I don't think AAA will go out on this service call...

At least the Rover didn't run out of gas...

 

That hole looks smaller than the deliberate Morse Code 'JPL' signature holes in the tread.

 

They need to reroute their AAA call through a Jimmy John's. They'd be there freaky fast.

Might even want to get the USPS to hire JJ's workers...

 

Wonder if those rims will catch on

 

I'm not buying it. I followed the link in the OP's post to the higher resolution photo. Look closely at the 6 guide holes at the bottom of the wheel picture. Note the thickness of the material the wheel is made of. Then look at the damaged area closely. If that damage is a true perforation, you should see the same thickness in the torn area. Looks more like peeled paint to me.

 

The "6 guide holes" may have raised shoulders for strength since the wheel material is so thin.

 

I am sure they can get a clearer picture by rolling it so the hole goes up the sides and top of the tire to get a pretty good view. The cameras on that thing is amazing.

We have 27 different parts in there, but always amazed at how well these things survive in such harsh terrain for so long.

 

Rough Roving: Curiosity's Wheels Show Damage : Discovery News
Here's a article discussing more of the wheel construction. Gravity is 1/3 that of earth. Wheel skin is .75mm thick.

And another photo:

 

Who cares. The tread is still good. How many miles so far?

 

The heck with the hole, I want to see the nail it ran over.

 

Those aren't guide holes. They are a tread pattern that says 'JPL' in Morse Code.

 

OK, now that I see a pic of the other side, I am way wrong. But what's wrong with a seventh guide hole in such a wide wheel? Plenty of service miles left on that puppy.

If someone tries to sell me some used Mars rover wheels some years off, I'll look for that type of damage to determine if they're real or not.

 

140 million miles...I'd like to see that UOA.