyre pressure alarm popped up. I pulled in to find a rapidly deflating back left tyre due to a gash in the tyre through which all my lovely air had escaped... About 3 inches, slightly ragged (i.e. not a clean cut as you would have from a blade) - and most confusing, on the inner side of the wheel which effectively rules out toe-rag intervention. Will post a pic tomorrow.

We have a secured car park, and it was fine going to work this morning. I didn't notice any impact or lurching at any stage, just the deflation as I was leaving work this evening.

What annoys me is the tyres is only 3 months / 9000km (about 6000 miles) from new - if this was a weakness from the factory, it could have popped at motorway speeds and no-one likes a blow-out. And how safe is its twin brother on the back right?

Anyone had similar experience? It's a Conti SP3 - and to rub salt in the wound, can't get a replacement for love or money in this country (235/65 R19 not big sellers here so no-one carries stock). Sorry for rambling...

Cheers,
Eddie

 

[JonathanC250]

235/65/19??
Are you sure thats the right size?

Dont mean to question you, but that seems a rather high profile tyre, if this is for your E class.

265/35/19 would seem more appropraite and would be available!

I hope this is the case, and this helps

Jonathan

 

[6pot]

Certain contis can crack with age...

 

[219]

Certain contis can crack with age...

3 months old ???

 

[corned]

I would bet that you ran over something on your way to work.

My missus once ran over a 16mm SDS drill bit which a rear tyre thoughtfully 'picked up' for her. The tyre was not a pretty sight! Looked similar to what you have described, Eddie.

Good luck in your search for a replacement! Maybe mail order is the way to go?

 

[Alps]

maybe your tyre pressure was low in the first place, have you had any heavy loads in the car recently?

basically the camber when loaded + low tyre pressure can cause excess load on the inner wall hence making it split. I had this on my 18`s on the c36 when i had a full load of people + luggage.

 

[fast_eddie]

Thanks for the replies folks!

Jonathan - you're absolutely right, it's a 235/65 R18 (d'oh)...

Corned - mail order is super until I explain that I'm in Ireland, and then postage is invariably more than the initial saving online (double-d'oh)...

Alps - are you saying I'm fat?

My dealer's service manager had a look at it this morning, his thoughts are that the initial deflation was due to a pinhole puncture, and that 300 yards that I drove (slowly) was enough to pinch the tyre sufficiently to cause the split, which is plausible. The curse of the low profile tyre strikes again.

Thanks,
Eddie

 

[npuk]

235/65/19??
Are you sure thats the right size?

Dont mean to question you, but that seems a rather high profile tyre, if this is for your E class.

265/35/19 would seem more appropraite and would be available!

Thanks for the replies folks!

Jonathan - you're absolutely right, it's a 235/65 R18 (d'oh)...

Even on 18" 235/65 is still a higher profile tyre than one would expect. Are you sure your running the above size tyre?

If you look at w212 18" alloys on alloywheelsdirect the correct tyre size for w212 is 265/35/18 on the rear for 18" mercedes alloys.

 

[fast_eddie]

TGIF...

Thanks npuk - yes, the correct tyre is 265/35/18...

Regards,
Eddie