Buckeye3d

Over the last month or so I've had to fill up the air in my left rear tire twice. When I filled it up the other day I noticed what appears to be a little cut in the tire. I've attached a photo of the damage. Am I screwed or can this be repaired? It's leaking at a very slow rate right now.

GRT8

That happened w/ me in my Mazda6. As far as I know, repairs cannot be made to the sidewall. How many miles do you have on those tires? Might have to buy a new set if they're not new.

Buckeye3d

Tires were installed new this winter. LM22s. Probably about 3000 miles on them. No idea if I'll be able to find a new one at this point in the season.

Astral

You should stop by a few tire shops and ask whether the tire can be repaired. Maybe they can patch it up from the inside, or put some goo on there, or whatever they do. I bet it won't cost too much, and will give you a peace of mind. The repair may not put your tire back to normal 100%, but it should definitely get you thru the winter.

Also ask the tire shops how bad they think this is, to determine the urgency. Finally, you will have better luck posting in the Tire forum.

GRT8

I'd try to find one on the web...

Air Force RX8

Can't repair sidewalls. If you just had them put on though they should be covered and at the very least the wear should be pro-rated for a replacement. Hope you kept your receipt...

8pex

True - sidewall damage can not be repaired. If you have road hazard coverage, this will be covered. If you have no road hazard, this would not be covered by the tire manufacturer warranty.

StewC625

screwed ... nothing to be done but bite the bullet.

Of course, you can throw a rope on it and make a very cool tire swing for the kids.

Ringer

Noticed there's no collateral damage and no other damage around the crack. This seems to suggest the rubber cracked naturally. You should claim manufacturer's warranty full or partial replacement. I have seen similar. The tyre(s) had been in inventory too long probably. Past use-by date when the rubber deteriorated.

-Ringer-