Tire exploded - Has anyone experienced this before?

[SDF1]

This is the first time I've had a tire explode! Just getting on the freeway and I hear POP POP POP as if someone was shooting in the sky then my car sounded like a truck.
I saw on my rear view black smoke and I thought shit my exhaust probably fell and is dragging. Pulled on the curb and saw the partial fire from my tire...

https://imgur.com/a/dt9UTYU

[TheMysticWizard]

Blow Out.

Happens quite often, ever notice the treads on the highway?

Probably was either low, was driven low in the past and had damage, or had some freak puncture in the sidewall while driving.

Just be happy you were able to maintain control of the vehicle and you have little to no damage (other than the tire of course)

[SDF1]

All 4 tires new since Jan 2020 with about 1500 miles on them... I checked pressure when I did my brakes 2 weeks ago..

[jn1kk]

Two things I noticed:
1. Tires were made in 2018.
2. Most Audi's come with XL tires with re-enforced sidewalls, but you have SL tires. I would recommend getting XL tires in the future. But obviously if there is damage/fatigue, it won't help with everything.

[SDF1]

Two things I noticed:
1. Tires were made in 2018.
2. Most Audi's come with XL tires with re-enforced sidewalls, but you have SL tires. I would recommend getting XL tires in the future. But obviously if there is damage/fatigue, it won't help with everything.

Thank you! I didn't know about the XL vs SL.

So I should only get XL or RF in the future.


LL: Light Load; tires for light usage and loads
SL: Standard Load; tire for normal usage and loads
XL: eXtra Load; a tire that allows a higher inflation pressure than a Standard Load tire, which increases the tire's maximum load
RF: Reinforced—for Euro-metric tires, the term 'reinforced' means the same thing as 'Extra Load'


Actually just checked and the Continental Extreme Contact DWS 06 225-50R17 only come in SL and not XL.

[Theiceman]

I'd still.want to know why a 6 month old tire blew out. That is unacceptable.. 2018 tires well within limits
Plus these are continental. Not some Chinese low branded tire.

I would definitely get under that car and make sure something didn't rupture that tire from the inside like a broken piece of spring

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[colorado.a4]

I'd still.want to know why a 6 month old tire blew out. That is unacceptable.. 2018 tires well within limits
Plus these are continental. Not some Chinese low branded tire.

I would definitely get under that car and make sure something didn't rupture that tire from the inside like a broken piece of spring

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Continental tires are well known to have sidewall issues, I’ve road hazarded hundreds of continental tires due to blow outs and bubbling sidewalls, on vehicles with 500 miles (factory installed conti). haven’t seen an Pirelli or Michelin have this problem, only conti’s. IMO they aren’t the greatest.

[ps2cho]

Continental tires are well known to have sidewall issues, I’ve road hazarded hundreds of continental tires due to blow outs and bubbling sidewalls, on vehicles with 500 miles (factory installed conti). haven’t seen an Pirelli or Michelin have this problem, only conti’s. IMO they aren’t the greatest.

Pretty scary, glad I stuck with Michelin all seasons as I considered the ExtremeContact (that i used in my last car for 100k over 3 sets)

[Spawne32]

Hit any potholes recently? Alot of times they can cause a bubble on the sidewall, sometimes you might not notice it if it occurs on the side facing the fender. Kinda what it looks like there. You shouldnt have had any issues with it not being an XL tire unless you were over loading them. Towing, etc.

[SDF1]

Hit any potholes recently? Alot of times they can cause a bubble on the sidewall, sometimes you might not notice it if it occurs on the side facing the fender. Kinda what it looks like there. You shouldnt have had any issues with it not being an XL tire unless you were over loading them. Towing, etc.

I washed the tires inside and out when i did my brakes 2 weeks ago. 100% no bubbles and I don't recall hitting any large potholes. Just high speed driving? (80-90mph)

Just took the tire off to see if there was anything damaged but don't see anything.

I did check all my tires and realized they are at 30 and 28psi ! Maybe that's why? Just put them to 35psi front and 36psi rear.

