I have stock wheels and 205/55/16 S-03s front and hit a curb the other day and took out a divot in the sidewall about the size of a 50 cent piece 1/8 - 1/4 inch deep and gouged the rim a bit. No cords are showing or anything, and no leaks. I went to discount tire for new tires and the guy said it was pretty much cosmetic damage and that the tire is still safe up the origional rating. Even at high speed, he said. Is he right?? I feel kinda funny driving on the freeway with a cut in the sidewall, and don't even know if it would pass tech at the auto-x...

I have my old S-02s I was going to swap for the fronts, and order rears to match, but the guy said the S-03s are better. Really? for max dry performance? Would I be better off getting 245 S-03s for the rear (I have 225s now), or getting stock S-02s on the rear and using my old S-02s to replace the torn tire?
Or should I get all new Kuhmo MXs??
Any input is appreciated!
--JD

 

S02s are better in the dry.

I think s03's have like double layer grip or something so even when they are older they will still have good grip. I'm not 100% sure on that last part though.

 

If you are going to be autocrossing the S02 is better. If you are looking for better wet traction and a better all around tire then the S03 is a very good choice.
If I were you I would replace the tire. If I can help let me know.

 

How about the Kuhmo MX?

 

If it were me I'd replace the rim, the tire, and the Discount Tire salesman.

I would definitely not drive it anywhere near the speed rating - the sidewall irregularity combined with a high heat load is just asking for a blowout. I suppose you might be okay if you never drive above the speed limit.

 

Yep, I hear ya. I went back and spoke with someone else and am getting a new tire. I even have hazard warranty so it's free. The guy still tried to tell me there's nothing wrong with the tire though. Little cord showing, no big deal at 120!

 

Good move. The sidewalls are the most stressed part of the tire.

I drove from LA to SF and when I got to my friend's apartment, I scrubbed the tire against the curb. Same issue. I was so mad! Even though the tread had another 8k left on it, and I didn't have hazard coverage on it, I bought a new one as soon as I got back to LA.

 

You need a new tire if you scraped the tire as you did. The tire guy who said you didn't need a tire isn't doing you a favor. Glad to see that you are a getting a new tire replaced for free.

S02's are stickier, but the S03's are great in the wet weather and are suppose to wear better. I'd go with S03's just because they are easier to get. Half the time, S02's were out of stock where I live.