Tires "splitting" in the back

[Joanne Rice]

I just took my car to Firestone to have the oil changed and tires rotated. First of all they told me they can't rotate the tires because they are different sizes in the front and back. Then they told me they see evidence of my back tires "splitting" and I need to bring it back to Kia. I only have about 9000 miles on it. Anyone else have this issue?

 

[Kamauxx]

Sounds about right. My rear tires were done at 11k. Some people get less. Some get more.

And yes, the front/rear tires are different sizes.

 

[SteveCo]

If the tires are defective (and not damaged due to negligence), replacement should be covered by the tire manufacturer at only 9000 miles. They need to point out to you exactly what they are referring to, so you can follow up with your dealer. A vague reference to 'evidence of splitting' isn't enough to go on.

The staggered OE 19" tires can't be rotated front to back, but can go side to side as they are not directional. My winter tires (same size all round) are the opposite - they are directional so can be rotated front to back, but not side to side.

 

[Kamauxx]

OP, if you take it to the dealership for a warranty claim make sure your PSI is at the recommended level.

 

[MerlintheMad]

I got c. 18K out of the rear and c. 22K out of the front OE Michelin tires. A local with a GT2 got c. 6K out of his rear tires. And there is at least one poster here who got 4K out of his rears. There you go.

Welcome, Joanne Rice!

 

[CoconutRob]

Got OE tires for sale in classifieds cheap good spare set with only 2000 miles on them like new.

 

[Mike_TX]

Joanne, can you take pictures of the splits? Are they in the tread area? Down in the "valleys" between the thicker parts of the treads? Longitudinal or latitudinal (in line with the tread or across it)?

I've seen old tires crack or split in between the tread blocks in line with the tread, just due to weathering, but yours should not do that.

 

[Stinger GT SS]

I had 25,000kms on my Continentals & when they removed them one of them had a split on the inside.

 

[Mike_TX]

I had 25,000kms on my Continentals & when they removed them one of them had a split on the inside.
View attachment 32470 View attachment 32472

Dang! That looks almost like a retread coming apart! That could be very dangerous, so I'm glad you discovered it before it put you in the ditch.

 

[Stinger GT SS]

Dang! That looks almost like a retread coming apart! That could be very dangerous, so I'm glad you discovered it before it put you in the ditch.

Totally agree, looks like the tread had separated from the sidewall, I had no idea & I had not hit anything as this was on the inside.

 

[MisterMac]

Firestone should not send you to the dealer. Tire warranties are not through kia. They are strictly through the tire manufacturer, which Firestone should have started the process for you. They should not have put you back on the road if your tires have splits in them.

 

[Last Lemming Alive]

Looks like a cut that separated