[Spawne32]

I washed the tires inside and out when i did my brakes 2 weeks ago. 100% no bubbles and I don't recall hitting any large potholes. Just high speed driving? (80-90mph)

Just took the tire off to see if there was anything damaged but don't see anything.

I did check all my tires and realized they are at 30 and 28psi ! Maybe that's why? Just put them to 35psi front and 36psi rear.

That's not so far off that it would cause a blowout, low tire pressure is like...10psi. lol Hell ive run tires on other cars down to like 20psi at the drag strip.

[Grouch]

I washed the tires inside and out when i did my brakes 2 weeks ago. 100% no bubbles and I don't recall hitting any large potholes. Just high speed driving? (80-90mph)

Just took the tire off to see if there was anything damaged but don't see anything.

I did check all my tires and realized they are at 30 and 28psi ! Maybe that's why? Just put them to 35psi front and 36psi rear.

Spawne32's post reminded me of the time my tire blew out like that back when I had Racing Hart wheels on my Honda (this was back in 2002). America/Discount Tire Co said the exact same thing he said. Had a side bubble and my tire exploded.

[SDF1]

HELP!

I always park my car in the garage and today i noticed a smell of gasoline but couldn't point it to the car. I went for a drive to my cousins and after coming out i noticed the smell again near the car but no gas spill in the ground or in the garage... any ideas?
I'm worried the tire punctured the gas tank or something but I don't see any gas droplets.

[Smac770]

"Continental Extreme Contact DWS 06", dude. I tried Continentals for the first time three tire sets ago. DWS 06 since they seemed to review well and wanted to try something from my PS A/S staple. Those tires didn't even last 15k miles. Had them all replaced at half price because of the treadlife warranty. That set, 3 of the 4 were flat and replaced before 6 months. These were the worst tires I have ever owned. I had never had a flat in the field in 30 years of driving, then three out of four had been replaced within 6 months. WTF.

But to the topic of why I hit reply. SL vs XL. 2011 Premium with 17x7.5" rims with 225/50r17 94H all-season tires? Those are going to be SL tires, as we see no XL designation in the lines in the owner's manual for the tire designations in the tire pressure chart. I find nothing that implies the stock tires on the B8.0 A4 were XL. Other than the odd full load tire pressures for the rear of an avant with 225/50r17 94H and 245/50r18 93H being 38 and 39. One would think Audi would know load capacity increase stops at 36psi on a euro metric SL. I hate technical writers; clueless. So the DWS06 225/50r17 94W SL would be set to the pressures on your door sill and should be correct.

If you went with a 94 XL tire, you have to understand that an XL requires more psi than an SL tire to deliver the same load capacity. A 98 XL tire would have the same load/psi profile as a 94 SL tire, up to 36 psi. The 98 XL would then be able to continue giving load increases from 94 at 36 psi to 98 at 42 psi. Whereas the 94 SL tire would still only give load index 94 at 42 psi. So a 94 XL tire would have a load profile of a 90 SL tire up to 36 psi. The psi chart appears to be offering recommended pressures for SL tires. Until someone can validate authoritatively otherwise.

XL tires are a little beefier to handle the higher psi, so they are considered more impact resilient. But the extra weight is considered a negative in the fuel efficiency department. So do you run a +4 load index XL at the same pressure, or do you run a +0 load index XL at +4-6psi? No idea.


As to the fuel smell, if you had a leak of any kind the EVAP system should have already set off the MIL. Recently, I had some gas smell when I got over the course of a few days, but nothing since. Who knows.

[stelvio]

Bubbles can form on the inside of the tire sometimes and you may not see it from the outside.
Be thankful that tire exploding did not take out your fender or quarter panel; blow outs happen all the time in AZ as soon as it gets warm out. Be sure to check PSI when cold.
I also have heard "meh" stories on Continental tires; never used them personally as I prefer Firestone Firehawk Indy 500's but opinions aren't worth much.

Could a broken fuel filter/etc cause the fuel smell to come from atop of the fuel tank? I would open up the fuel lock rings under the rear bench and see if anything is wet on top of the fuel tank and report back.

