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Why am I only getting 15,000 miles from a set of tyres on my 2008 Mercedes-Benz C-Class?
On retirement three years ago I bought myself a new C-Class Sport Mercedes-Benz and have done 30,000 miles. Its just had its first MOT and failed because of splits on the rear tyres. This is the third set of (Mercedes-Benz-recommended) rear tyres and I am advised that for my tyres, 255Z/35R18, 15,000 miles per rear set is typical. To make matters worse, the front and back are different sizes so it’s not even possible to swap them around.
With my previous car, a Nissan Maxima, I got nearly 60,000 miles out of a set of tyres. I now realise the downside of low profile tyres and although I like my Mercedes-Benz, I am finding it hard to swallow the £400 plus bill every 18 months. Don’t you think that tyre life should be brought to our attention when choosing a car model?
With my previous car, a Nissan Maxima, I got nearly 60,000 miles out of a set of tyres. I now realise the downside of low profile tyres and although I like my Mercedes-Benz, I am finding it hard to swallow the £400 plus bill every 18 months. Don’t you think that tyre life should be brought to our attention when choosing a car model?
Asked on 3 April 2011 by PM via email
Answered by
Honest John
255/35 R18 rear tyres are ludicrous for a saloon car of average power used on public roads. That's the problem. If the engine has 400hp plus then the car may need such 'high performance' tyres (which itself begs the question why do you need so much power?). But if it is not a high performance model, then swap all the wheels and tyres for 16-inch of equivalent rolling circumference and all your troubles will be over. Disclose the modification to your insurer.
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