Z06Vette.com - Corvette Z06 Forum

VettesRule · 06-15-2002, 11:42 PM

I am running the A3S03s and they are fast, but, I have an unusual small groove running across the tread. It seems like the rubber is pulling apart ever so slightly.

These tires only have about 8 runs on them, is this normal? I was cleaning the tires for next weekends divisional and now...I am a little nervous.

DJWorm · 06-16-2002, 08:34 AM

You may have hit something, either an uneven part of the pavement or debri on the track.....dare I say Cone???

Anyways I wouldn't be too worried as these tires are soft and will reflect irregularities more than normal tires. I know that I have dug stones and concrete chips out of the contact patch that left a hole that I thought for sure was a puncture; then came back an hour later and the soft rubber had reformed and the hole was gone!!!!

If you could post a picture of it, it might help me to see it. I have also noticed that on some new Hoosiers there are "blems" on the contact face, but they quickly go away.

If the slit looks like it is peeling from a rotational stand point, you could switch the tire to the other side and it will rotate the opposite way and minimize the grip stress on the slit.

Silver Bullet · 06-16-2002, 08:43 AM

Won't worry. If all you do is autocross the speed isn't enough to concern with them blowing worse case.
Besides DJ is right it most likely is you ran over something and cut a small grove.

VettesRule · 06-17-2002, 09:39 AM

Talked to a competitor with the same tires and the same problem.

He took his to a tire dealer and they said it was the begining of a butt splice failure. I don't know what this means, but, I emailed both the tire rack and Hoosier. I am waiting for a reply.

alextz · 06-17-2002, 11:00 AM

That happens on some hoosiers. Its how the carcass of the tire is seamed up from the factory. I have had it happen to me, it should not affect anything, as the belts are not separating or anything like that. You may consider putting that tire on the side of the car that goes with the direction of the seam of the tire.

Alex

Jose Gonzalez · 06-17-2002, 05:09 PM

Let us know what hoosier tells you. In the past I have gotten a tire that developed a problem that made the tire of no use. The tire had about three runs but they had no desire give me a new one. I bought the tire with Tirerack. So, I do not know if this TR problem or Hossier? This was a good time ago so policies might have changed. Wonse you roll on them, warrenty expires.

VettesRule · 06-18-2002, 08:39 AM

Thanks for the feedback guys!

I have had no response from Hoosier yet. I'll let you all know what they say.

Chetah · 06-18-2002, 10:52 AM

Run the crap out of them. Hoosiers are very sticky and wear out fairly fast, BUT I have never had any of them BLOW out on me and I have run several down to the metal. DOH!

WHen you start seeing metal, THEN it is time to "retire"

them.

jknight · 06-19-2002, 12:45 PM

Not the same tire, but I had a set of Kumhos do exactly the same thing. Right across the tire, a perfectly thin line. The Kumhos did this in three places evenly spaced around the tire. Many of the other guys running Kumhos had experienced same thing from time to time and said it was where the tread splices together and there was nothing to worry about. I imagine its a similar thing with the Hoosiers.

Be sure to post back what you hear.

DJWorm · 06-19-2002, 04:24 PM

.....there is NO metal in Hoosiers. They only have 2 nylon and 2 fiberglass belts.

Actually I have seen them run to the cord......but the grip may not be there by that time.

Chetah · 06-19-2002, 09:35 PM

DJworm - OOPS, my bad! You are right, it is not metal, it is cording.

Metal sounds better though...

ANd yes, you do realize at some point that you would get better grip from your street tires at this time

I am just a little stubborn sometimes...

VettesRule · 06-20-2002, 10:20 AM

Guys,

I got a reply from Hoosier today. I am happy to report...No problem with the tires.

Here is the reply:

Danny,

Thanks for your Email and for choosing Hoosier Tires. Our A3S03 radials have been very competitive on the Solo circuit this year. We have quite a few wins in the National Tour and ProSolo events.

The line or groove you spoke about is probably the junction point where the tread is laid together. The tread is one piece of rubber which joins at one location. The tread ends runs from sidewall to sidewall. It is not a problem to continue running on the tires, but keep an eye on it. If it grows or opens further please contact us for possible adjustment. There is no issue with tire deflation.

Have fun racing this weekend.

- Jeff Speer, Product Manager

jknight · 06-20-2002, 11:23 AM

Thanks for reporting back.