Bridgestone Potenza Sport - 245/40ZR20/XL 99(Y) Tire

I took my car into the shop yesterday to patch a very small nail puncture. Upon initial examination the shop said it would be an easy fix. However, when they removed the tire both sides of the internal sidewalls had split and were damaged to the point where the shop said they would be dangerous to drive on. I ended up purchasing a new tire but now am wondering about the tire on the left side since the damage is only visible if the tire is removed from the rim. The tread depth on the tire I replaced was 5 millimeters and had about 12,000 miles and I expected it to last for at least a few more years. Needless to say I was extremely disappointed to find out that that a $400+ tire was so poorly constructed that it lasted less than two years.

You get what you pay for. These tires are meant to be high performance tires with an emphasis on traction in dry or wet conditions. In this aspect, the tire performs beautifully, which gives you great confidence. Being that this is a performance tire, it is expected that a compromise has been made between performance and durability. More traction=less durability. Some folks may find this to be less appealing but you get what you pay for. As an aside, regular rotations and balancing, along with proper tire pressures may elongate the life of these tires. Regarding dry and wet performance, these tires are excellent in both. I recommend these tires if durability is not a priority. Definitely buy these tires if you prioritize dry and wet performance, since these tires will meet or exceed your expectations.