Tire Input

[sickhonda]

I need a good input on this…all you tire expert, like TIRERACK crew or just people with their own personal experience, please fill me in!

I have a 91 Honda Accord and currently running on size 17” rims with Nitto NT-450 (215/45ZR17) all-season performance tires. Like most of us up NORTH, cursed with winter, we remove our wheel/tire set up and swap them with stock rims w/snow tires. My set of tires were just used for good three months (Aug.-Oct.) last year and re-installed mid-April of this year. The tires are practically close to brand new in condition, and very happy with its performance, even on a snow-covered road.

One late night I was driving (in a highway) over in Jersey and I was not effective in avoiding a medium size pothole. The impact slashed/punctured my sidewall and deflated both left tires. After pulling over to the safe side, checked the actual pothole for any protruding sharp object and failed to see any, except for sharp edges of the asphalt. The whole entire event cost me over $300 just for towing the vehicle back home.
My question is, do all tires (low profiles) normally get punctured this easily on the sidewall or can this be considered a flaw on the design? I know for sure that all tires are inflated properly, habit of mine to check before any long drive. I need to know what my chances are in getting replacement tires, these are only covered by manufacturers warranty. Tried to make inquiries with Victoria Tire (dealer where I purchased the set from) and with Nitto, but as expected, no reply.
What is the best approach in dealing with them?

If my only option is to buy new ones, do I buy the same brand tire (knowing what I know now)? What tire is available out there (my size) with same specs as Nitto, but with stronger sidewall? I’m really concern on the ride quality I’ll get with different brand/type tires. I also need all-season tires to keep them on longer and for any unexpected early snow. Money is also very tight at the moment since I lost my employment a while back. Basically what I’m looking for is a budget type but still effective and long lasting quality.
I appreciate any input from anyone to help me decide my next move. THANKS!

[CivicSiRacer]

You prolly got a pinch flat. That can happen if you don't have enough tire pressure in the tire OR the pothole was so large it just pinched the rim against the road.

[sickhonda]

Originally, I was hoping for that scenario when I pulled over to the side, until I heard and saw where the air was being release while it was slowly deflating. Not a punctured hole, instead a small slash opening (nothing bigger than 2/3" of slash across on the outside surface and penetrated through less than a 1/4" opening). Either way, any opening of a sort on the sidewall is enough to render the tire useless, and no effective and safest remedy for it other than to replace it.

No point in waiting for the manufacturer or the dealer to reply...like waiting for miracle to happen.:angel:
I was really looking for someone with experience in dealing with them, and maybe suggest something, to see if I can get at least a discount on a new pair of tires. And also what to replace them with, which tire have stronger sidewall. Just not too comfortable with these type now. I want to invest my money on something reliable this time around.