On giving the Yeti a thorough wash and brush up noticed 2 bulges 1.5cm in diameter about 4cm apart with no

apparent damage marks from a tyre scuff to the sidewall (not scuffed to my knowledge).

Had it checked at Kwikfit and they pointed out a very small 1/8" long cut adjacent which to quote "had caused a weakness causing the tyre to bulge". The other bulge being about 4cm away from the other bulge near the cut was again to quote "often caused by one bulge causing another bulge to occur".

It sounded quite plausable so paid up for a new tyre. The normal drive in price being £200 they agreed

to match the £155 'pay on line in advance' price without me going though the correct internet procedure.

Seemed reasonable as other on line prices average £150 fitted and they are mostly not available same day.

Kwikfit appear to be quite good at availability for this tyre although it is not a common tyre to source.

Of course could have fell for the 'small cut so its your fault routine' but I don't think I was conned.

If you examine the tyre closely it appears a quite thin sidewall construction and in a 'plasticy' hard skinned non rubber material. The cut appeared to be about 3mm deep (probed with a ballpoint pen).

Anyone had a similar experience with side wall as I though it should have stood up to this damage better?

Asked advice on a better tyre and advised Michelin Primacy HP at £230 'drive in' price might suit

but vague in any benefits to justify the significant extra cost. (Assumes best on line prices would

be about £30/tyre extra (£230-200 drive in, £185-155 booked on line =£30 premium).

Should I stick with the Dunlops come change over time? Anyone got Michelin's...what are they like?

As one rear tyre is new and the other done 4.5K miles (1.2 Tsi 2WD DSG auto) will I be advised to change both rear tyres at once?

Edited 16 April, 201115 yr by kibby

13k miles in and the OE Dunlops are fine on mine. No problems with the sidewalls, and my local independent tyredealer (who switched fronts and backs for me, free, a month or so back) reckons the tread should be good up to about 18k.

However, I've had a similar bulge to the ones you describe a couple of times in the past; on a Goodyear tyre on a Volvo V50 (front), and on an Avon on an Audi A4 Avant (rear). Both about the size of an egg. On the V50 I know what caused it; wife hit a large pothole (about 10cm deep) with a big bang at 60mph. Pulled up in a layby to check the car over and found the bulge. No idea what caused the Audi one, I just noticed it one day and no idea how long it had been there - couldn't remember any incident that might have led to it. So, not sure this problem unique to these tyres. Presumably so called 'run flat' tyres have stronger sidewalls? But they're a lot more expensive.

And also harsher to ride on.....

Had the same bulges on my octy 4x4 only on one wheel didnt seem to get any worse or affect steering.

Had the same bulges on my octy 4x4 only on one wheel didnt seem to get any worse or affect steering.

... but tyrewalls therefore weakened and a blowout possible at any time! MoT failure and probably 'nickable' if stopped by the Peelers!

Edited 20 April, 201115 yr by Bobdog