Tire Damage or just worn?

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by RollinChaos, May 3, 2025.

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  1. May 3, 2025 #1
    RollinChaos

    RollinChaos Light Load Member

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    Showing my lack of knowledge, what is considered tire wear vs damage?

    In other words, what does DOT look for beyond tread depth? I've sent in a few DVIRs for a few tires I thought were bad but got push back from corporate Roadside bean counters.

    These were approved for replacement.
     

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    Last edited: May 3, 2025
    Reason for edit: Edit: clarify
    RollinChaos, May 3, 2025
    RollinChaos, May 3, 2025
    #1
    hope not dumb twucker Thanks this.
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  3. May 3, 2025 #2
    RollinChaos

    RollinChaos Light Load Member

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    Meant to add if I am unsure I will send pics with a penny stuffed inside the cut or to show the lack of tread depth
     
    RollinChaos, May 3, 2025
    RollinChaos, May 3, 2025
    #2
  4. May 3, 2025 #3
    AModelCat

    AModelCat Road Train Member

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    Bottom one definitely NFG in my opinion, the cap looks like it's starting to seperate from the casing. Depending how deep the gash is in the sidewall would be the deciding factor for me.

    Get yourself a tread gauge tool and then you can send them the actually measurement. 2/32" on drives and trailer, 4/32" on steers IIRC.
     
    AModelCat, May 3, 2025
    AModelCat, May 3, 2025
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  5. May 3, 2025 #4
    RollinChaos

    RollinChaos Light Load Member

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    Sidewall cuts are most common issue I see. Is there a guideline on what is allowed? Or it all depends on the inspectors quota at the moment?
     
    RollinChaos, May 3, 2025
    RollinChaos, May 3, 2025
    #4
  7. May 3, 2025 #5
    beastr123

    beastr123 Road Train Member

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    Tire Tread and the Useful Penny Test - Les Schwab.
     
    beastr123, May 3, 2025
    beastr123, May 3, 2025
    #5
    AModelCat Thanks this.
  8. May 3, 2025 #6
    RollinChaos

    RollinChaos Light Load Member

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    RollinChaos, May 3, 2025
    RollinChaos, May 3, 2025
    #6
  9. May 3, 2025 #7
    Powder Joints

    Powder Joints Subjective Prognosticator

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    first is curb damage. that tire came into contact with something, second looks like a bad recapp.
     
    Powder Joints, May 3, 2025
    Powder Joints, May 3, 2025
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  10. May 3, 2025 #8
    Powder Joints

    Powder Joints Subjective Prognosticator

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    Yeah, you cannot have a damaged sidewall, that first tire needs to be replaced, the second without being touch close to really see it, it very well may pass DOT, but personally I would have it replaced. If the company won't replace it, it would be a shame if it deveploed sidewall damage, not suggesting just saying what a shame it would be.
     
    Powder Joints, May 3, 2025
    Powder Joints, May 3, 2025
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  11. May 3, 2025 #9
    Brandt

    Brandt Road Train Member

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    My understanding on sidewall damage is, if you can see any steel cords, it’s out of service if the DOT see it.
     
    Brandt, May 3, 2025
    Brandt, May 3, 2025
    #9
    hope not dumb twucker and Bean Jr. Thank this.
  12. May 4, 2025 #10
    RollinChaos

    RollinChaos Light Load Member

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    Thanks for the comments, much appreciated.

    I will continue to report anything via DVIR that looks out of normal.

    Prior to posting the initial question and just now I have not found any clear guidance on a FMCSA page that defines what amount of sidewall damage would require replacement.
     
    RollinChaos, May 4, 2025
    RollinChaos, May 4, 2025
    #10
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