My Passat is a 2.5 V6 Tdi auto. I've owned it for 5 years and my driving (distances, driving style, mix of town/m-way, etc...) has not changed during this time. The tyre size it takes is a 225/45x17 91 Y. At 49k, I fitted Michelin SPS2's to the front. At 55k, these were switched to the rear and two new SPS2's were fitted to the front. At 77k (after 22k miles), these fronts needed replacing so I put two more SPS2's on. These needed replacing after only 15k miles! The tyre shop didn't have Michelins but recommended Bridgestones, so I had four of these (so at this point, the front Michelins had done 15k, the backs had done 43k). I now find that these Bridgestones are barely legal at the front after no more than 12k!!! (the backs have more left, but certainly won't last 43k like the original Michelins did).
So my front tyre life has reduced dramatically from 22k (Michelins) to 15k (Michelins again) to 12k (Bridgestones). ANy reason for this? Tyre wear is always even so there are no tracking problems. Are tyres just getting softer?
Can anyone recommend a tyre which will give me at least 20k at the front?
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There are new EU rules coming in May 2012* for noise and rolling resistance, so maybe they were made structurally stiffer but with a softer compound. Make notes of the UTQ? gradings on the side. eg. Treadwear 280 Temperature A Traction AAA. and compare when you change tyres.
I have the same car and engine/transmission but with 205 55 ZR16 91W , and get ~15,000 from fronts and 30,000 from rears, using premium brand/model.
*also note that tyre pressure monitoring systems will be mandatory on new cars too.
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Front suspension wear is a problem with this chassis, especially when fitted with the heavy V6. Although your tyres may not be wearing unevenly, an alignment check would be in order as all of your other factors are "unchanged".
In choosing an operator for this, ask if they can set the "raised toe" - of course, there is a special tool and procedure for this. If not, walk away.
659.
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659FBE, interested in your comment about suspension. I've noticed in the last year or so a definite wandering left or right when, for example, I drive over a white line or similar unevenness which is parallel to the direction of travel. I've asked my VW dealer twice to check this and on both occasions they say they can't reproduce the problem and can find nothing wrong. It's nothing to do with worn tyres because when I had the last ones fitted it made no difference.
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At the mileage covered there is likely to be free play in the track rod ends and possibly in other front suspension joints, so a careful check for wear would be in order. The front suspension is a comically complex design and is prone to wear but requires very careful checking as its not always easy to spot a loose joint.
A VW dealer would in my experiences be unlikely to find any problems and be still less likely to be able to properly reset the toe. Find a knowledgeable and interested independent.
659.
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Find a knowledgeable and interested independent.
Does HJ keep a list of these somewhere on the web site? As you correctly implied, my old girl is well into middle age (110k) and I've always gone for that 'VW' stamp in the service book, maybe it's not so important now? Sorry - I'm getting off-thread here. Perhaps a good independent would advise on tyres as well.
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Does HJ keep a list of these somewhere on the web site?
Not sure if he has any listed in his Good Garages directory or not -
www.honestjohn.co.uk/directory/index.htm
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I would expect at least the front upper arm rear bushes to be shot and when you turn the tracking is distorting and excess tyre wear is the result yet retaining what appears to be an even profile. This would also explain the wandering in a straight line, white line, road crowns and uneven surfaces. Regards Peter
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