235/45R18 Michelin Tire Failure
03-04-13, 04:49 PM
#16
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After I arrived home from work today, I closely inspected the the tire and took photos.
There are no signs of a road hazard issue, such as a tread puncture, nails, glass, etc., however the polyester cords are very brittle, which normally is due to excessive heat most likely from the rapid air loss at 75 MPH.
The inside sidewall (OSS) is broken all way around circumferentially. The outside (SS) is still intact. Based on my 15+ years of experience as a Tire Development Engineer, this tire was most likely defective. The failure mode in this tire is not a typical failure mode for either High Speed nor Endurance. I am 100% sure, at the beginning of my trip the tire was at the proper inflation, was not overloaded, and no buldges on the outside (SS) of the tire.
To pass FMVSS139 Endurance Criteria, tires have to run several hours at low inflation (Referred to as the low inflation pressure step). After this step, tires are inspected and can't have any failures.
There are no signs of a road hazard issue, such as a tread puncture, nails, glass, etc., however the polyester cords are very brittle, which normally is due to excessive heat most likely from the rapid air loss at 75 MPH.
The inside sidewall (OSS) is broken all way around circumferentially. The outside (SS) is still intact. Based on my 15+ years of experience as a Tire Development Engineer, this tire was most likely defective. The failure mode in this tire is not a typical failure mode for either High Speed nor Endurance. I am 100% sure, at the beginning of my trip the tire was at the proper inflation, was not overloaded, and no buldges on the outside (SS) of the tire.
To pass FMVSS139 Endurance Criteria, tires have to run several hours at low inflation (Referred to as the low inflation pressure step). After this step, tires are inspected and can't have any failures.
Last edited by 4thGNGS350; 03-05-13 at 05:49 AM. Reason: Added photo
03-05-13, 05:59 PM
#17
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Lexus Dealership inspected the tire, didn't find any evidence of a road hazard.
They are replacing the tire and will inspect the other 3. I will inspect the other 3 with them.
Thanks to all for your comments / input.
They are replacing the tire and will inspect the other 3. I will inspect the other 3 with them.
Thanks to all for your comments / input.
03-05-13, 08:30 PM
#19
03-06-13, 04:05 AM
#20
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Wow....you don't see a failure like that on a Michelin tire every day...definitely a manufacturing defect...
03-06-13, 04:50 AM
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Very Ironic!
Michelin has good tires but no one is immune from issues.
I wish I could invent a solution to eliminate all manufacturing issues in the world.
I would never have to work again.
Michelin has good tires but no one is immune from issues.
I wish I could invent a solution to eliminate all manufacturing issues in the world.
I would never have to work again.
03-06-13, 04:55 AM
#22
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At least they're going to stand behind it and replace it for you...
03-07-13, 04:52 PM
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After inspecting the other three tires and checking their DOT production week dates, 1 tire was produced in the same week as the failure tire (4111 Left Rear). 41st week in 2011. 1 tire was produced 4011 Right Rear , and the 3rd tire 0212 Left Front. Left Rear tire was replaced due to blow out and the serial week is 2512.
I'm going to a Michelin Dealer (Discount Tire Co.) this weekend and have them inspect the other 3 tires.
I will inspect the tires with them because I felt irregular undulations in the Sidewall while checking at the Lexus dealership. I'm going to request they replace the other 3 tires. If they don't, I will write a letter to both Lexus and Michelin and neither want that. If this failure would've been on the front, it could've been serious!
I'm going to a Michelin Dealer (Discount Tire Co.) this weekend and have them inspect the other 3 tires.
I will inspect the tires with them because I felt irregular undulations in the Sidewall while checking at the Lexus dealership. I'm going to request they replace the other 3 tires. If they don't, I will write a letter to both Lexus and Michelin and neither want that. If this failure would've been on the front, it could've been serious!
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