Bubble in new tire

[AdelaideTJ]

I just had 5 x brand new Goodyear Wrangler Silentrac A/T 235/75/R15 tires installed about 2 months ago as the previous Duratracs that came with the TJ were about 13 years old.

Just noticed after a brief trip away this week that there is a small bubble on the rear left tire.

I have only done about 3000kms on them so far, all highway/city driving (drove across the country from Adelaide to Sydney). No off-roading. Tires/wheels were inflated, aligned and balanced by the shop and I haven't made any adjustments since.

Quick google suggests bulges are usually caused by sidewall damage from hitting the curb or potholes etc. which I haven't done in any significant way that I can recall.

Also the bubble itself looks to be a small bit of air trapped under just the top layer of rubber about the size of a dollar coin, rather than the typical large bulge and deformed shape you would see on an old worn out tire.

Just wondered if anyone had experienced or seen something like this on such a new tire?

My feeling is that it is most likely a manufacturing defect, rather than anything I have done.

Going to call the tire shop about it soon, but just wondered if anyone had experienced anything similar, or had any suggestions/advice?

Can't say it is something I have had happen to me before.

I'm going to avoid driving on it in the meantime other than to the tire shop.

 

[AndyG]

Big NO. They will warranty that potential blowout. Go slow to the tire store.

G’day mate.

 

[OldBuzzard]

There are no scuff marks on it. Obviously a tire defect. Don't drive on it, put on a spare and take it back. Should be covered under warranty.

 

[AdelaideTJ]

Cheers Andy and Old Buzzard. I'll call them and see what they say. I guess worried that they'll try and pin it back on me. Also complicating matters is that it is a big brand store (though it operates as franchises) and I've driven across the country so can't go to the exact store. Anyway, won't know until I call.

Worst case we have solid consumer protection laws here.

Glad I noticed it! It's pretty small, but also it seems right at the surface and very thin, which makes me think it'll go at the slightest.
I only need to go 2kms to the nearest store, but maybe I should put the spare on :-/

 

[AndyG]

When you walk in the place, lay it on the counter and act like you are about to explode- then say - “man, don’t sell me poison” in a thick hispanic accent.

Let me know how it works.

 

[AdelaideTJ]

Not sure if that would work here, but could certainly give it a try!

 

[suicideking]

I had that happen to a GY MTR during the first week. The tire shop swapped it out without any questions. It will be under warranty.

 

[Nightmare9]

My mom clipped a curb with her nearly brand new RAV4, put a HUGE bubble in the sidewall. But it was pretty obvious she hit something.
Thats just looks like a defect.

 

[John Cooper]

Yep obvious tire defect!! Should be warranty no problem.

Not that I know tires, or work for a commercial tire dealer or anything.

I have just wheeled with @AndyG a time or three and know a defect when I see one....

 

[williambmac]

That's an impact break. It's not a defect. It's usually caused by hitting a pothole. And, no you may not see any scuffs or witness marks.

 

[AdelaideTJ]

Hmm well that would be pretty rotten luck!

 

[TheBoogieman]

Claim defect and stick to your story. I had a similar thing happen to me, but mine went flat. They said I must have hit a curb. I " LOST IT" on the manager and got a free tire and an apology.

 

[williambmac]

Hmm well that would be pretty rotten luck!

Yup. Back when I worked for Michelin we used to get a lot of these, especially on the low profile tires. Some impact breaks would be small like yours; some would be the size of a gold ball.
You can go back to your local shop and see if they will take care of it. Some retailers are accommodating, some are not.
The other thing you can do is contact the tire manufacturer directly with the DOT # and start a claim through them. They will usually give you a claim # and direct you to one of their retail stores for replacement.

 

[tr21triton]

two things that are never used on any of my vehicles, goodyear tires and quaker state oil !

 

[williambmac]

two things that never used on any of my vehicles, goodyear tires and quaker state oil !

It's not quaker state, It's quicker state. Quicker state of destruction!!

 

[tr21triton]

It's not quaker state, It's quicker state. Quicker state of destruction!!

Quiker sludge formula !

 

[John Cooper]

Yup. Back when I worked for Michelin we used to get a lot of these, especially on the low profile tires. Some impact breaks would be small like yours; some would be the size of a gold ball.
You can go back to your local shop and see if they will take care of it. Some retailers are accommodating, some are not.
The other thing you can do is contact the tire manufacturer directly with the DOT # and start a claim through them. They will usually give you a claim # and direct you to one of their retail stores for replacement.

It's all subjective to the person looking at it. It could be an impact but if there is no other marks around it or on the rim it probably isn't.

I work for a commercial tire retailer and if one of our customers brought a newly purchased tire back with a bubble on it, they would be getting a new tire.

Now if someone didn't purchase the tire from us, most likely I would send then back to the original place of purchase.

 

[Jerry Bransford]

Take it back to your tire dealer and stop worrying about if you think they might suspect you caused the bubble.

 

[TheBoogieman]

I work for a commercial tire retailer

Can I get that WTJF 80% OFF discount code? It's my mother-in-law's birthday today 7/15/23 (78). It would make her so happy to see me with new tires on my Jeep. It's the least I can do for her.

 

[suicideking]

You can go back to your local shop and see if they will take care of it. Some retailers are accommodating, some are not.

This is where tire shop selection comes in. I always use Americas Tire because they would definitely replace it. Though I always make sure to use a place that sells the certificates. If the replacement is from a rock puncture, they still cover it. With the price of tires, it's worth it to have a warranty.