I recently purchased a set of tires from Big O. They're Bigfoot HT, Lt235/85R16. I noticed a couple of days later that all of the tires have ripples that extend from the outside diameter to the rim. There are at least 2 ripples on each tire. I went back to Big O and they said that it was normal and not a defect. I usually buy Michelin or BF Goodrich tires and have never noticed this condition before. Is Big O correct or do I have defective tires?

 

for that size of tire I would be worried. Go to another dealer is my recommendation.

 

You mean, like a wavyness to the sidewall? I've seen that many times and didn't think much of it. It looked normal to me. But if it's more like bubbles or delamination, then of course that is a problem.

Why not go to a different tire dealer and as for an opinion?

 

Yes, I suppose you could also say there is a "wavyness to the sidewall". Good idea about going to another tire shop for their opinion. I'll do that and see what they say.

 

Those 'ripples' that you see are normal and can be seen in almost all tires if you look closely enough.

They are at the place where the belting overlaps. Actually they are the strongest part of the sidewall since they are double-layered. Since it's stronger there, the air pressure can't "push" it out as far as the rest of the sidewall.

Phil

 

My Pirellis and Indy Firehawks on my Thunderbird had them... they're fine.

 

exactly.. ur just seeing the impression of the steel belts that are inside the rubber casing..

no need for worry..

 

I had one on my BFGs that was very noticeable. I haven't seen them on my toyo's yet.