When I rub my finger just under that tear, I can feel a tiny piece of rubber missing, but no chords or metal. It’s really superficial, where the tool hooked and made that small tear in the pic.You'll be fine, I've had chunks missing that were bigger than that, and that's just a tear.
The bead of the tire just behind that is reinforced with very tough steel or kevlar wire, and that part of the tire doesn't move or flex. I've had to cut the bead on atv tires to get them off and its not easy.There's got to be a way to halt what might tear further.
I agree, just want to be sure it’s safe if it doesn’t leak as I’ve never had that issue before.Mount it, and just check for a leak. That's the only way you'll find out.
Just roll on. There is nothing there to "fix" with a balance.Update: mounted tire with a swipe of bead sealer under and on top of the small tear, air holding nicely and test driven ok.
The car ride is smooth with no vibrations at highway speed.
I’m assuming the consensus is to get the tire balanced even though it’s smooth as silk right now? What say you?