Safe to Drive with Sidewall Bubble?

slipperman · 02-02-2009, 03:19 PM

Everyone,

I've had my car for almost 7k miles and I already got a sidewall bubble in the front passenger side tire. It must have come from hitting one of the tens of thousands of potholes I encounter on my daily commute from Burbank to Downtown LA.

Here is my question. How safe is it to be driving without replacing the tire? Obviously DUH the safest option will be to replace the tire(s) but I'm moving somewhere close to the Metro Red Line so I won't be driving during the week. If this is the case, is it still something that I should take care of immediately and replace? Or is it safe enough where I can take my time and shop around for the right deal, etc.

Since the first thing you guys will say is "search", I did a search for "sidewall bubble tire" and didn't quite find what I was looking for so any help would be appreciated. Thanks!

2kaccordocoupe · 02-02-2009, 03:27 PM

Replace it as soon as possible.

E90SLAM · 02-02-2009, 03:32 PM

no...replace it ASAP

choopy · 02-02-2009, 03:35 PM

REPLACE

slipperman · 02-02-2009, 03:35 PM

thanks for the quick responses guys. where can i get a good price on some new tires

bsamoul · 02-02-2009, 03:35 PM

replace it dude, it will only get worse, and is dangerous

methodtim · 02-02-2009, 03:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by slipperman

thanks for the quick responses guys. where can i get a good price on some new tires

http://maps.google.com/maps?rlz=1C1_...e-results&cd=1

uwhusky · 02-02-2009, 03:59 PM

I beg to differ on the REPLACE ASAP argument.

I've had a sidewall bubble (on my summer set of tires) since June 2008 and drove all the way to November with no issues at all. I'm going to put them back on in April and the sidewall bubble is still there.

I asked my service advisor at BMW what he thought and he told me just leave them on until the tire blows...if it's running fine now why spend the money to get a new tire. There's no guarantee it's even going to blow.

BRB08 · 02-02-2009, 04:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by uwhusky

I beg to differ on the REPLACE ASAP argument.

I've had a sidewall bubble (on my summer set of tires) since June 2008 and drove all the way to November with no issues at all. I'm going to put them back on in April and the sidewall bubble is still there.

I asked my service advisor at BMW what he thought and he told me just leave them on until the tire blows...if it's running fine now why spend the money to get a new tire. There's no guarantee it's even going to blow.

I've had the sidewall bubble since the first month of ownership (May 08) and I've had zero issues whatsoever. I've had my car upwards of 140+ on many occasions. Now, that isn't to say that I think that it's the safest thing to do, but I don't think that it's an absolute must to replace it as soon as you get it.

My SA told me the same thing. I'm not worrying about it until I'm ready to replace them. Just my .02

rcracer_tx · 02-02-2009, 04:41 PM

I had one form on my previous Boxster S during a trip, and it blew up in the middle of nowhere....Not fun times

Boost Gomez · 02-02-2009, 04:42 PM

I wouldn't go as far as the last two posters, but I just got a bubble this weekend and I was able to safely drive for the next couple of days. However, I would recommend replacing it at your earliest convenience, especially if you have the wheel and tire insurance.

slipperman · 02-02-2009, 04:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Boost Gomez

I wouldn't go as far as the last two posters, but I just got a bubble this weekend and I was able to safely drive for the next couple of days. However, I would recommend replacing it at your earliest convenience, especially if you have the wheel and tire insurance.

Yeah, I was thinking the EXACT same thing you were thinking.

stressdoc · 02-02-2009, 04:49 PM

For those of us in the boonies TireRack + UPS is great. A few days and you have your new tire. In SCal you must have lots of local options -- take the TireRack price and ask for a match.

methodtim · 02-02-2009, 04:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Boost Gomez

I wouldn't go as far as the last two posters, but I just got a bubble this weekend and I was able to safely drive for the next couple of days. However, I would recommend replacing it at your earliest convenience, especially if you have the wheel and tire insurance.

This is the most sensible thing I've read on this thread. I vote this as the best answer.

Ramos · 02-02-2009, 05:04 PM

Replace soon, but def. not all that URGENT.. don't drive too fast and check every day to make sure it's not getting bigger

And by the way I just ran an autocross on a front tire that has a bubble.. Pressure was getting up to 43 PSI and nothing happened, bubble may have gotten a little bigger, no biggie.. Having mine replaced today since tires are all KAPUT anyway

SpecC · 02-02-2009, 05:05 PM

i had that before too. to avoid it again, check your tire pressure weekly or bi-weekly to make sure it's right

Ramos · 02-02-2009, 05:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Takashi

I would replace it and make it a medium - high priority next to going to the bathroom to take a dump. The tire is un-safe and you don't want to cause any accidents that can easily be prevented.

