[jsanford]

While checking the tires at the gas station this morning, I noticed a couple of them had sidewall nicks. Not large and not bad--the biggest was perhaps 3/4" across--and the sidewalls didn't have a bump around the nicks, but since we run our tires at a pretty high pressure, I wonder if we need to be extra-careful about sidewall cuts?

One I think occurred on the freeway, I heard something small rattle in the wheel skirt one morning. The other is on a front tire and I have not a clue what caused it.

Oh, and I was SO CLOSE with getting really lucky on my plates...the numbers are "133."

 

[Insightful Trekker]

The depth of the cut or nick is probably the most significant factor. If you can see the sidewall cord or especially if the cord is cut then I personally would not trust that tire.]

 

[Guillermo]

Don't use Armorall or other chemicals to clean and make the sidewalls nice and shiny. Over time these chemicals actually dry out the tire compound and it cracks. UV light also causes damage over time.

 

[ilusnforc]

I have also noticed a "chunk" missing or a "nick" in the sidewall of my rear pass. side tire. It has been like that ever since I got my used '00 Insight in Jan04. I figured it must have been something the previous owner did, but what you are saying is making me curious that it may have something to do with the tire design or the side skirts...??