I was washing my 2016 Lexus RX today and noticed that one of my rear tires has a chip on the sidewall. Photos below (click on them to zoom in).
These tires have approx. 38000 km (24000 miles) on them, and have about 7/32" tread left.

Is it safe to continue using this tire?

 

I want to say yes, ok to drive on them, but not 100% sure. I'd go to a shop and ask them.

 

If you take it to the shop, they'll tell you that they can't repair side wall damage and that you should have it replaced. If you hit a pot hole at 80 MPH on the highway and your side wall blows out, RIP.

 

The sidewalls are not as thick as the tread. If I were you I'd replace it. If you run at high speeds for a continued length of time you might weaken or blow out the tire sidewall. What tire pressure do you run at?

 

Typically running at 35 PSI.

 

I assume that is a cold reading, if so when hot you will run at 37 - 40 PSI. Be careful and stay safe!

 

I will bring it to a shop for an in-person opinion sometime over the weekend, if I can find one that's open.

How thick is the sidewall on a tire anyway? Trying to figure out how much of the sidewall this chip has actually penetrated through.

 

I don't know the thickness but whatever it is I'd prefer to have all of it.

 

I took it to 2 tire shops today (Kal Tire and Fountain Tire), and the techs at both shops told me this is nothing to worry about and doesn't need replacement. Should I get a 3rd opinion?

 

You are good. Nothing to worry about.

 

There's no way you should drive on that. Theres no telling when it burst

 

OK Arrowroot, you've heard from all the experts. Now it's time for you to make your decision!

 

Everyone here wants to help, but I'd go with tire shop advice over member opinion. Just keep an eye in it, there are several layers of belts on the sidewall. BTW, If you hit a deep pothole at 80 mph, there's a good chance that ANY tire will fail and bend the rim, using you to do several 360 degree spins.

 

LOL, the answers have been 50/50, making this very difficult.
i will try a couple other tire shops over the weekend.

 

If you have 24K miles on your Bridgestones, even with an indicated 7/32 of tread left, they might also suffer from weather checking, or other wear after five or six years of use. You must drive very conservatively, since I believe these tires start at 10/32.

Since you are experiencing fantastically great tire wear, I would just drive on that tire. Most of us have worn out our Bridgstones by 24k, and have moved on.