Found some tire sidewall damage - What do you think?

Picked up a used 2024 with about 15K miles. Found some gouges in the Yokohama Geo Lander tire sidewall rubber that isn't terrible, but it's enough for me to see what the experts think vs give myself excuses to go tire shopping. Texas summer is coming and those really hot roads love to eat up damaged tires on long trips. This is also a good opportunity to post my first technical topic on the forum. Happy to be here.

 

Put that tire on the rear and have a well-maintained spare. That's what I'd do. And don't drive 90.

 

I would use it - spare or otherwise - maybe not for towing with added weight...but it really looks more Cosmetic than any real damage...

 

15k miles those tires are near end of life since the OEM ones only last til 20-30k, likely be at 5/32nds at 20k and replace then. Drive to that depth, save some bucks up meanwhile and get new tires in 3-9 months.

Here’s some nice sidewall damage I got last week haha:

 

I would not be concerned. Unless you can see the cords your ok. Once they are exposed to the elements it can start ruducing the sidewall integrity.

 

Citation needed. That's not what my experience has been.

 

The Gen 2 and 2.5, 3 most common Toyota tires only last around 20-30k. This is due to the tread material specified by Toyota to be softer than the otherwise identical tire found at a tire store, this is to presumably improve ride, grip and braking initially at the cost of tread-wear. Also applies to 4runners and Tacomas that use similar tires. There are hundreds of comments in the Gen2 and Gen3 forums like this:


I have had similar results with my 2x Tundras and 4runner, but usually it’s mentally time to get new shoes around then anyways so doesn’t bother me.

 

Interesting. My 2010 tundra made it to 50k miles and '13 venza would have done the same, but rubber wore out from UV, so i changed them with tread still left over.

Maybe more air perhaps and take corners less aggressively? I always kept mine around 37psi.