Pothole Season Again, Tips to Replacing Damaged Tires and Wheels

Monday, March 1, 2010 by Chad Hocker
Pothole season has started or...never ended....  They have many names like chuckholes or a kettle but at the end of the day potholes are dangerous and can do serious damage to any vehicle.  Potholes are something we have to live with, at least in the northern states.  I have spoke with more people lately needing to get one replacement tire as a result of pothole damage.  A few tips to use when dealing with pothole damage on replacement wheels and tires

First lets look at a few tips regarding tire replacement. 
  • When replacing a tire it is best to replace with the same matching tire to the ones on the vehicle.  Simply finding the "cheapest tire" available and putting it on will cause more harm than good down the road.  The spare tire should be used on a temporary basis until the replacement tire arrives.
  • Having to buy a tire unexpectedly do to a road hazard like a pothole is never fun.  Consider purchasing a Road Hazard Protection program when buy your tires new.
  • At times, if a tire does not blow out, you will see a bubble on the sidewall.  Unfortunately the tire needs to be replaced also.
  • When replacing less than a set of tires on an all wheel drive vehicle remember; not only does the tire need to match but also the tread depth must as well.  Tire Rack can shave a tire for you if needed prior to shipping.  I would suggest checking your owners manual or with a local dealership to confirm the tread depth recommendations.
What if you hit a pothole resulting in Wheel damage?
  • Tire Rack has many wheels available for most vehicles.  Check our website to see which may work.  We do not have factory original wheels available but many after market options.  It may be less expensive to get four new wheels or cost just a few dollars more than replacing your bent original wheel.
  • Typically if you have wheel damage then the tire is likely traumatized beyond use.  Tire Rack can mount and balance your new tire and wheel at no charge prior to shipping out as well.
If a pothole has taken advantage of your tire or wheel.  I know how you feel.  Tire Rack prefers to replace tires do to wearing out but if a road hazard does occur we can help if needed.

Comments on Pothole Season Again, Tips to Replacing Damaged Tires and Wheels

Thursday, March 25, 2010 by dewayne rowlette:
I purchase tires from tire rack damage a rim replaced that now found out the tire has a slow leak how do I go about road hazard protection that I purchased for my tires. thank you.
Thursday, March 25, 2010 by TireRack.com Team:
We are sorry to hear about the damage. You can find full information regarding the Tire Rack's Tire Road Hazard Program you selected at :http://www.tirerack.com/tires/roadHazard/trhp.jsp We will also have a customer service specialist contact you directly to assist.
Tuesday, June 1, 2010 by Jimmy Reynolds:
I have some type of damage to my wheels/tires from hitting a bad RR crossing. The tires are making a noise I associate with flat spots. There does not seem to be any noticeable out of balance, just the constant noise. How do I know what the issue is? Jimmy Reynolds
Wednesday, June 2, 2010 by Chad:
There are a variety of issues that could cause the noise you are describing. The noise may be evidence of structural damage and the tire could fail without warning. We recommend that the tires not be driven until they are inspected by a qualified tire technician.

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