Put the rears on the front, that way you'll wear them out before they fall apart from perishing.

Do I need these changing too?

No. Classic example of motor industry flagrantly angling for unnecessary work for gullible customer.

And why is there only cracking on the rears?

Probably because compared to the fronts they have had an easy life just rolling along with no braking or accelerating forces to keep the surface area supple - and not even cornering forces if you are a slow and careful driver.

The lazy garage who put new tyres on the front should have followed the 'expert' advice (which I partially disagree with - I change all 4 tyres at once, and swap front to rear halfway throught their life so they wear equally) of putting the best tyres on the back and putting your 5mm tyred back wheels on the front. Go back and request that they do so - free of charge, otherwise you, your family and friends will take your custom elsewhere in future.

Oh, and modern tyres don't 'fall apart from perishing', if you only do 2,000m a year they will easily last 10yrs.

Edited by John F on 21/10/2016 at 11:49

There is only one thing I have to say:

I wouldnt loose any sleep over the issue but...

Its your car, money, wellbeing, piece of mind etc so ultimately......its your call and I wouldn't criticise you for whatever decision you make.

BTW... I have always found Tyreleader to be the most competive of the online suppliers.

Mrs S had this problem on her car a few years ago, also Continental tyres, we were told that this is not a new problem and cars that drive low mileages with wheels parked in strong sunlight are more prone to this problem. Perhaps your car is habitually parked with the rear tyres in the sun but front tyres in the shade?

Car failed the MOT so tyres had to be replaced on a distress basis - which is always the costly way to buy tyres.

If you go to kwik fit book the work online in advance .. it's cheaper