Do I need a new tire
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Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2007
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From: HELL A
GLC 2026
Do I need a new tire
It's about a 1/2" long and 3 or 4 mm deep, I'm hoping I don't have to replace it because it's only 4 months old(4000 miles) 
and if I do I have to get the same one and michelins the most expensive one 
and if I do I have to get the same one and michelins the most expensive one
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From: Europe
223.168 & 213.012 & 906.633 & 214.005
Looks like the side wall thread has already been damaged. How much wear do you have on this tyre (or actually the other one on the same axle)? You might have to change them both to avoid ESP and other issues.
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From: HELL A
GLC 2026
it's the front tire, just got the car 4 months ago (08 e350)
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From: Newark,NJ
2010 Charcoal Grey E350 Coupe
You may not want to hear this but get two new tires (not necessarily Michelins) for two reasons,1. the aforementioned balance issue,and most importantly,2. You truly can't put a price on the safety of you and your family. Good Luck.
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From: Ft. Lauderdale Area, USA
2015 ML 350
Check Tirerack.com... you could save a few bucks if all the tire places are "List Price Shops" in your area. I found my MB Dealer to be competitive on replacement tires, and the tires are in stock as opposed to local tire shops who seem to always have to get them... also they will torque the wheel properly and balance the tire really carefully the 1st time to eliminate possible problems.
At least this way, you have the option of conveniently and comfortably getting the tire changed, rather than waiting for road service, or doing it yourself on the shoulder of the road, possibly in the rain when you are on your way to somewhere. Since the other tire is almost Brand New too, just replace your tire with the side wall damage if a couple of tire shops say its more than just a surface bruise.. its hard to tell from a picture.
At least this way, you have the option of conveniently and comfortably getting the tire changed, rather than waiting for road service, or doing it yourself on the shoulder of the road, possibly in the rain when you are on your way to somewhere. Since the other tire is almost Brand New too, just replace your tire with the side wall damage if a couple of tire shops say its more than just a surface bruise.. its hard to tell from a picture.
Last edited by Barry45RPM; Sep 4, 2008 at 11:21 AM.
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From: Los Angeles
2009 SL550 Roadster Diamond White, 2008 CLK550 Coupe Obsidian Black
Call michellin and have them cover it under warranty. That shouldn't happen after 4000 miles. I have a similar thread but the tires have 17,000 miles on them (in 1 yr.) and they weren't brand new on the car when I bought the car CPO. Yes, you do have somewhat of a warranty. I had an issue on my last car with michellin tires.
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Joined: Aug 2007
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From: Exit 16E
07 E350 4Matic / Sport with P1
Check Tirerack.com... you could save a few bucks if all the tire places are "List Price Shops" in your area. I found my MB Dealer to be competitive on replacement tires, and the tires are in stock as opposed to local tire shops who seem to always have to get them... also they will torque the wheel properly and balance the tire really carefully the 1st time to eliminate possible problems.
At least this way, you have the option of conveniently and comfortably getting the tire changed, rather than waiting for road service, or doing it yourself on the shoulder of the road, possibly in the rain when you are on your way to somewhere. Since the other tire is almost Brand New too, just replace your tire with the side wall damage if a couple of tire shops say its more than just a surface bruise.. its hard to tell from a picture.
At least this way, you have the option of conveniently and comfortably getting the tire changed, rather than waiting for road service, or doing it yourself on the shoulder of the road, possibly in the rain when you are on your way to somewhere. Since the other tire is almost Brand New too, just replace your tire with the side wall damage if a couple of tire shops say its more than just a surface bruise.. its hard to tell from a picture.
Just do the bad tire ASAP:
1. The good one(s) only have 4k on them (almost new if you're not hard on them)
2. When it comes to sidewalls, you can't take a chance with a blow out.
(And, the mfr. probably won't do warranty on it - due to damage to the sidewall...in other words: you "eff-ed up" the tire.)
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From: SoCal
2005 E500, 2011 ML350
Why would Michelin cover curb/pothole damage? Would call SONY if your plamsa tv fell off the wall and cracked? Warranty does not cover physical damage......
That gash is pretty high up on the wall. I would recommend replacing it. With only 4k on the tires it would be wasteful to replace the other one. The wear in that tire should be minimal at this time, and not enough to make a difference.
Thread Starter
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From: HELL A
GLC 2026
I went to costco earlier and the tech told me that I wouldn't need to change it 
he said the sidewall is about 2" thick, if there's no bubble or threads showing he said I shouldn't worry about it. I'm still kinda stressed about it 
I don't recall ever hitting a pothole or curb,
he said the sidewall is about 2" thick, if there's no bubble or threads showing he said I shouldn't worry about it. I'm still kinda stressed about it I don't recall ever hitting a pothole or curb,
Last edited by cleankutazn; Sep 4, 2008 at 05:19 PM.
