New Tyres

grivas · 26th February 2012, 13:54

Hi guys,

Since MOT is due I decided to have the rear offside tyre replaced as it was still the original 8 year old one.

Whilst there I asked the fitter why the walls of the remaining three tyres which are all the same brand, Firestone Firehawks TZ200 ( OEM on the tourer) has evidence of tiny splits since these were fitted less than three yeas ago, he said this is probably due to weather being extreme, has anyone else experienced similar problems.?

HarryM1BYT · 26th February 2012, 13:59

Quote:

Originally Posted by grivas

Hi guys,

Since MOT is due I decided to have the rear offside tyre replaced as it was still the original 8 year old one.

Whilst there I asked the fitter why the walls of the remaining three tyres which are all the same brand, Firestone Firehawks TZ200 ( OEM on the tourer) has evidence of tiny splits since these were fitted less than three yeas ago, he said this is probably due to weather being extreme, has anyone else experienced similar problems.?

No, never - Just because they were fitted three years ago, doesn't mean they were new stock when fitted. Tyres deteriote from the moment they are made, especially when exposed to sunlight - may be worth checking the manuafacturing date code.

Bob Williams · 26th February 2012, 14:31

Many years ago I had a Maestro as a company car and at about 25,000 it was in for a service and they picked up cracks on the inside face of three of the original Dunlop tyres. Dunlop took it so seriously that they replaced all four tyres free of charge despite the mileage! I would never take a chance with tyres whatever the age or mileage.

grivas · 26th February 2012, 15:32

I might send an e mail to Firestone/Bridgestone see what they say. Thanks for all replies.

grivas · 26th February 2012, 16:08

I am unable to find an email address for Firestone Uk anyone have any ideas?. Thanks

Singvogel · 26th February 2012, 16:13

Quote:

Originally Posted by grivas

I might send an e mail to Firestone/Bridgestone see what they say. Thanks for all replies.

Hi,

What bad luck - watch out, as if there are enough cuts and they are bad enough - they may all fail the MOT.

What was the date of manufacture on them as a matter of interest?

I have a caravan with tyres that sit outside in all extremes of weather, and it's the sun that goes for them. I try to keep them covered now. as much as possible.

I had to renew them at 11 years old as I didn't like the look of them.

Covering is not very practical on one's car though.

At only three years old tyres should show no signs of deterioration like that.
Highly likely your tyre fitter sold you some old stock.

BeeJay55 · 26th February 2012, 16:31

Quote:

Originally Posted by grivas

I am unable to find an email address for Firestone Uk anyone have any ideas?. Thanks

Firestone is part of the Bridgestone(Europe) group of companies. Their contact details, together with a link to an email form can be found HERE

grivas · 26th February 2012, 17:23

Thank you all for replying, now, I have taken a good look at the three older tyres looking for a date of manufacture (DOT) number and both of the front ones have a DOT number of 1908, signifying that they were made in the 19th week of 2008, interestingly both of these tyres have only marginal splits, which are not on the wall but at base of thread, no such number can be found on the near side rear third tyre, so I am wondering if this was old stock, and as such do I have any come back, I always go to the same dealer so I do know them well, should I take it up with them first.? What do you suggest, as there is very little ware to the thread even after 3 years, 6mm left.

COLVERT · 26th February 2012, 18:14

Quote:

Originally Posted by grivas

Hi guys,

Since MOT is due I decided to have the rear offside tyre replaced as it was still the original 8 year old one.

Whilst there I asked the fitter why the walls of the remaining three tyres which are all the same brand, Firestone Firehawks TZ200 ( OEM on the tourer) has evidence of tiny splits since these were fitted less than three yeas ago, he said this is probably due to weather being extreme, has anyone else experienced similar problems.?

I've got identical tyres to your's and they were fitted 5 years ago and have no cracks to the sidewalls.

grivas · 26th February 2012, 19:34

Quote:

Originally Posted by COLVERT

I've got identical tyres to your's and they were fitted 5 years ago and have no cracks to the sidewalls.

So what can you conclude from this Colvert?

26th February 2012, 13:54	#1
grivas I really should get out more....... Rover 75 CDT Club Tourer Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Milky Way Posts: 2,392 Thanks: 105 Thanked 513 Times in 382 Posts	New Tyres Hi guys, Since MOT is due I decided to have the rear offside tyre replaced as it was still the original 8 year old one. Whilst there I asked the fitter why the walls of the remaining three tyres which are all the same brand, Firestone Firehawks TZ200 ( OEM on the tourer) has evidence of tiny splits since these were fitted less than three yeas ago, he said this is probably due to weather being extreme, has anyone else experienced similar problems.?

26th February 2012, 14:31	#3
Bob Williams Loves to post MG ZT-T+ Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Milton Keynes Posts: 419 Thanks: 5 Thanked 109 Times in 57 Posts	Many years ago I had a Maestro as a company car and at about 25,000 it was in for a service and they picked up cracks on the inside face of three of the original Dunlop tyres. Dunlop took it so seriously that they replaced all four tyres free of charge despite the mileage! I would never take a chance with tyres whatever the age or mileage.

26th February 2012, 15:32	#4
grivas I really should get out more....... Rover 75 CDT Club Tourer Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Milky Way Posts: 2,392 Thanks: 105 Thanked 513 Times in 382 Posts	I might send an e mail to Firestone/Bridgestone see what they say. Thanks for all replies.

26th February 2012, 16:08	#5
grivas I really should get out more....... Rover 75 CDT Club Tourer Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Milky Way Posts: 2,392 Thanks: 105 Thanked 513 Times in 382 Posts	I am unable to find an email address for Firestone Uk anyone have any ideas?. Thanks

26th February 2012, 17:23	#8
grivas I really should get out more....... Rover 75 CDT Club Tourer Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Milky Way Posts: 2,392 Thanks: 105 Thanked 513 Times in 382 Posts	Thank you all for replying, now, I have taken a good look at the three older tyres looking for a date of manufacture (DOT) number and both of the front ones have a DOT number of 1908, signifying that they were made in the 19th week of 2008, interestingly both of these tyres have only marginal splits, which are not on the wall but at base of thread, no such number can be found on the near side rear third tyre, so I am wondering if this was old stock, and as such do I have any come back, I always go to the same dealer so I do know them well, should I take it up with them first.? What do you suggest, as there is very little ware to the thread even after 3 years, 6mm left.