While driving on the interstate the tire pressure monitor indicated a low left rear tire. i stopped and added the necessary air and continued driving. in about 10 miles the monitor indicated that the tire was low again. i stopped as soon as possible to have it checked. upon inspection i was told that the tire was ok but the wheel had a1 inch hairline crack in the bead area on the inside side of the rim. there was no indication of damage to the wheel or tire or wheel. i feel that this was a defective wheel made in china. this was a gm aluminum 20 inch wheel. this defective could have caused a serious accident. i don't think that i can take a picture that would show the crack.as it is a hairline crack.
Bought car new. original goodyear eagle ls2 tires with 5 belted radial including 2 steel belts. 3000 miles on car. proper inflation. speed 40 mph state road divided highway night, not turning. heard rumbling high pitch sounds which i first thought was transmission, but was anti skid/abs computer assisted braking. car pulled sharply right, instrument panel showed right tire -0- psi. complete tire failure sidewall & smoking. tire material was totally disintegrated. towed by aaa. gm dealership is assessing damage. marked p235/50r18 97h 0216640.