Doing a walk-around today revealed... what I think is a broken belt in a tire. Small bulge, maybe an eighth of an inch at most I'd say. I was hoping to make it until the end of the month for black friday tire sales; but between needing an alignment and now this, I'm thinking I just need to bite the bullet and get tires this week. But before I run off and do that, can I have it clarified that a small bulge is still a big deal? [Bulge, not indentation. I would have taken a pic, but I didn't think it'd come out well.]
Tire bulge size
- Thread starter supton
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Try to take the best pic you can
I've driven longer than a month on a bulge that was much bigger than the one you describe. You can probably safely wait until black friday
I've driven longer than a month on a bulge that was much bigger than the one you describe. You can probably safely wait until black friday
I checked the spare. It's fully inflated, got great tread, and has a date code of 438.
I was thinking I could wait; I mean, I don't know how long it's been there. Probably longer than I've had the car, as I haven't hit any decent potholes with it (yet).
Edit: should say, other than tire noise at almost any speed, there is only a small balance issue around 50mph or so. Been running around at 65-70 for the last two weeks without a thought. Less tire shake than my truck, actually.
I was thinking I could wait; I mean, I don't know how long it's been there. Probably longer than I've had the car, as I haven't hit any decent potholes with it (yet).
Edit: should say, other than tire noise at almost any speed, there is only a small balance issue around 50mph or so. Been running around at 65-70 for the last two weeks without a thought. Less tire shake than my truck, actually.
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Nick1994
$100 site donor 2024
When you replace your tires, throw the best one in the trunk and put that old spare on the car. I'm guessing you have a full size spare? Mine does.. That's what I did last year, I had the original spare as well. The tires that came on the car were dated 2012, much better than my 1999 spare.
Yeah, I might keep one good one, although they are all about done for. The shoulders are kinda toast on all four. If I'm waiting until the end of the month, I'll keep an eye open for options. Right now RT43's are like $93/each, mounted and balanced, locally; DTD would be about $10 cheaper.
I toyed with putting on the snows for my "good" Camry, but thought it'd be a bit funny looking, going from 195/70R14 to 215/60R16. Would really throw the speedometer off, something like 5%. Too bad I didn't start looking until today; I could have swapped them on yesterday, just for grins.
Edit: yes, full size spare. Speaking of which, my other Camry has a doughnut--although to be fair, its doughnut and these tires are probably pretty close in size.
I see Toyota was using cheapo MDF over the spare for years. That reminds me, I need to replace the one I broke in the good Camry...
I toyed with putting on the snows for my "good" Camry, but thought it'd be a bit funny looking, going from 195/70R14 to 215/60R16. Would really throw the speedometer off, something like 5%. Too bad I didn't start looking until today; I could have swapped them on yesterday, just for grins.
Edit: yes, full size spare. Speaking of which, my other Camry has a doughnut--although to be fair, its doughnut and these tires are probably pretty close in size.
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JHZR2
Staff member
So, what size tire and what make/model bulged?
I had a bulge on a run flat once. Couldnt tell it by driving, I could just see it. I replaced the tire since it was up front, via warranty.
I had a bulge on a run flat once. Couldnt tell it by driving, I could just see it. I replaced the tire since it was up front, via warranty.
195/70R14. Mastercraft Strategy. I think these have 30k on them, 3 years old, maybe (forgot to check date code). Did what I could; it's right under the A in Mastercraft. Edit: came with the car, so no warranty that I know of. They're mostly shot so I'm not sad over having to replace them--just trying to time this "for the best" deal.
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Originally Posted By: supton
195/70R14. Mastercraft Strategy. I think these have 30k on them, 3 years old, maybe (forgot to check date code). Did what I could; it's right under the A in Mastercraft. Edit: came with the car, so no warranty that I know of. They're mostly shot so I'm not sad over having to replace them--just trying to time this "for the best" deal.
[photos deleted to save space.]
I don't think that's bad. I don't even think you ought to worry about it. It's not about to fail, let alone suddenly.
195/70R14. Mastercraft Strategy. I think these have 30k on them, 3 years old, maybe (forgot to check date code). Did what I could; it's right under the A in Mastercraft. Edit: came with the car, so no warranty that I know of. They're mostly shot so I'm not sad over having to replace them--just trying to time this "for the best" deal.
[photos deleted to save space.]
I don't think that's bad. I don't even think you ought to worry about it. It's not about to fail, let alone suddenly.
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