pothole damage
 

hit a weired pothole at an EZpass toll booth on I95 at 10mph. Before I hit it I thought I was slow enuf so I should be ok.

got something similar to this on the left front tire

http://static.ed.edmunds-media.com/u...dedeea2bda.jpg

I have the 18inch OEM conti pro contact tire with 18k miles.


the rim might be slightly bent but I can't tell at least.

Time for a new set of tires? should I be concerned about the rim?

ps: my tire pressure was at 35f/32r as suggested by manual.

Have the tire shop take the tire off and run the rim on the balance machine. They can check the run out and advise.

The tire is probably gone - if it looks like the photo, the sidewall is deformed and will need to be replaced.
As to the rim, it's often difficult to tell by eye if it's bent. If placed on a Hunter Road Force Balencer, the operator should be able to tell if it's not true. If so, a wheel straightener specialist can get it back to round for about $125-$150. An out of round wheel (or tire) will cause vibrations at speed.

Thank you. I found this installer in my area

http://www.tirerack.com/installer/In...=0&y=0&place=0

to have road force balancer.


I guess I'll just order the some ultra high performance all seasons and have the installer install them. I guess it is ok not to use Audi dealer for this?

That pressure is wrong. The placard on my door jamb says 38F/41R for the stock 18's. I just corrected them today before driving down to AC.

That's what i put on my tires. I prefer to have higher pressure to prevent sh*t like this that may potentially happen to my car, especially in NJ.

sigh.. lesson learned. Manual says 38F/41R is for under load condition. But if that deals with potholes better I am all for it.

Actually the door sticker is for max load (driver, three passengers and luggage). The manual's PSI for normal load is for driver, and passenger. If you use the max load PSI, there will actually be less flex in the sidewalls to absorb potholes increasing the chance for damage. I usually go a lb or two above normal load as a compromise between ride and handling and reserve full load PSI for when going on a trip with a full trunk of luggage.

gotcha,

just placed an order on 4xconti DWS on tire rack shipped to the installer with the Hunter Road Force Balencer. http://www.tirerack.com/installer/In...=0&y=0&place=0

Hopefully everything is good soon.

ps: i like the DWS having road hazard warranty!

Excellent choice. The DWS is a great UHP A/S tire. They have a slightly more compliant, softer sidewall than other UHP A/S tires which can help with those potholes. Just stay away from curbs.
Be sure to get that wheel straightened if it turns out to be bent.