BenzC400

When I choose 19 inch wheels for my C400, I heard that the low profile tires were more susceptible to road hazard damage. The roads are especially awful this winter. Potholes seem deeper and more numerous. Today I ended up with a 3 inch cut in my right front tire. I was fortunate to notice it when I parked. There was no loss in pressure, so no warning from the tire pressure warning system. Pirelli Sottozero Series II run flat tires.

CO2010

Ouch! that's hard to look at. I have the same tire sitting on 19's as well. Good to know the run flats are doing their job!

PeterUbers

I love the way 19's look.... Hate how they ride and how they are super vulnerable to this

Glad you were not injured

BlackjackM

How was there no loss in pressure with a gash like that?

Maz01

Had the same thing happen; ripped the sidewall of my brand new 19" blizzaks on a pothole. Its always a mess when you don't have a spare, because the vehicle needs to be towed. Luckily I had the tire replaced under warranty.

yObOyGeo

my car is at the dealer right now for the same thing, the pot hole i hit felt so hard i almost broke a tooth from the impact.. needless to say the run flats did not work how they were suppose to and i drove home at 5 mphs

CorradoJr

Because they are run flat tires...just doing their job.

CorradoJr

Another reason I am glad for the 17" option on Luxury models. Tires are cheaper to replace as well.

BenzC400

I was surprised too. After I saw the damage, I checked for a low pressure warning, there was none, and the tire pressure system showed the same pressure as the other tires. There must be an inner layer that had not failed, yet.i didn't sense any difference in noise or handling either.

Glyn M Ruck

Yes ~ that is effectively a cut & delamination at the rim protector. The tyre might hold air but it's dangerous, most of the cords are cut. In other than the aesthetics department. Ultra low profile tyres suck for day to day use.

BenzC400

I may actually get my money's worth from the tire and wheel protection plan. So far I've had a cosmetic road rash wheel repair and now this pothole damage. All in only 4 months.

Glyn M Ruck

Great! Good luck!

CO2010

Cool! I didn't think they would cover the tires under warranty

icycrazydesi

oh man that looks terrible. i have the same tires on 18 inch wheels..so far they have been surviving boston's crappy roads and potholes...keeping fingers crossed.

rakaye47

Do they replace only 1 tire or both tires?

Because if they only replace the tire with the cut, won't your call pull to the right or left because 1 tire is slightly bigger in diamater than the other?

Glyn M Ruck

Car won't pull due to those minor differences in rolling circumference.

BenzC400

I think it wil be fine. I've only had the snow tires on for about 2000 miles. The the other 3 are basically still brand new.

bensales

I'd get the wheel checked as well if you've hit something hard enough to do that kind of damage. Chances are you've bent it.

Glyn M Ruck

+1^ Tyre shop must check rim for run out!