[Theiceman]

Which wheel.was it ?

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[ELaw]

HELP!

I always park my car in the garage and today i noticed a smell of gasoline but couldn't point it to the car. I went for a drive to my cousins and after coming out i noticed the smell again near the car but no gas spill in the ground or in the garage... any ideas?
I'm worried the tire punctured the gas tank or something but I don't see any gas droplets.

Sadly modern cars have about 1,000 places where you can get a fuel leak so yours could be completely different but... I had a problem a while back that was kind of the same. No gas smell when getting out of the car after driving, but there would be a smell if you came back 15 minutes or half an hour or an hour later. No puddle on the ground. Initially only in the garage but it got worse over time to the point I could sometimes smell it when parked outside.

Turns out it was the high-pressure fuel pump. I took the cover off the top of the engine so I could watch it, started the engine and let it warm up, then shut it off. Initially there was no leakage, but about 10 minutes later, fuel started seeping out around the solenoid on the side of the pump (if I'm remembering correctly). It leaked for about 15 minutes then stopped. Not enough fuel came out for it to reach the ground, but it sure did smell!

[SDF1]

Which wheel.was it ?

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Rear Driver Wheel.

I'm not impressed with these tires... I'll probably go for the Perelli p zero nero next time. They are XT rated.
The inside of the tire was all black rubber, I'm honestly worried the other 3 tires are a ticking time bomb... might find someone to take off each tire check and the rebalance it to be sure.

[kwilson]

I had a set of Contenentals on one of my B6s. 3 of the 4 ended up being replaced under road hazard warranty. The most memorable was a blowout at 90 MPH outside of Las Vegas. That's when I discovered that my spare wheel was slightly bent, which made for a very loud drive back to Denver. Fun seeing the look on the salesperson's face at Discount Tire when I went in the next day and said that I think I might need a new tire.

[Rkymtnrider]

I had a set of Contenentals on one of my B6s. 3 of the 4 ended up being replaced under road hazard warranty. The most memorable was a blowout at 90 MPH outside of Las Vegas. That's when I discovered that my spare wheel was slightly bent, which made for a very loud drive back to Denver. Fun seeing the look on the salesperson's face at Discount Tire when I went in the next day and said that I think I might need a new tire.

Aww dude, you can patch that.

[mtroxel]

Aww dude, you can patch that.

Hell yea. $10 bottle of Slime and you're good to go!

[Smac770]

The third failure in that second set of DWS06 I had was at 80mph on the pothole in the middle lane of the big curve on I-24 westbound in Chattanooga. So I'm at speed under decent load and pop that tire. But nothing dramatic happened. It was obvious from the sound and the heavy steering that something had happened. I moved through traffic and took the exit there and pulled into the service station. Tire looked fine, but wouldn't hold pressure. Tire shop found the 1" slit along the bead after quite a bit of time with soap water.

So wtf are you guys doing to make tires rip themselves to shreds like these pics?

[SDF1]

Ok what what tires do you guys recommend? Something that will not kill me and no need for "winter" preformance.
Pirelli P Zero Nero has the XL rating and looks good on reviews but anyone here tried them?

[Smac770]

I liked Pirelli P Zero Nero M+S (Pirelli seems to have a higher performance P Zero All Season Plus now, never tried it; P Zero All Season without the Plus is a runflat, no thanks) when I had them on my G35. But they didn't last as long as the Pilot Sport A/S. $/mile, they were similar. But getting 22k miles for a tire set vs 30k miles for a tire set, I'll take the 30k.

I don't see a 225/50r17 for the Nero M+S, just the All Season Plus:
https://www.pirelli.com/tires/en-us/...ipcode=2442100

On the subject of the SL vs XL, notice the Audi marked 225/50r17 is now a 98 XL instead of a 94 SL. So seems the way to go is +4 load index XL and just run the same tire pressure. Which is what I've seen on my 245/40r18 as well. Originally 93 SL, but all the options out there are 97 XL. https://www.pirelli.com/tires/en-us/...ipcode=2417900

[ELaw]

Hell yea. $10 bottle of Slime and you're good to go!

