Car Experts: Can you answer a tire problem question?

by restrangled 25 Replies latest jw friends

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  restrangled

  Pirelle tires 235/55 17 PZero Nero's. The car has 39,000 miles since Decmeber of 2004. Never raced, never abused, never hit anything! The tires have been rotated twice. This is a Ford 2005 GT driven by a mom to grocery stores, malls, etc. rarely used on the highway. Last month the steering wheel started shaking and I was very concerned. My husband told me for the amount I drive it, it didn't matter.

  My son needed to take my car to work the other day, about a 20 mile treck on the high way, and the left front tire literally stripped away on the inside on the way home. You can feel the shards of metal.

  After I did the penny check, it seems both tires need replacing on the left side. The right side has plenty of tread.

  So, here are my questions:

  Do I buy the same tires, should I drive it to the tire store, and does this seem like normal wear for such expensive tires.

  Thanks in advance!
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  tenyearsafter

  I'm not a car expert, but it sounds like a seperated belt...high performance tires are notorious for limited wear performance. My Corvette required new tires every 15K miles or so...if you got nearly 40K out of the Pirellis, I'd say you did well. As to driving to the tire store, it would depend on how far you have to go and how fast you will be driving. If you take it slow and easy, without too many miles to get there, you should be ok. Hope that helps a bit...
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  tenyearsafter

  If the wear is on one side of the car, you might want to have the alignment checked as well...
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  restrangled

  Thanks Tenyearsafter,

  The tire store is not too far away, about 3 miles maybe 5 max. Top speed 40. (Most at 35) Do I need to buy the same brand?

  r.
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  OUTLAW

  Restrangled..No it`s not normal..You may have a wheel alienment problem..That problem will eat as many tires as you allow..You have to get the problem checked out by professionals..Quality tire shops have the proper diagnostic equipment to figure out tire problems......You need to get it checked,for both safty and monetary reasons......The fix will be much cheaper than letting the problem continue..............................OUTLAW
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  John Doe

  Odd that the back tire wore on the inside--usually it's only the front ones that do that. Of course, this depends on the suspension setup.

  Here, it's only $69 to have an alignment done if no parts are required. If your alignment is off, then 39,000 miles is excellent.
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  restrangled

  Yes outlaw, somehow I instinctively knew that, but was told to ignore it. For some reason the main man in this household was not concerned then and isn't bothered with it now. That's why I am asking questions here.

  Thanks so much.

  r.
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  restrangled

  JD, it was the front left inside tire. Then I checked the back left with the penny....They both are shot at 39,ooo.

  The right front and back still have plenty of tread.

  thanks......r.
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  tenyearsafter

  I agree with Outlaw and JD...it is important to have the suspension looked at and the alignment checked...it is cheap maintenance. I am not a big fan of mixing brands and tread patterns on a car...I would stick with the Pirellis if you are going to only replace two of them. Just drive carefully to the store!!
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  OUTLAW

  Restrangled..10yearsrsAfter makes a good point

  .."I am not a big fan of mixing brands and tread patterns on a car

  ".............................Unless your strapped for cash,keep the tires and tread the same all around your vehicle.....I find it odd hubby would not be concerned about that problem..Not only is it costly,it`s dangerous......And..Your very welcome..........................OUTLAW