Ask Pete

[#1]

We've all heard that in order to get the most out of our tires, we should be diligent in maintaining proper air pressure and rotate the tires every 5,000-6,000 miles. While this is all very true, I hope that your technician is paying attention to the "story" the tires are telling.

Assuming the tires are all the same age, if the front tires are worn to a much greater degree than the rears, the tires are telling me the owner is remiss in a proper maintenance schedule.

If I see tires that are worn only on the outside edges, more than likely the vehicle's front end is out of alignment or has a worn steering component.

If I see tires that are cupped, chances are good the tires are telling me the shock absorbers are worn out.

And if I see tires where the outside edges are scalloped, the tires are trying to tell me the chances are good the toe adjustment of the alignment is out.

Conversely, if the tires are worn evenly across with only some slight wear on the outer edge, this is a properly maintained tire in the front of the vehicle that is showing normal cornering wear, and it is probably getting close to time to rotate as per the manufacturer's recommendation.

Knowing what the tires are trying to tell you can save you money and hopefully make you a more informed consumer!

[#2]

Pete:
I bought two General Exclaim UHP tires 8 month ago, I have driven less than 5,000 miles on them.  the last month they started to get real loud after driving at a speed of 25-30 miles per hour., so loud that even the sound equipment would not drown the noise out.

Yesterday while driving about 60 miles per hour, one of them blew out.

Is this a sign of a defect?  Have you hear any other complaints about this one tire?

Thank you.

[#3]

Assuming the installer installed the tires correctly as they are a directional tire, it sounds like you may have been hearing the early signs of internal belt separation which could indicate a defect. Without a ton of further information and visually inspecting the tire it is tough to say for sure. I have not heard of anything major regarding this brand/model tire. The best way to know for sure is to have a tire professional formally inspect the tires and your vehicle.  

[#4]

Hi Pete,

I think you are just the man I need, on tires. I'm looking for the quietest and softest riding ones for 2008 M-B  CL 550.

255x45 R18 is size on 18x8.5 rim. This vehicle has only 10,000 mis, and only 3/32 left to the wear bar. I am 72 and drive very carefully, no ripping around corners nor spinning the tires. The OEM tire is Michelin Pilot Primacy, I asked them for

a replacement, they offered M....Primacy MXV4 but no tread warranty.

I leaning toward the Toyo Versado LX with 40,000 mile tread warranty, which they say is quiet and comfortable riding.

I inquired of Consumers Reports how they tested for noise,  they never got back to me. No one wants to tell me how they measure 'quiet', or 'comfort'. Help, I'm dismayed and dissappointed, you know, what if I buy and they are terrible?

I've been to Tire Rack, to read buyer's comments, but of 3, 1. Wonderful 2. Terrible 3. Soso.

[#5]

When you get into this performance range of tires it's all about compromise. You may get better wear but the tires will be noisy. If you  get a silky smooth ride they won't last long (as you can attest).  Of the tires offered for your car I really don't like any of them but if I had to make a choice, I would check out the Continentals. Keep in mind that AAA does not support or endorse one tire manufacturer over another so these are truly my personal opinion. Of the ones you mentioned I can tell you that I have experience with the Toyo product. It is rough when cold and doesn't wear to my expectations. After they heat up they are silky smooth and quiet. I have a set on my SUV with 17,000 and it looks like I may only get another 5K out of them.  Hope this helps!  

[#6]

Pete, thank you for a prompt reply.

I live in SW FL, while the last 6 weeks have been cold, our norm is warm to hot.

With your comments I'm still leaning toward Toyo, but I'll look into the Continental. We have them on my wife's Acura 3.2

CL Type S, they have been satisfactory [ though I seldom drive it ].

Anyone else out there care to comment on Toyo or Continental tires, always welcome any and all real life experiences.

And Pete, what will you replace Toyos with? Does the manufacturer's tread warranty mean nothing?

Thanks again, cocoon.

[#7]

In my particular case, I will either go with Michelin or BF Goodrich. I have had great luck with BFG's in the past and currently have Michelin on my other, larger SUV and they are great. If. I'm not mistaken, I don't think BFG makes a tire for your vehicle yet.

[#8]

Hi Pete,

I took your suggestion to look at Continental tires, I am impressed with the 'reviews' on Tire Rack for the 'Conti Extreme Contact  DWS', mostly favorable, and mostly quiet and comfortable.

Now leaning toward these, and, I believe, made in Germany.

Any and all comments invited.

Anyone with first hand experience is welcome to respond to:

flkey@embarqmail.com

Thanks Pete.

[#9]

Update,

I bought Conti ProContact tires for M-B CL550, a huge improvement over Michelin Primacy OEMs.

Softer and quieter, we'll see about wear, they have 60k mi warranty, so far so good.

They changed whole character of this car, for the better.

Cocoon.