Eh?? Have you read some of the other responses? It's not that unsafe as long as he checks it often and it is not getting bigger.. Don't make him all paranoid ...

Orient330iNYC · 02-02-2009, 05:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ramos

Eh?? Have you read some of the other responses? It's not that unsafe as long as he checks it often and it is not getting bigger.. Don't make him all paranoid ...

it can easily let go while driving. i had a small bubble in a goodyear f1. drove on it for 1k miles, all fine.hit a small bump (maybe an inch tall) boom, instant deflation. managed to hit the bubble exactly and ruptured the tire completely

the bubble is a tear in the cords that make up your sidewall. the only thing holding the air in is about 1/8" of unreinforced rubber. its a gamble. it could hold for 10K miles, it could blow out while you're taking a curve on the side of a mountain at 70. it could blow out when you're 200 miles out of town and leave you stranded.

the longer you drive on it, the higher the risk becomes.

stickypaws · 02-02-2009, 06:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by uwhusky

I beg to differ on the REPLACE ASAP argument.

I've had a sidewall bubble (on my summer set of tires) since June 2008 and drove all the way to November with no issues at all. I'm going to put them back on in April and the sidewall bubble is still there.

I asked my service advisor at BMW what he thought and he told me just leave them on until the tire blows...if it's running fine now why spend the money to get a new tire. There's no guarantee it's even going to blow.

Cool. What color is your car and what are the plate numbers? Next time I'm on the freeway I'll be sure to tag alongside of you just waiting for that tire to either not blow or blow (since there's no guarantee, right?)

Then you can spin out and smack into me and I'll sue your SA. Which dealer is it?

bmw-hoya · 02-02-2009, 06:13 PM

A blown tire could be as minor as an inconvenience and as major as an accident, if you are startled by it or lose control. I say replace.

HermesRider · 02-02-2009, 06:27 PM

Come on guys, one might get the impression this was a Yugo forum. A responsible driver does not put other people's lives in danger by driving on a tire with known structural damage, especially at speed. When the driver is an muppet, it is the responsibility of the SA to advise him correctly. When the SA is a muppet as well (as the aforementioned SA), then chances are likely that a legal forum will assign responsibility. The only good advice here is to get a new tire. But to answer the original posters question, probably ok to replace within next few days or so.

methodtim · 02-02-2009, 06:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HermesRider

Come on guys, one might get the impression this was a Yugo forum. A responsible driver does not put other people's lives in danger by driving on a tire with known structural damage, especially at speed. When the driver is an muppet, it is the responsibility of the SA to advise him correctly. When the SA is a muppet as well (as the aforementioned SA), then chances are likely that a legal forum will assign responsibility. The only good advice here is to get a new tire.

+ one meeeeellion.

