Just looking for general advice. I skimmed a curb going through a bank drivethrough today. Must have been something sharp on the curb b/c in addition to the abrasion you see around the tire, something took out a chunk of rubber. Looks like a vertical tear.....I'd say 1.5" tall x 1/8th" wide x 1/16th" deep. Its a Toyo Open Country A/T - 10 ply. I tow heavy with this truck......wondering if a tear like this is dangerous.

AnY help is appreciated.

 

are the steel bands visible in the chunk?

can you post a picture?

 

If that tire even starts to bulge, it means that the cords are broken so GET RID OF IT! If it were me, I'd only use it for a spare even if it looked ok. Particularly if I was towing stuff! It's bad enough blowing a tire at speed I'd hate to think what would happen it happened when I had a heavy load behind me that wanted to keep going even after a tire blew. How much is your life worth?

If their driveway was in bad shape, I think I'd be having a talk with that bank about replacing my tire.

 

I presume the chunk missing is from the sidewall, right?

if so, I'd replace it ASAP. And don't tow until its replaced.

You don't want to mess around with a sidewall blowout while towing!

 

Tanks for all the advice guys. Can't post a pic right now....I'm out traveling for work. In short, I guess I wouldn't consider it bad. It's not even close to showing and metal; it's mainly surficial. I'm going to have my mechanic take a look before I tow again. I would use as a spare, if I only had another.

Again, thanks for the replies!!!