Originally Posted by shapeshifter309
I may have been off with my measurements, but I'll take your warning into consideration. I think what I'm gonna do is drive the car around my neighborhood for a little bit tomorrow morning and get the tire nice and hot, maybe put it under some stress, and see if it holds up. That way, if it doesn't, at least it didn't happen on the highway and I'm close to home. I'm hoping it was, for the most part, merely cosmetic, as the cut started where on some raised lettering.
Does anyone know where I could possibly take it to have someone look at it who could tell me if it's safe? I would take it to Sears auto center, but I have a feeling they probably only marginally know more than a house cat.
Any major tire store will know. Some may think that they JUST want to sell a tire, but most will tell you the truth---try two or three stores. If all three say get a tire, then get a tire. Driving around the neighborhood will not generate the same stress. The difference will be like in NASCAR driving behind the pace car and driving at 180 mph. Drivers NEVER lose a tire behind the pace car---they blow at speed. The heat generated will be different, but the MAJOR difference will be the time at that heat. Good luck and be safe!!!! Just remember that a used tire will be cheaper than any body damage that maybe caused by a blow out. Jimmy