PCA DE event Tech inspection - 986 Forum - The Community for Porsche Boxster & Cayman Owners

Bob O · 08-28-2008, 01:03 PM

In fact, you shouldn't be driving it much at all. A blister or bubble on the sidewall is an idication of a weak spot caused by either hitting something, separation of the plies, or poor construction, or even age, and it could blow out at any time. Or not. That's the problem. You just don't know. I'd take it immediately to a tire store and have them look at it. I most definitely wouldn't take it like that to the track.

Bob

Topless · 08-28-2008, 01:37 PM

Ever see a Porsche hit the wall on a fast track when a tire sidewall failed at 140mph? Not a pretty sight. Luckily the driver walked away after they cut her out of the car.

Get a new tire pronto, two if the other one is more than 3000 miles along. For DE prep, tires and brakes need to be first rate.

Mike_Yi · 08-28-2008, 01:50 PM

I figured as much (which is why I asked). Any idea how I can gauge if I need to replace both the fronts or not? I got the car used and it had these tires on it when I bought it. No way to know for sure how many miles they have. I should probably just go ahead and replace both of them since they are cheap tires anyway. I was hoping that I could tear these up before replacing them.

Topless · 08-28-2008, 02:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mike_Yi

I figured as much (which is why I asked). Any idea how I can gauge if I need to replace both the fronts or not? I got the car used and it had these tires on it when I bought it. No way to know for sure how many miles they have. I should probably just go ahead and replace both of them since they are cheap tires anyway. I was hoping that I could tear these up before replacing them.

Any good tire guy can tell you how old and how far along your tires are. If all are more than half gone, do yourself a favor and mount a fresh set of four. Tirerack has some extreme performance street tires that are very reasonable. Kumho and Hankook come to mind. In Chicago Nexen A/S are also a good choice cause they are good in winter too.

easyc · 08-28-2008, 04:39 PM

To answer your question... if it isn't noticable when just glancing at the wheels, then I say they wont find it................. BUT you should absolutely not leave it be

jmatta · 08-28-2008, 05:43 PM

Your sidewall will have a date code on it showing ww/yy produced. If there is indeed a bulge, I wouldn't risk driving the car either, unless you plan to replace it along with the tires.

renzop · 08-29-2008, 03:47 AM

You own a high performance machine. Your tires are the only link to the ground. DO not spend any other money on the car (and that includes DE entry fees) until you have a set of 4 quality tires underneath it.

Tech inspection is not a joke. It is not something that a bunch of old guys put there to hassle people. It is about saving your life. They might miss the tire bulge at tech inspection but that doesn't mean you should try to sneak through. Its your life and your car you are risking.