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