Some car manufacturers seem to think so!

#SOGladMyAudisHaveActualSpareTires

[mtroxel]

I liked Pirelli P Zero Nero M+S (Pirelli seems to have a higher performance P Zero All Season Plus now, never tried it; [/url]

I think you're talking about my tires. I put a set of Pirelli P Zero AS + on last summer. Now, after about 20,000 miles, I just measured and I'm down to about 6/32s all the way around. I had 3 sets of Conti DWS before this and I got better tread life out of those. I might go back to those.

[SDF1]

I called conti and they told me to go to discount tire to do an inspection on the other 3 tires. Remove from the wheel inspect and rebalance. If there are issues they would refund a prorated amount.

I have 5050Miles on the tires and they are 7/32, 7/32, 8/32, 9/32 (New replacement).
So if I'm calculating 2/32 is 5000 miles and I replace at 4/32' I have about 12,500miles of threadlife... that is garbage... 100% never buying DWS-06 again.

[ELaw]

Oh go ahead and do it... you might get a check for $5 or $10 out if it!

Or more likely a credit for some identical or similar tires, which I sure would not want!

[SDF1]

Oh go ahead and do it... you might get a check for $5 or $10 out if it!

Or more likely a credit for some identical or similar tires, which I sure would not want!

Actually since they are under 1 year and under 2/32'' wear Conti said I would only pay for the balancing and mounting of new tires. Replaced by idential DWS-06.
So I'll have 4 brand new ones... They should be good for 2-3 years .... aka the life expectancy of this 2009 A4 with 115miles is probably another 2-3 years before the next massive repair bill lol

[morris39]

I think you're talking about my tires. I put a set of Pirelli P Zero AS + on last summer. Now, after about 20,000 miles, I just measured and I'm down to about 6/32s all the way around. I had 3 sets of Conti DWS before this and I got better tread life out of those. I might go back to those.

So tires are about half worn. You might get 40k miles of wear. Is that bad for a high performance all season? I have the same tires but on 19" wheels. For my use they perform as well as high performance summer tires (Conti ***Contact 5s) but are much quieter on rough surfaces. They could be quieter still in exchange for a little grip.

[mtroxel]

So tires are about half worn.

Well, since no one takes them down to 0/32 (almost no one) I'd say they're over half. And with my last 3 sets of DWS's, I got 45-50K out of a set. These are a little better in the dry than the DSW's. We didn't have that much snow here last year, so I'm not sure about that.

[morris39]

My approximate math. New depth 10/32": worn depth 6/32": wear: 4/32: limit 2/32" so still 4/32" left or about half of 10-2/32" theoretical life.Possible?

[SDF1]

Interesting. I did a full scan today and i noticed this

Address 14: Susp. Elect. (J250) Labels: None
Part No SW: 8K0 907 364 HW: 8K0 907 364
Component: DAEMPFUNGS-SG H08 0052
Revision: 00000000 Serial number: 17060800540003
Coding: 050181
Shop #: WSC 94708 999 82916
VCID: 70EF66C1A3A314CA2D-8024

2 Faults Found:
00774 - Level Control System Sensor; Rear Left (G76)
003 - Mechanical Failure - Intermittent
Freeze Frame:
Fault Status: 00100011
Fault Priority: 2
Fault Frequency: 2
Reset counter: 93
Mileage: 179262 km
Time Indication: 0
Date: 2020.06.27
Time: 12:09:14

Freeze Frame:

03262 - Comfort Restriction
000 - - - Intermittent
Freeze Frame:
Fault Status: 00100000
Fault Priority: 6
Fault Frequency: 2
Reset counter: 93
Mileage: 179262 km
Time Indication: 0
Date: 2020.06.27
Time: 12:09:14

Freeze Frame:
Error Code: 2


I reset and it's gone. Hope the sensor didn't get hit by the tire.

[Smac770]

Do you have an S4 with the 1BL adaptive suspension? Or did you retrofit 1BL to your car?