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From: Philadelphia area
2010 ML550, 2010 E350 4M, 1966 Corvette Convt C2
I went to costco earlier and the tech told me that I wouldn't need to change it he said the sidewall is about 2" thick, if there's no bubble or threads showing he said I shouldn't worry about it. I'm still kinda stressed about it I don't recall ever hitting a pothole or curb,
he said the sidewall is about 2" thick, if there's no bubble or threads showing he said I shouldn't worry about it. I'm still kinda stressed about it I don't recall ever hitting a pothole or curb,
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From: Exit 16E
07 E350 4Matic / Sport with P1
'Nuff said!
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From: Europe
223.168 & 213.012 & 906.633 & 214.005
Off topic but if you would be able to select between rear and front tyre puncture, you should select the front one. Even on a motorcycle the rear tyre puncture is more dangerous. I guess people just assume that the car can be made turn where the driver wants as long as the front wheels work. Unfortunately it does not work if the rear of the car lives its own life. See tyre experts' advice on putting tyres with better tread to the rear.
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From: Essex County, NJ
2011 E350 Sport 4Matic - P2 & Drivers Assist / 2010 C300 Sport 4Matic - P2 / 2013 Porsche Cayenne S
I would replace it just to get a piece of mind and enjoy the car without worrying when (if ever) its going to blow. I don't know where you are located but my dealer offered me tire and wheel protection for the lifetime of the car. Basically I paid $800 extra dollars and whatever problem I have with a wheel or tire (curb rash, puncture, etc...) the problem gets fixed without me having to pay anything. Check with your dealer to see if this is being offered for you.
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2003 E320
I won't give an opinion because it is liking asking "do I have enough life insurance?". It is a relative thing. I guarantee there are people working for wages driving on MUCH worse than the condition you describe.
My question is about "blowouts" Since radial tires became popular I have never suffered a "blowout". This is a traumatic event that you won't soon forget. I think most tires fail from air loss then heat build up and finally sidewall failure. This process happens over time and an observant driver might catch the problem before it is total failure. I define a blowout as an instantaneous and total loss in air pressure and simultaneous disintegration of the tire carcass. Occasionally I see blowouts on 18 wheel truck tires and they are dramatic. No question that sidewalls are the achilles heel of modern tires. The Firestone incident has turned tire repair into the absurd. I quit trading with Costco for tires because I refuse to be scolded on tire speed rating and axel placement of new tires.
My question is about "blowouts" Since radial tires became popular I have never suffered a "blowout". This is a traumatic event that you won't soon forget. I think most tires fail from air loss then heat build up and finally sidewall failure. This process happens over time and an observant driver might catch the problem before it is total failure. I define a blowout as an instantaneous and total loss in air pressure and simultaneous disintegration of the tire carcass. Occasionally I see blowouts on 18 wheel truck tires and they are dramatic. No question that sidewalls are the achilles heel of modern tires. The Firestone incident has turned tire repair into the absurd. I quit trading with Costco for tires because I refuse to be scolded on tire speed rating and axel placement of new tires.
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From: Louisiana
03 E500 and Corvette
If the cord is cut replace it immediately. The cord provides the strength to the tire sidewall and the rubber is only a small % of the strenght. So if it isn't cut through the cord consider putting it on the rear and driving on it.
If you can pull the rubber back and see the cord I would replace just 1 tire.
Thread Starter
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From: HELL A
GLC 2026
I have the sport package which is staggered so no rotating. I went to another costco and this tech also said it looks ok but if it blows you can have fender damage So I just ordered a new tire $310 
Should I keep the old one??
So I just ordered a new tire $310 Should I keep the old one??
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From: Louisiana
03 E500 and Corvette
If it is safe drive on it, if not dispose of it.
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From: Northern CA, SF East Bay
E320
Sure- if you have a big tree in the yard, you can tie a rope to the tire, sling the rope over a large branch to make a swing out of it 
Seriously, if you ever wanted to mount the tire again, most credible tire shops would likely advise against it once they see the sidewall cut- lose the old tire and let costco recycle it.
Seriously, if you ever wanted to mount the tire again, most credible tire shops would likely advise against it once they see the sidewall cut- lose the old tire and let costco recycle it.
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Joined: Sep 2007
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2016 E350
[QUOTE=enr1co;3036689]Sure- if you have a big tree in the yard, you can tie a rope to the tire, sling the rope over a large branch to make a swing out of it QUOTE]
Get 7 more tires and a monkey bar set, then you're ready to train some Al Qaeda.
QUOTE]Get 7 more tires and a monkey bar set, then you're ready to train some Al Qaeda.
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From: Ft. Lauderdale Area, USA
2015 ML 350
If you wouldn't drive on it why on earth would you keep it? (Although, in the same circumstances I kept a tire like that for 2 years, got rid of it when I sold the car... Stupid... like the tire's got some usefull function.
