Curbed new tire. Need to replace?

[timothy]

This evening I misjudged the entrance to a parking garage and clipped the rear wheel -- hard! When the four letter words finally subsided I found that the wheel is scratched and tire raised rib is cut. Both the tires and wheels are only a few weeks old!

Based on these photos, do I need to replace the tire? The cut is to the raised rim protector but it does not go deeper. I'd rather not buy a new tire unless there is a safety issue. The tires are Bridgestone Potenza RE050A.

[Sammy]

I'm by no means a tire expert but in this case I would suggest pumping the pressure up to 50 psi and make sure there isn't any bubbling. I believe the sidewall of the tire is primarily to hold the shape with the rubber sealing it. As long as you didn't damage the interior makings of the sidewall then I think you would be fine if it holds air.

Obviously if you have a choice a new tire would be peace of mind.

[Jeph]

Bro, that really sucks (in case you didn't know). Was this after coming home from the problem free 700 mile trip? Not the ideal way to end it.

It's a sign, sell the car and move to Finland. No, that's blasphemy!

[timothy]

I drove the 868 Boxstoberfest miles without any problem. It was the monday night drive home from work that got me. I left early too, meaning this would not have happened if I had been a good little worker and stayed past 6:00.

And don't worry, if I move back to Finland a new Boxster will be pretty high on my shopping list

[RandallNeighbour]

I'll swear on a stack of Bibles that when that cop pulled me over in your car, I did NOT take the corner too close and cause this problem.

Sorry to hear about this. Sammy had a good idea about putting 50+ in the tire and seeing if it bulges up. If not, keep driving on it and watch it carefully.

I tell you what though, I wouldn't do any speeds over normal highway speeds if I were you until that tire is replaced.

[timothy]

For the record, Randall got off with a warning so he is still 16 years without a ticket.