Tired tires?

[atIOIYIOI]

Hey folks, looking for general opinion here... I know some will feel strongly, and people will likely disagree with others opinions, but, that's what internet is for right?

I run Treadwright Wardens on my 1993 FZJ80 LandCruiser. Yes, re-treads. I know many are against the idea, but I love them.

Previous to the wardens, I ran the Treadwright Mud Terrains. Loved them too.

Over the past few weeks, I've been painting my wheels one at a time, and rotating them. 1) because my wheels were badly rusting, 2) because I needed to rotate my spare in, and 3) I was chasing a vibration...

Part way through the painting, I did determine that one of my wheels has an issue, so it was gong to get pulled as the "spare" when I was done painting all the wheels, and i'd take it in to get balanced/checked out.

So, on Monday of this week, I finally got to that stage. Pulled the bad wheel off and swapped my "spare" in its place now, I had not previously rotated my spare wheel in (bad practice, I know, shame on me), but it was the first wheel I swapped in when I started painting the others. That said, it's been on the truck for a little over a month, previous to which it was always stored inside the back. So, I probably have about 600 miles, max, on this tire (and approx 20,000 on the others)

Now, Monday was a holiday, and I didn't go anywhere. I did check the air pressure when I put it on the truck, and it was low. So, naturally I filled it. No issues going to work or back, no big bumps, all pavement (mostly snowy!)

Tuesday I went to work, didn't notice any issues at all. This morning as I left for work, it was obvious there was a problem. Probably had about 5 psi in the tire. Swapped the tire out and continued on with my day.

Tonight I was expecting to swap out a valve core, or valve stem, figuring I probably damaged it when I was cleaning the rim (I didn't de-mount to paint). I aired up the tire and felt air blowing in my face. Found this on the side wall:



This is a tiny little area,I'd say less than 1/8" across, and it is hemmoridging air. There is zero sign of impact, no bulging, nothing stuck into the tire. Is this simply UV damage???

Being how small this is, is it reasonable to try to patch this on the inside?

If patched, is it unreasonable to run the tire, or should it get permanent "spare" allocation?

With the fact that this is a re-tread, and they are not ALL that expensive (though I'm definitely not someone with money burning a hole in my pocket) - should I just replace it with another re-tread?

FYI, the tires are just over 3 years old.

Interested in your thoughts/opinions/experiences...

Thanks!!!

 

[Hank_]

Even though it is a small area my understanding is that it is ok to patch a tire on the tread area but never on the sidewall. All sidewall damage is always a replaced tire. I don't know if I would want to drive any distance at any speed on a tire with a sidewall patch.

Hank

 

[Phil Preston]

I agree with Hank, you should never drive at speed with a damaged sidewall. The damaged sidewall, even with a patch can propagate and tear, which could lead to a complete blow out driving down the road. This may not sound bad but with our heavy loaded vehicles and sometimes top load cg, a blow out at even low speeds could cause loss of control and end in a roll over. I would not chance it at all, be on the safe side and just replace it.

 

[atIOIYIOI]

Good call guys - thanks! Looks like I'll be ordering tire(s)!

 

[alaskan.lad]

Curious if you will go with Treadwrights again?

 

[atIOIYIOI]

Absolutely. Tires have been great, and can't beat the price (and free shipping!). Just ordered the replacement today.