Any tyre experts??

Lemonade_Pockets

Hi,

I would regard myself as reasonably experienced with all things cars and motortrade but have come across a bit of a puzzler.

I had a puncture yesterday or to be more specific a blow out. I had just come round a roundabout and was continuing up a dual carriage way at approx 30mph when the Rear offside tyre went bang. I slowed gently and pulled in a few yards down the road.

There was/is a split in the side wall starting about 2/3cm way from the bottom of the treadblocks and it runs for about 5/6 cm. I walked back and checked the road for anything that could of caused the damage - nothing. It is a brand new car with less than 4k on the clock.

I am of the opinion that it is a MFRing defect that cause the tyre to blow. Ford however perhaps obviously disagree and want over £250 for a new tyre (i can source the same tyre for about £100 less tho). They reckon it was caused by some debris on the road so its down to me - although i think they were just being lazy and don't actually have a clue what caused it.

I disagree because i know i didn't hit anything and there was nothing on the road after - and to cause the scale of damage it'd have to be something pretty big. Through my contacts i've managed to arrange for a techy from Continental to come have a look at it.

I guess i was just wondering what your thoughts where? Also is there anything that would indicate that it had split from the outside in or vica versa (there are no obvious abrasion marks).

LinasPilibaitisisbatman

Unless you can get someone to say its a dodgy tyre I dont think you have much chance.

intranix

out of interest, when was the tyre actually made? http://www.conti-online.com/generator/www/uk/en/continental/tyres_for_life/themes/how_old/Howold_en.html

Lemonade_Pockets

intranix wrote: »

out of interest, when was the tyre actually made? http://www.conti-online.com/generator/www/uk/en/continental/tyres_for_life/themes/how_old/Howold_en.html

It is a new car !!! But since you asked 43rd week 2008

mcjordi

can you post a pic of the tyre mate, i did some work on tyres as part of my forensics course at uni, only a little bit work mind you as it was part of my module on accident investigation

i can certainly compare the pic to my library of images

Pew_Pew_Pew_Lasers!

You were very lucky - a rear blowout can be a very serious incident, much moreso than a front blowout.

I'd say you have little chance. The damage may well have been caused by rubbing against a kerb several weeks before, or running up a kerb at speed.

Silk

I think I would be thinking of how lucky it was that it was only 30mph :j
Its a big thing in the States and a few of the Continental tyres that have been recalled over the years are on this ambulance chasers site
http://www.tiredefects.com/continental-tire-recall.cfm
In fairness theres loads of companies that have recalled them over the years, I think it was Firestones had one that cost them $30m :eek:
Whatever the reason it needs checking for peace of mind

Lemonade_Pockets

I'll try get some pics up.

Pew pew. Yeah i agree wouldn't want that happening at motorway speeds.
I've not run up an kerbs at speed, i also doubt it was caused by rubbing against a kerb. For 1 its rare for me to park that way (its the rear offside), secondly i'm very anal about my alloys (which aren't marked) and thirdly i reckon if it was enough to do damage it would of been enough to leave some sort of mark.

Volcano

Could some muppet have attempted to slash your tyre, only cut in a few millimetres, then the tyre split along this weakened line a few days/weeks later?

Or have I been watching too much telly?

Lemonade_Pockets

A possible, but unlikely because of the way it was left parked all weekend that tyre would of been the hardest to get at.

Lemonade_Pockets

Whats the easiest way to put some pictures up anyone?