3.3TT Tire Life / Warranty / Roadside Assistance / AAA

[Spyder168]

Spyder, you have a "talent" for this.

I need to be completely awake before replying...lol!

 

[7Andrei7]

@Nedstand how old is your car? Has it been sitting for very very long periods in the sun? Or maybe a lot of off-roading?
I can see in the second pic that the tires are about 4 years old but this is very very unusual.. I've seen micro cracks but never something like this. I'd make a claim sooner rather than later.

 

[Nedstand]

@Nedstand how old is your car? Has it been sitting for very very long periods in the sun? Or maybe a lot of off-roading?
I can see in the second pic that the tires are about 4 years old but this is very very unusual.. I've seen micro cracks but never something like this. I'd make a claim sooner rather than later.

3 years old. Yes, it sits in my driveway and gets some sun, however I've been in this house for 24 years, and prior cars did not exhibit similar. No off-roading at all.

 

[WRXtoStingerGT]

Not sure how to pm on here? Where are you located? I am in TX

All good friend! I am in Florida right now but met up with a buddy who has tires ready. But I saw your post/message on my profile so I have you saved/bookmarked now for the future!

 

[Nedstand]

Quick update - Took the Stinger to the tire shop today. The advisor took photos to send to Michelin and ordered new tires to install tomorrow. He said this is highly unusual, and he thinks Michelin will cover the costs or replacement.

He also mentioned something I had not heard before, and he said this very quickly, so I'm not 100% sure I heard him right. Becuase the rear tires are larger than the front, the warranty is cut in half from 20K to 10K miles. Anyone else hear this before? He doesn't think it will matter since this clearly isn't normal wear & tear based on mileage.

 

[MerlintheMad]

warranty is cut in half from 20K to 10K miles

True. The rear tires on a staggered setup have half the treadlife warranty. But as you say, yours are not worn out, they are falling apart.

 

[Nate_dawg1]

I just called Michelin and the auto system said I have to take it to an authorized Michelin Dealer for inspection. The local tire shop I've used for years is on their dealer list. It's 5 miles and I can use surface streets.

I agree it's scary looking but I think 5 miles is OK.

Follow up Q - My Stinger is AWD. I've heard different opinions regarding other AWD cars I've had in the past (Audi A6, BMW X5). Some say if one tire needs to be replaced, all four have to be replaced (Pep Boys actualy told me they would not replace one tire on the A6 when I had a nail puncture the sidewall). I'm not sure if that's for real, or some BS story to get people to buy 4 new tires. What do the experts here say about the AWD Stinger in this regard?

I used to work at discount tire, this is true. It has to do with the extra pressure it would put on the transmission, from not being level, the way it was designed... they also don't want the cost to replace the transmission, if a lawsuit was filed.

 

[shaneswatson]

Every car buyer ultimately begs the question, "Are automotive warranties transferable?" The truth is that a warranty's transferability is decided by the warranty's terms. Manufacturer warranties are often transferrable, but not all of them are.

To make sure you know what you're getting into, read the terms and conditions of each warranty. If you're selling a car that comes with a transferable warranty, make sure to mention it in the advertisement. It has the ability to increase the number of prospective buyers.

 

[JSolo]

I used to work at discount tire, this is true. It has to do with the extra pressure it would put on the transmission, from not being level, the way it was designed... they also don't want the cost to replace the transmission, if a lawsuit was filed.

I can see the diameter difference being an issue on drive wheels with a limit slip. Question (concern) is, what variance does the traction control system allow in the wheel speed of respective wheels on a single axle and all axles (awd) to function properly and not prevent overheating of cluctches/excessive brake wear (due to traction control activity). If the variance is small then that could ultimately lead to possible damage when new/used tires are mixed.

For me it's always been rule of thumb to at least replace in pairs (axle) if remaining tire has a significant amount of wear. What's significant......25%, 50%....? I don't know¿?

Audi's are generally over engineered vehicles. I can see PB not wanting to take on the responsibility unless they replace all 4 tires.

 

[WRXtoStingerGT]

Every car buyer ultimately begs the question, "Are automotive warranties transferable?" The truth is that a warranty's transferability is decided by the warranty's terms. Manufacturer warranties are often transferrable, but not all of them are.

To make sure you know what you're getting into, read the terms and conditions of each warranty. If you're selling a car that comes with a transferable warranty, make sure to mention it in the advertisement. It has the ability to increase the number of prospective buyers.

lol