[jeff968]

I have a side wall tire bubble on the side of my $300-each Michelin Pilots. What is your thought about driving a tire with a bubble? Should it be replaced ASAP or drive it? I don't drive agressively if that matters. Thanks for the thoughts.

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[Anchorman]

Replace ASAP!

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[flash]

DO NOT DRIVE ON THAT TIRE!!!!!

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[biotechee]

Sounds like a defective tire to me. If you are still within the mileage warranty (if there is one), I would try to get it replaced. Tires shouldn't bubble.

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[PorscheDude]

Replace it.

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[jeff968]

<!--quoteo(post=76432:date=Jul 30 2009, 10:47 AM:name=biotechee)-->QUOTE (biotechee @ Jul 30 2009, 10:47 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><!--quotec-->Sounds like a defective tire to me. If you are still within the mileage warranty (if there is one), I would try to get it replaced. Tires shouldn't bubble.<!--QuoteEnd--><!--QuoteEEnd-->

You know this story. Retail on the tire is $375. new tire at Tirerack is $235. I have about 40% thread left on the tire so when they deduct the credit from the retail cost the tire is still cheaper from tirerack.
Oh well.

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[biotechee]

Bummer - sucks.

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[94SilverCab]

I never take any risk with tires or brakes...replace immediately!

If you only have 40% tread, you should consider at least 2 new tires.

BTW, I am running Toyo T1R's at about $150 each, installed.

Jay

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[rhudeboye]

The pilots are great tires.

I agree with the others, keep the car at home till the new tires arrive. May sound paranoid but I wouldn't even drive the car to the shop that's going to mount/ balance/ dispose of the old. Slap on the spare if you got one.

Story time-
Once upon a time I noticed a small side wall bubble in my 1990 Celica. Being young and dum I drove the car anyway. While driving it expanded to the point where I could feel it at higher speeds. Pulled over, took a look and I could tell it was going to blow. The rubber was stretching and thinning in this one spot. So I hop back in and start drive slowly to a McDs parking lot near by. On the way it popped. Cant imagine how, at that age, I would've handled a blow out at 60mph.

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[flash]

yup - quick way to trash a wheel, not to mention how dangerous it is

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[jeff968]

Thanks for all the input guys. I appreciate it.

Are there different degrees of "bubbles"? Mine definately protrudes out but it isn't that bad.

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[Anchorman]

Yes, there are two types of bubbles - the ones that haven't burst yet, and the ones that have burst.

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[Johannvb]

I had a bubble on my Audi S3 a couple of year ago. I knew about it, and kept on driving on it for about 2 weeks. The tire blew out on a traffic circle. Luckily it had 4 wheel drive and traction control otherwise i would have lost more than an expensive alloy and tire.

You have such a beautiful and unique car, it would be a shame if a $300 tire was the cause of an accident. Fix it or don't drive it.

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[jeff968]

<!--quoteo(post=76460:date=Jul 30 2009, 02:40 PM:name=Johannvb)-->QUOTE (Johannvb @ Jul 30 2009, 02:40 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><!--quotec-->You have such a beautiful and unique car, it would be a shame if a $300 tire was the cause of an accident. Fix it or don't drive it.<!--QuoteEnd--><!--QuoteEEnd-->

Thanks for the compliment but it is my Audi with the bubble, not the 968. I just knew I would find an answer to a generic question here. Thanks

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[rhudeboye]

<!--quoteo(post=76459:date=Jul 30 2009, 11:23 AM:name=Anchorman)-->QUOTE (Anchorman @ Jul 30 2009, 11:23 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><!--quotec-->Yes, there are two types of bubbles - the ones that haven't burst yet, and the ones that have burst.<!--QuoteEnd--><!--QuoteEEnd-->

Funny as hell but pretty true.

Mine wast bad when I headed out but got worse pretty quick. If I hadn't pulled over to check it, I would've had a front tire blow out, at speed on a FF car. Not fun!
I suppose if I were in your shoes, and the garage to mount my tires were close, and on back roads were I could travel 30.. Id put on the spare and drive there.

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