02-02-2009, 03:19 PM	#1
slipperman Second Lieutenant 11 Rep 244 Posts Drives: '08 e90 328i JB Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Burbank, CA iTrader: (0)	Safe to Drive with Sidewall Bubble? Everyone, I've had my car for almost 7k miles and I already got a sidewall bubble in the front passenger side tire. It must have come from hitting one of the tens of thousands of potholes I encounter on my daily commute from Burbank to Downtown LA. Here is my question. How safe is it to be driving without replacing the tire? Obviously DUH the safest option will be to replace the tire(s) but I'm moving somewhere close to the Metro Red Line so I won't be driving during the week. If this is the case, is it still something that I should take care of immediately and replace? Or is it safe enough where I can take my time and shop around for the right deal, etc. Since the first thing you guys will say is "search", I did a search for "sidewall bubble tire" and didn't quite find what I was looking for so any help would be appreciated. Thanks!
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02-02-2009, 03:27 PM	#2
2kaccordocoupe Brigadier General 1272 Rep 4,703 Posts Drives: Former ///M Driver Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: The 6ix iTrader: (2)	Replace it as soon as possible.
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02-02-2009, 03:32 PM	#3
E90SLAM Supreme Allied Commander 1963 Rep 61,781 Posts Drives: A BBS WHORE Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: . iTrader: (6) Garage List 2022 BMW X3 sDrive30i [0.00]	no...replace it ASAP __________________
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02-02-2009, 03:35 PM	#4
choopy Juicy Booty NomNoMnom 49 Rep 1,204 Posts Drives: 04 M3 Vert/2005 M3 Competition Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Lemont, IL iTrader: (0)	REPLACE __________________ 19" Monarch 410 Staggered \|\| Matte Black Grill \|\| 4" Exhaust Tips \|\| Dual Intake \|\| GP Tunders 7500K \|\| Money Tints \|\| JB2 \|\|Custom Start Button \|\| Updated!
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02-02-2009, 03:35 PM	#5
slipperman Second Lieutenant 11 Rep 244 Posts Drives: '08 e90 328i JB Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Burbank, CA iTrader: (0)	thanks for the quick responses guys. where can i get a good price on some new tires
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02-02-2009, 03:35 PM	#6
bsamoul Major General 165 Rep 7,433 Posts Drives: E90 325i Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Walnut Creek, California iTrader: (2)	replace it dude, it will only get worse, and is dangerous __________________ -Brian 2X 2006 BMW 325i [Electric Red & Mystic Blue] \| ZPP \| V1 \| Rear Fogs \| M3 Lip Spoiler \| EAS RemoteKey \| BMS Powerbox \| Projector90 Headlights w/ LED AE \| LED plate lights \| OEM Blacklines http://www.tech-shine.com
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02-02-2009, 03:59 PM	#8
uwhusky Private First Class 17 Rep 149 Posts Drives: 2020 BMW X5 4.0 drive Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: North Salt Lake iTrader: (0) Garage List 2006 e90 330xi [0.00]	I beg to differ on the REPLACE ASAP argument. I've had a sidewall bubble (on my summer set of tires) since June 2008 and drove all the way to November with no issues at all. I'm going to put them back on in April and the sidewall bubble is still there. I asked my service advisor at BMW what he thought and he told me just leave them on until the tire blows...if it's running fine now why spend the money to get a new tire. There's no guarantee it's even going to blow.
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02-02-2009, 04:41 PM	#10
rcracer_tx Banned 55 Rep 2,013 Posts Drives: BSM 135i Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Texas iTrader: (0)	I had one form on my previous Boxster S during a trip, and it blew up in the middle of nowhere....Not fun times
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02-02-2009, 04:42 PM	#11
Boost Gomez Colonel 51 Rep 2,361 Posts Drives: C63 AMG Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Miami iTrader: (0) Garage List 2007 BMW 335i [0.00]	I wouldn't go as far as the last two posters, but I just got a bubble this weekend and I was able to safely drive for the next couple of days. However, I would recommend replacing it at your earliest convenience, especially if you have the wheel and tire insurance. __________________
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02-02-2009, 04:49 PM	#13
stressdoc Moderator 618 Rep 10,855 Posts Drives: BMW i8; Toy 4runner TRD pro Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Waco TX iTrader: (0)	For those of us in the boonies TireRack + UPS is great. A few days and you have your new tire. In SCal you must have lots of local options -- take the TireRack price and ask for a match. __________________ My recent ED photos: http://f80.bimmerpost.com/forums/sho....php?t=1026808 my not-so-recent ED: http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=31829 Please join BMWCCA http://bmwcca.org/index.php?pageid=c...&ref_by=300279
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02-02-2009, 05:04 PM	#15
Ramos Colonel 863 Rep 2,897 Posts Drives: G20 2020 M340 Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: So-Cal iTrader: (6)	Replace soon, but def. not all that URGENT.. don't drive too fast and check every day to make sure it's not getting bigger And by the way I just ran an autocross on a front tire that has a bubble.. Pressure was getting up to 43 PSI and nothing happened, bubble may have gotten a little bigger, no biggie.. Having mine replaced today since tires are all KAPUT anyway
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02-02-2009, 05:05 PM	#16
SpecC Completely obsessed with detailing 299 Rep 15,442 Posts Drives: E90 SG 330i, white Scion tC Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: San Francisco and Davis iTrader: (4)	i had that before too. to avoid it again, check your tire pressure weekly or bi-weekly to make sure it's right
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02-02-2009, 06:13 PM	#20
bmw-hoya Captain 25 Rep 634 Posts Drives: Montego Blue 335i Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: San Francisco iTrader: (0)	A blown tire could be as minor as an inconvenience and as major as an accident, if you are startled by it or lose control. I say replace.
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02-02-2009, 06:27 PM	#21
HermesRider Captain 56 Rep 974 Posts Drives: 2007 e92 335i Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Portland, OR iTrader: (0)	Come on guys, one might get the impression this was a Yugo forum. A responsible driver does not put other people's lives in danger by driving on a tire with known structural damage, especially at speed. When the driver is an muppet, it is the responsibility of the SA to advise him correctly. When the SA is a muppet as well (as the aforementioned SA), then chances are likely that a legal forum will assign responsibility. The only good advice here is to get a new tire. But to answer the original posters question, probably ok to replace within next few days or so.
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