New tire blowout

Discussion in 'MINI' started by 08 Cooper S, Oct 20, 2015.

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  1. 08 Cooper S

    08 Cooper S New Member

    Sep 22, 2015
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    Has anyone had a Michelin sidewall blowout like this before? The tire is brand-new, how can such a thing happen? Possibly a factory defect??
     

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  2. Savvy

    Savvy Well-Known Member
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    When was the tire made? That looks like dry rot.
     
  3. MCS02

    MCS02 Moderator
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    No but I know I would be on the phone with Michelin. Glad your ok. How fast were you going when it happened?
     
  4. old81

    old81 Club Coordinator
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    No, but I agree that looks like dry rot. What is the date on the tires, tread depth does not equal a good tire.

    If it was less that 3 years old, call the manufacturer and see what they say!
     
  5. gjxj

    gjxj Member

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  6. Crashton

    Crashton Club Coordinator

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    Since the tire is brand new then yes it could very well be defect. As others have said what's the date code on the tire? Low pressure can also cause a failure.
     
  7. BruceK

    BruceK Active Member

    Feb 24, 2015
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    So..... what happened?

    What was the date code on the tire that blew?

    Did you talk to the place that installed the tires? What did they say?

    Do you have 3 other ticking rubber time bombs on your car?
     
  8. 08 Cooper S

    08 Cooper S New Member

    Sep 22, 2015
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    So, to try to answer your questions, about my question.
    MFG: week 38 in 2013
    Speed: 40 mph
    No other problems

    The story on the tires:....
    My buddy purchased a 2014 coupe John Cooper with this tire/wheel combo on it. He changed the wheels/tires after 400 miles because they(his wife) did not like the black style wheel (I love it...) They sat around for a little while in his garage. I purchased them & put them on my 08. That was 2 weeks ago. The tires still have the little nubbies on them!!

    Do I call Michelin direct & what could I expect out of such a call??
    BP
     
  9. Savvy

    Savvy Well-Known Member
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    You can try... but buying them secondhand you may be up $#!+'s creek.
     
  10. Steve

    Steve Administrator
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    This is true, but if the guy is your buddy he might be able to get the dealer (or Michelin) to replace. He just needs to not mention they were on your car at the time...
     
  11. Firebro17

    Firebro17 Dazed, but not Confused
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    Maybe your buddy has a paddle.....
     
  12. Steve

    Steve Administrator
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    Given that date stamp, if nothing else I think this ^ is a good reason to contact Michelin. They may be no help but I'd still try it...that is, if nothing else works.
     
  13. Firebro17

    Firebro17 Dazed, but not Confused
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    I agree with the alarm over the age of the rubber. I'm thinking, even with the date stamp as it is, if that other guy's car sat much without moving, or if after that set was removed they were stored improperly, well... Who knows..?

    Tuff luck though on the Michelin's. I'd get together with your buddy to make Michelin answer some questions.
     
  14. Firebro17

    Firebro17 Dazed, but not Confused
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    I did some checking and found Michelin has issued a safety recall on several of their tires, for sidewall blowouts on new tires. Check the Tire Safety Group website to see if your tires are included in the recall. I've attached a snapshot of the page I was reading. Good luck and please keep us up to date on the results.
     

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  15. 08 Cooper S

    08 Cooper S New Member

    Sep 22, 2015
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    I called Michelin, and to my surprise, I was speaking to a rep within 1 minute. I told him the issue and my concern for safety and the other 3 blowing out. He explained that if it is indeed a defect, it will need to be noted by a dealer & a direct call to Michelin describing the problem. If it is a safety issue, then Michelin will replace 1 or all tires at no charge. I was put on hold for about 2 minutes as He checked my area for a dealer (It was Town Fair Tire), called them and made them aware of the case.
    So today I made it down to TFT with the car and blown tire, they "inspected" and it drew some attention as they have not seen such an issue. The tire was discontinued & they are recommending that all 4 be replaced for the sake of safety. Unfortunately, they were closing and asked me to come back in the morning, because these type of things could take a bit of time.
    We will see! I am hopeful!

    Thank you all for your feedback. I would not have made it this far without you! BP
     
  16. 08 Cooper S

    08 Cooper S New Member

    Sep 22, 2015
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    I used those exact words with Michelin, They were immediately more attentive!
    Thanks!
     
  17. BruceK

    BruceK Active Member

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    Excellent progress. Good luck tomorrow.
     
  18. 08 Cooper S

    08 Cooper S New Member

    Sep 22, 2015
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    Update...
    Apparently Michelin no longer makes a run-flat tire for the Cooper?? This is what they told Town Fair Tire, and because TFT refused to put a non-run-flat tire due to safety, Michelin is paying for a set of new Run-Flat All season Bridgestones for the car. Labor & Material!

    They will be installed today. Have a great day!
    BP
     
  19. Savvy

    Savvy Well-Known Member
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    Well, you made out like a bandit then. Good going!

    Although, if I were you, I'd sell the run flats off to someone and get non-runflats.
     
  20. Firebro17

    Firebro17 Dazed, but not Confused
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    Yep, it's great to hear that you're being taken care of by the vendor. I second the idea of ditching the run flats. You'd really like the Michelin Pilot Super Sports if you'd prefer to stay with that brand.
     

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