Tires

[boris]

GoodYear Comfortread tires on my 2001 Forester are nearing the end of their
life. The car rocks and shakes - dealer told me that the tires are the
cause. Those tires were installed at 60K miles (3 years ago) - now the car
has 95K on it. But those tires are rated for 80K, I think. I had them
rotated every 5K miles. One thing I never do: checking the tire pressure
myself - but dealer checks it when doing service (I always serviced this car
at dealer) and tire shop people check it when rotating the tires. Is it a
problem? Should I check/adjust pressure in tires every week or so, in order
to increase their life?

Thanks,
Boris

 

[johninky]

GoodYear Comfortread tires on my 2001 Forester are nearing the end of their
life. The car rocks and shakes - dealer told me that the tires are the
cause. Those tires were installed at 60K miles (3 years ago) - now the car
has 95K on it. But those tires are rated for 80K, I think. I had them
rotated every 5K miles. One thing I never do: checking the tire pressure
myself - but dealer checks it when doing service (I always serviced this car
at dealer) and tire shop people check it when rotating the tires. Is it a
problem? Should I check/adjust pressure in tires every week or so, in order
to increase their life?

Thanks,
Boris

I would think at nearly 100K the struts are about due for
replacement. All tires have wear bars. If the thread is not worn
down to the wear bars, drive on.

 

[Gary Wohl]

GoodYear Comfortread tires on my 2001 Forester are nearing the end of their
life. The car rocks and shakes - snip>
Thanks,
Boris

The dealer and tire shop will fill the tires to the inflation listed
on the car. Generally, that tire pressure maximizes comfort but gives
up tread life. Inflate about 4 psi higher than suggested and check the
pressure every month. A $2 tire tread depth gauge can be used to
monitor proper tire pressure. Measure tread depth in a groove near the
inside, middle and outside of the tire. Even wear is what you seek.
Less tread depth in the middle means over-inflation. Less tread depth
along the inside and outside indicates under-inflation. Less tread
depth along the inside or outside and/or cupping or other unusual
tire wear pattern indicates a suspension issue. It will take 5,000 to
10,000 miles for a measureable wear pattern to develop.

Your experience with Goodyear tires is similar to mine. If tires cause
the car to shake, you need to replace them regardless of remaining
tread depth. Use The Tire Rack's web site to find decent tires for
your car. I've had good luck with Michelin, Bridgestone and Yokohama
tires; never their cheapest tires, though. Some dealers will match
Tire Rack prices.