sidewall
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 14,362
Likes: 1
From: Staples Center
w211 & w124
Not sure but it seems as though there is constantly a lot of pressure on the sidewalls. I would be very careful if I were you, I had a tire blowout on me while driving on the freeway twice. Thankfully I was able to maneuver to the shoulder safely but both times I just happened to be in not so good areas (First time was in Compton and the second time was in South Central).
Newbie
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 13
Likes: 0
From: SoCal
CLK 430 / E 500
If you're not worried, at least be a bit concerned. Depending on where the tear is and how "lucky" you are in what obstables you encounter on the road, your definition of "not deep" is all relative. I wouldn't go on any long-distance trips until you make sure and get a 2nd opinion. It could be 1cm wide or 5 cm wide, but still deep enuf to put you in the SOL category when you least expect it (any idea what caused it?). Front tire doesn't make me feel any better... just my 2 cents of course... tires are a bitvh to deal with when you're short on time.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 5,289
Likes: 9
From: So Cal
W213 '17 E43 ///AMG - W211, W208 no more
your sidewalls are very important in sustaining a safe ride for your car, however, a small nick/cut like such won't affect it too much.
Whats more important is the reinforcement of the sidewalls on the inside. If the reinforcements on the inside are damaged, then, its time to replace the tires. While the outside is important, it is mostly there as a place to inscribe tire specs & to sometimes act as a protectant for your rims (like some yokohama tires).
But yes, you could never be too careful.
Btw, if the sidewall is damaged, and you are worried about integrity & safety... a damaged tire on the sidewall will show itself as a bubble as it no longer has the strength to sustain all the pressure inside
Whats more important is the reinforcement of the sidewalls on the inside. If the reinforcements on the inside are damaged, then, its time to replace the tires. While the outside is important, it is mostly there as a place to inscribe tire specs & to sometimes act as a protectant for your rims (like some yokohama tires).
But yes, you could never be too careful.
Btw, if the sidewall is damaged, and you are worried about integrity & safety... a damaged tire on the sidewall will show itself as a bubble as it no longer has the strength to sustain all the pressure inside
Last edited by mmgrad; May 20, 2004 at 12:09 AM.
