Question about RFT tire

timo1980 · 10-24-2010, 01:46 PM

Hey guys,

Last week I had the low pressure light come on while driving on a 200 miles trip. I immediately went to a gas station, added some air, and continued driving. 10 mins. later I got the light again. I slowed down to under 50mph and drove for about 20 miles. After 20 miles I went into a gas station, took the wheel off, inspected the tire, and did not find anything. I tightened the valve stem nut(which was kinda loose), added air in the tire, and continued driving. The tire started making weird rubbing noises, but did not lose pressure after that. Currently the tire noises are almost gone, and the tire has not lost any pressure since then. My question is how to tell if I need a new tire? I did take it to a bmw dealership to get it checked, and one of the techs test drove it, and told me that the tire is fine, and that he couldn't replicate the noise. I suspect that I may have damaged the sidewall since I drove on the tire for about 20 miles with very little pressure in it. I don't mind buying a new tire, but want to be 100% sure that the tire is bad before I spend $500 on a new one. So is there an easy way to confirm that the tire is damaged?

ZIPNBYE · 10-25-2010, 06:44 AM

Yes, you have to remove the tire from the wheel and inspect the condition of the sidewall on the inside. If it's cracked it's toast.

I would say though that if you never were flat, just low on pressure, that it'll likely be fine.

10-24-2010, 01:46 PM	#1
timo1980 Private First Class 12 Rep 116 Posts Drives: 135i Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: santa clara, ca iTrader: (3)	Question about RFT tire Hey guys, Last week I had the low pressure light come on while driving on a 200 miles trip. I immediately went to a gas station, added some air, and continued driving. 10 mins. later I got the light again. I slowed down to under 50mph and drove for about 20 miles. After 20 miles I went into a gas station, took the wheel off, inspected the tire, and did not find anything. I tightened the valve stem nut(which was kinda loose), added air in the tire, and continued driving. The tire started making weird rubbing noises, but did not lose pressure after that. Currently the tire noises are almost gone, and the tire has not lost any pressure since then. My question is how to tell if I need a new tire? I did take it to a bmw dealership to get it checked, and one of the techs test drove it, and told me that the tire is fine, and that he couldn't replicate the noise. I suspect that I may have damaged the sidewall since I drove on the tire for about 20 miles with very little pressure in it. I don't mind buying a new tire, but want to be 100% sure that the tire is bad before I spend $500 on a new one. So is there an easy way to confirm that the tire is damaged?
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10-25-2010, 06:44 AM	#2
ZIPNBYE Let's save military ranks for those who earn it! 46 Rep 1,161 Posts Drives: ...on the Ragged Edge Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Edmonton, AB, Canada iTrader: (6) Garage List 2013 BMW e92 M3 Cou ... [7.50] 2013 BMW e84 X1 xDr ... [7.00]	Yes, you have to remove the tire from the wheel and inspect the condition of the sidewall on the inside. If it's cracked it's toast. I would say though that if you never were flat, just low on pressure, that it'll likely be fine. __________________ Richard 2013 BMW M3 Individual -- Fire Orange (sold) 2013 BMW X1 xDrive35i M-Sport -- Valencia Orange (sold) 2011 BMW 1-series M Coupe (#205/220) -- Valencia Orange (sold) 2009 BMW 135i M-Sport Coupe -- Space Grey (sold)
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