1992 300D.

I found tear on the side wall of right front tire.
The tires are 2 weeks old.

When I called SEARS, someone suggested replacing one tire with different make different weight index (but the same size), because they had that tire in stock. I said I cannot accept that and headed for SEARS.

Two people at SEARS said that the crack did not make air leak, and that it was only cosmetic, and that they cannot offer replacement.
I insisted that it might affect safety.
They let my car in and had a technician wash the tire and see it more carefully.
He said the crack depth almost reached the belt, and that the tire should be replaced.


Now here begin my questions.


[1-1]
If I had gotten the tear by hitting a curb at some angle, should I have my wheel inspected for crack or bend?
If my wheel is bent or cracked, does the usual wheel balancing detect the problem?
(The edge of the wheel has a scratch around the tire crack. However, my old wheels have many scratches at the edge (some are not merely surface scratches – eye detectable deformation at the edge - no technician told me to replace the wheels -).)

[1-2]
Should I do alignment again (I did alignment a couple of months ago. I do not find anything odd in handling.)?



[2]
When I went to SEARS for the crack, my car ran only about 400 miles on the new tires. So SEARS is replacing only one tire under road hazard warranty. But, according to SEARS, the tire maker does not have the tire in stock now. So I have to wait 2~3 weeks. If I run more miles during those weeks, will it still be OK to replace just one tire, instead of a pair? (e.g. 3 tires ran 1000 miles, one tire is brand new)
Shall I order another tire with my own money so that they can replace tires in pair?

1000 miles ... replace just 1 ... and have the wheel inspected for cracks or bends .... if not cracked and straight you'll be fine

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