More Evo problems....

[hellomynameis]

Fortunately, mine pale in comparison to what has been happening to everyone else...

I pulled into the gas station in Waconia this morning on my way to work, got out of my car and heard a hissing noise. First thing I looked at was the tire and I noticed there was a pretty large gash in the sidewall. The tire appeared to be full when I got out of the car and went completely flat before I was able to pump 11 gallons.

I didn't see any debris where I drove and I was only doing 5 to 10 mph pulling up to the pump so I don't think it's an impact break. What could have caused this? Anyone 'in the know' think I could get this warrantied? Who around here sells Sumitomo tires that I could have them take a look and hopefully get me a warranty replacement

Anyway..here are the pics...any ideas?

http://www.mitsustyle.com/photopost/data/500/medium/DSCN2021.JPG

http://www.mitsustyle.com/photopost/data/500/medium/DSCN2022.JPG

Also, I'll add before anyone else says it, I know that if I get this replaced under warranty I'll either need to get the new tire shaved or replace the other three....

[Kracka]

Here is the warranty PDF: http://www.tirerack.com/images/pdf/warranty/SUM1.pdf

Sounds like the Z III qualifies for free replacement as long as you're above 2/32" and can show it was a manufacturing defect.

[hellomynameis]

I already looked up the Sumitomo warranty and it specifically states that all HTRZIII tires are warranties 100% to 2/32, 6 years from date of manufacture, or 5 years from the install date; whichever occurs first. Also Tire Rack states you can do warranty replacements anywhere. Though, I'll probably go through them for a repalcement just want to see if I can have someone look at it and tell me if the nature of the failure might qualify for a warranty repalcement or if it would be denied for some kind of misuse or abuse (again, wasn't doing anything goofy and it certainly wasn't a puncture)

[tpunx99GSX]

those look really bald. any idea what you are sitting at as far as tread depth?

[polishmafia]

That tire looks like a very serious impact, due to hitting something in the road. I haven't seen a pothole do that. A curb, something in the road, etc. That doesn't look like normal driving conditions.

[9guy9]

you're going to have a tough time warranting that as a manufacture defect. Looks like you ran over something.

[hellomynameis]

those look really bald. any idea what you are sitting at as far as tread depth?

Siting in the middle of Lincoln's forehead. These may not last me though the entire summer, but I'm well above the wear indicators.

That tire looks like a very serious impact, due to hitting something in the road. I haven't seen a pothole do that. A curb, something in the road, etc. That doesn't look like normal driving conditions.

you're going to have a tough time warranting that as a manufacture defect. Looks like you ran over something.

Don't know what to tell you. I didn't hit anything. There's nothing to hit going into the gas station and there was nothing between the entrance and the pump. Due to the size of the break in the sidewall there is no way I would have been able to drive for any amount of time. It had to have happened in the gas station parking lot.


Either way....does anyone know if there are any tire places around here that sell Sumitomo tires where I can bring the tire in and get it looked at?

[9guy9]

sears sells sumitomo tires, as well as a lot of other tire shops.

[Kracka]

Tires Plus used to, not sure if they still do though.

[goodhart]

Tires Plus used to, not sure if they still do though.

They don't stock them , but they can special order them. Same with Discount Tire. At least that's how it was 2 months back when I got mine.