[ELaw]

00774 - Level Control System Sensor; Rear Left (G76)
003 - Mechanical Failure - Intermittent
Freeze Frame:
Fault Status: 00100011
Fault Priority: 2
Fault Frequency: 2
Reset counter: 93
Mileage: 179262 km
Time Indication: 0
Date: 2020.06.27
Time: 12:09:14

For what it's worth, I did some work on the rear suspension on my car a few months ago and found the sensor in lousy condition. The sensor has a linkage connecting it to the control arm and the ball joints at both ends of the linkage were rusted like crazy and it would hardly move at all. I oiled it up as a temporary fix, ordered a new one, and some day when I get bored I'll install it.

I would have expected longer lifetime in NC where you don't have all the salt on the roads in the winter like we do, but who knows... you may have the same problem. It's a lousy design as the ball joints aren't sealed at all.

[SDF1]

Do you have an S4 with the 1BL adaptive suspension? Or did you retrofit 1BL to your car?

A4 Premium Plus with Tech Package. It comes with Adaptive suspension and 4 level sensors.
Wish it didn't have that suspension it's going to be a very expensive shock replacement one day.

For what it's worth, I did some work on the rear suspension on my car a few months ago and found the sensor in lousy condition. The sensor has a linkage connecting it to the control arm and the ball joints at both ends of the linkage were rusted like crazy and it would hardly move at all. I oiled it up as a temporary fix, ordered a new one, and some day when I get bored I'll install it.

I would have expected longer lifetime in NC where you don't have all the salt on the roads in the winter like we do, but who knows... you may have the same problem. It's a lousy design as the ball joints aren't sealed at all.

The damage is already done, the salt and rust is everywhere and the extra heat in NC will accelerate the rust. I expect a rust bucket in 2-3 years lol

Last year I also got an error because of one of the level sensors. I removed each tire, cleaned the level sensor and added anti-rust lubricant. Never got the error again.

[Smac770]

A4 Premium Plus with Tech Package. It comes with Adaptive suspension and 4 level sensors.
Wish it didn't have that suspension it's going to be a very expensive shock replacement one day.

Guess I've been looking at B8.5 stuff too much lately; forgot the drive select package included 1BL for B8.0 (they removed it, or at least stopped documenting it for B8.5 order guides).
But it should have been an option only for Prestige trim according to the order guide. No idea what you mean by "tech package"; they didn't use that term in B8.0 order guides that I saw.

But yeah, while I would liked to have had it I think, when I replaced my shocks and saw what those cost, F. Maybe if they lasted much longer than the standard ones.

[SDF1]

Weird Issue...

For peace of mind I went to discount tire and had them remove each tire and inspect the inside for any damage. I don't want to be driving at 90MPH and a tire blows out...
As they are doing it they noticed something.
Front right tire and rim were very hot. This rim is a little bent and we put it in the rear.
He told me it's either the rim being bent causing this issue and this is not safe and recommends I get it checked out OR it could be my suspension. Either way he said we moved it to the rear, check the front right and rear right. If front right is warm then it's suspension related, if rear right is warm then the rim is very bent and you need to get it fixed or risk another blowout or worse...

Ehhhhh... I've never experianced this before. Any ideas?

[Spawne32]

Weird Issue...

For peace of mind I went to discount tire and had them remove each tire and inspect the inside for any damage. I don't want to be driving at 90MPH and a tire blows out...
As they are doing it they noticed something.
Front right tire and rim were very hot. This rim is a little bent and we put it in the rear.
He told me it's either the rim being bent causing this issue and this is not safe and recommends I get it checked out OR it could be my suspension. Either way he said we moved it to the rear, check the front right and rear right. If front right is warm then it's suspension related, if rear right is warm then the rim is very bent and you need to get it fixed or risk another blowout or worse...

Ehhhhh... I've never experianced this before. Any ideas?

Wheel bearing could def cause that kind of heat build up.

[SDF1]

Wheel bearing could def cause that kind of heat build up.

I had both front replaced 1 year ago when I had loud noises in the cabin. There is no noise... could it still be a bearing?