So I'm in church this morning when a friend of mine comes in and says, "hey, do you know that your rear passanger side tire is almost flat?". I couldn't see anything wrong, so I came back with my air compressor and filled the tire up. It seemed to hold air just fine, so I drove it home. After getting the car home in the garage, I was able to take a closer look. Turns out I got a stinking nail in the inside sidewall. I already know that tire shops almost never repair sidewall punctures. Looks like I'll be buying a new tire. Luckily, the tires have very few miles on them, so replacing just that one shouldn't matter. It's a Falken Ziex 512. I got the set through Discount Tire Direct, but I don't think I bought the "replacement coverage". I guess I'll call them tomorrow.

 

sucks. been there done that. I had a nail on the tread but close to the sidewall and Discount Tire wouldn't repair it. ended up leaving $180 poorer, f'ing 18's. now I have 17" so it won't be too bad if that happens again.

 

$180 ..ouch. I can replace my one Falken for $71 through Discount Tire Direct or for $99 at Sears. I may do Sears just because I can't really wait 2-3 days for UPS to bring my tire.

 

i drove around on a sidewall punture for 2 days once, had to wait for payday...

 

LOL....that's what I'm doing now! I'm waiting for my new tire to arrive from Discount Tire Direct. It should be here by tomorrow or Thursday. I only drive 6 miles to work and I have a small compressor with a reserve tank in the back of my car. If I run the compressor before I leave my house to fill the tire and the tank, it (the tank) has plenty of air in it to fill the tire up again if it gets too low by the end of the day. I'm only driving to and from work.

 

Beat you all. I have Xa with 18" Enkei and 215/35/18 Pirellis, bought from dealer when car was brand new, in July 2004. I have had 3 tire blowouts on highway. All have been inside sidewall and have been this mysterious 2-3 inch slit, jagged though. I have already posted my issue and have replied to other posts. I am hoping somone can tell me what the hell is wrong here

 

Do you have any other suspension modifications on your car?

It sounds like you may have an issue where your tires are rubbing on your suspension, or something else inboard.

Get your car on jack stands and cycle your car's suspension. Watch for anywhere that the clearance gets within 1/4" or so. If it is that close on jack stands in a driveway, chances are it will be way closer and probably hitting under normal/spirited driving conditions.

 

No, I don't have any mods to this car, other than the rims. It's really my wife's car but I pay for it. I drive it on the weekends and what not, long trips, ya know. But it burns me that this is happening. 2nd blowout was in Jersey driving back to NY from Six Flags, it was a 70mph highway and I had wife in front and two in the back, sounded like a damn gunshot.
I actually have access to an Auto hobby shop. It's something like 2 bucks an hour to rent a bay with stands
or
4 bucks an hour to rent a lift.
All tools are there for use also, air, everything.
Can machine parts.
Really cool place. Do my oil changes and rotations there. Actually changed out front wheel bearings on my '91 toyota wagon, and a few other things.
Gonna go there tomorrow and put the Scizzy up on the lift and see what I can find. I know that just sittin in the driveway on the back left I have about 1/2 - 3/4 inch clearance from suspension. But the back right has the full spare on it, so I don't wanna gauge it using that. I'll take your advice. Imma put one of the enkeis on the back right cause that seems to be where I'm having my problem and then have a look at it. I'll take some pics too.

 

as a discount tire employee.. i strongly recommend getting those Certificates( road hazard free replacement waranties) they are good.. since u guys are running 18's or so.. once u get a flat..chances are u going to get run flats( where rim eats up the inner side wall) sucks.. new tire is required..with Certs FREE replacement..haha..

 

i work at discount also...maybe they can prorate the tire for you and give you some credit towards a new tire...it wont hurt to ask.

 

Hmmm.. Almesh, those mysterious 2 to 3 inch slits..... Does someone not like you? Smells like a repeat slasher!

Speaking of slashing. Just the other day I was driving out of my apartment complex and past a riced out Probe with a cop parked next to it. He has 1 stock tire/rim and 3 DIFFERENT aftermarket setups. Someone slashed the 3 aftermarket ones and left the stock. Strong message.

--Dennis