My Cooper A3 blew a out a tiny hole on the sidewall today. The truck had been parked for maybe an hour and it sounded like a gunshot when it blew. Scared the dog!! It's a couple years old with about 36Km on it.

Brought it back to where I bought but they don't sell Coopers anymore. Brought it to another shop and he'll ask the rep if this is a warranty issue. Has anyone seen anything like this before? Can't image how damage from the outside could cause a failure like this.

 

Since I don't see sidewall damage (other than the hole), I would expect warranty coverage.

If the sidewall was badly scraped from curb damage, I would feel different. Weasel space? Under inflated or overinflated tires can blow out. Under inflation combined with hitting a curb, for instance. Inspection will likely show such damage from the inside when it is dismounted.

Overinflation or underinflation may also be determined by inspecting the wear pattern of the tire (worn in the center or the edges, respectively).

Absent sidewall damage from rubbing curbs, abnormal tread wear, or physical damage on the inside of the tire from hitting something, you have a bad tire. The bummer is that under most warranty policies, you may only get prorated replacement for that tire. Worse yet, you will have to pay full price for the mate on the other end of the axle.

And sorry the dog got scared.

 

 

 

Do you off road? Rub curbs? I see scraping on the sidewall at the top of the photo and marks on the raised white lettering. Road debris maybe?

 

Well I didn't hit the curb, but I forgot to mention I put the truck on it's side this winter - in the snow. I guess that would damage it internally even if it didn't necessary hit anything hard? Just the torquing of it as it went over or was pulled back over by the tow truck?
Pressure was at max on the other side of the truck rear, 80 lbs. I've now reduced it to 65 lbs.
35Km is about 0.4 of warranty life (55K miles).

I just got a new one and they gave to me for about 1/2 price. Not complaining!!