BMWBig6

I think the tire machine did this during installation or removal. I don't know if it will still hold air. If I use my finger to force apart the torn rubber, making the gap wider, I can see some white cords in there, but at rest the gap stays closed as seen in the picture. Is this tire safe to use again, or is it garbage now?

Reggie

I would say no.

Were you swapping winter for summer tires? Beads really are not made to be swapped on rims that much.

tenspeed

I would say yes. The pressure that holds the tire in place is applied to the side where the bar code is.

I do agree with Reggie about mounting a tire on it's wheel and leaving it on until the tread is worn out.

BMWBig6

Yeah I'm swapping tires for the season. Took it to dealer today, they said it's fine because the wheel actually mates with the tire on the face with the bar code decal, not the inside face, like tenspeed mentioned.

However, now I'm curious why Reggie thinks it's not safe. The tear to begin with, or the visible cords? Or the size of the tear? Are there "degrees" to the type of damage that would somehow be considered acceptable (but the damage in my pic is unacceptable)?

Reggie

I say no only because the bead is visible for a considerable length. Though I stayed in a Holiday Inn Express last night - I am no expert so I would defer with people with more experience - like Tire Rack or Discount Tire. You might email Gary directly at Tire Rack and ask for his inputs here.

I do hope you get some winter wheels now. The cost is minimal compared to the cost of mounting the tires twice a year - and the risk of issues like this or damage to the wheels themselves.