Fiancee sneezed taking a turn and clipped the curb. Is this bad enough to replace it or does it just not look as pretty? I figure if I go to a local tire shop, the answer is going to be "replace"...wanted to get some opinions from people without a dog in the fight:

 

Yes, replace the tire. ANY sidewall damage, replace it.

 

actually tire sidewall structure doesn't look damaged, it's only special part of rubber to protect the rim that is clipped. My opinion is that the tire can easily be used for DD, but I'd not take it to any significant heating or load.

must say I'm not working with any tire company, hence my opinion should be taken FWIW

 

for DD its ok you can also put it in rear

 

should be fine

 

If there is no sidewall polyester then it should be OK for DD. I would not track or AX on them.

 

as smikeevo said...i concur on DD but no track.

 

I've seen way worse and it doesn't appear to be any structural damage. I would run it on the front actually. If it were to blow you'll be able to control the vehicle. If it's on the rear and something happens you won't have as much control

 

I told my fiancee that and I was denied. (I'm from OT, couldn't let that pass)

It's the passenger rear tire...going to swap over to the spare just because she has a rather intense commute to work from St Helena, over the hills, into Santa Rosa. She's going to check with a tire shop there. It's a very tight, twisty two lane road so if she had a blowout, there is nowhere to pull over and change it and no cell coverage. Better safe than sorry.

 

I always say you cant save on brakes and tyres)

 

Any damage to that area, or any area is dangerous to run on. On borrowed time at that point. Location of the tire on the car does not improve your chances. Replace it.

 

To me, that is not damage and the tire is okay.

 

I've had damage like that before... I kept driving it for DD. Never had a problem.

 

You should be fine, just keep an eye on the damage.