2002 C230K - Large tear in front left tire
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2001 C240
2002 C230K - Large tear in front left tire
While driving, I noticed something strange/unbalanced with the left front tire and thought it was a flat. I pulled over and took it to the nearest shop for inspection and discovered the tire was ripped. They said it was a common problem with Michelin tires. They also said there was something wrong with the bearings as they spun the tire and showed me there was a lot of "play" or "give." I'm guess that means it was spinning pretty loose but don't know much about cars. Judging by the location of the tear, should I be worried about a bigger mechanical problem beyond replacing the tire?
They also suggested I replace all 4 tires as they all show cracking on the outside and the two rear tires are worn to the markings. Tires were last replaced around 2010 per the previous owner. Does anyone have tire recommendations? My friend suggested I get the Bridgestone Ecopias from Costco. The car is used for commuting and the occasional trip to the Bay Area or Las Vegas. Thanks!
2002 C230K coupe
92,000 miles
Los Angeles, CA
They also suggested I replace all 4 tires as they all show cracking on the outside and the two rear tires are worn to the markings. Tires were last replaced around 2010 per the previous owner. Does anyone have tire recommendations? My friend suggested I get the Bridgestone Ecopias from Costco. The car is used for commuting and the occasional trip to the Bay Area or Las Vegas. Thanks!
2002 C230K coupe
92,000 miles
Los Angeles, CA
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Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 795
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From: San Diego, CA
2016 E350 Sport; Mom Wrecked the 2008 E350; sold the 2002 C320
Other than the bearings, I don't think you need to worry about any other mechanical problems just based on tire separation. 5 years is an awfully long time for tires!
With regard to tire recommendation, it really depends on what you're looking for, and driving style. Comfort? Performance? Durability?
I used to use Bridgestone tires and while they offer a good ride, they wear out way too fast compared to others.
My personal favorites are Nitto Motivo and Hankook Ventus. These are all-season performance tires but each brand also has regular touring models. If you're looking for budget tires, look for Continental Contiprocontact, Falken or Khumo brands. They're all decent.
With regard to tire recommendation, it really depends on what you're looking for, and driving style. Comfort? Performance? Durability?
I used to use Bridgestone tires and while they offer a good ride, they wear out way too fast compared to others.
My personal favorites are Nitto Motivo and Hankook Ventus. These are all-season performance tires but each brand also has regular touring models. If you're looking for budget tires, look for Continental Contiprocontact, Falken or Khumo brands. They're all decent.
Last edited by EuroDriverSD; Aug 20, 2015 at 09:30 AM.
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 10,067
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From: Westwood, NJ
2004 Civic Si. FWD for the Win!
If you're in LA (and never go to snowy areas), ditch all seasons and get summer tires. Go to Tirerack and play around with all of the options, read the reviews, and so forth. When you price it out, TR is about the same as Costco.
As for the tire, if the shop putting on the new tires doesn't notice anything obvious when they're doing your car, then I wouldn't worry about it. Does sound like you need new bearings.
Agree about 5 years. Sounds like you didn't rotate them either. O the humanity!!
If you're not getting staggered fitment of your tires (rears wider than fronts), it's a good idea to have someone rotate the tires every so often; some shops will do it for free if you bought the tires from them.
As for the tire, if the shop putting on the new tires doesn't notice anything obvious when they're doing your car, then I wouldn't worry about it. Does sound like you need new bearings.
Agree about 5 years. Sounds like you didn't rotate them either. O the humanity!!
If you're not getting staggered fitment of your tires (rears wider than fronts), it's a good idea to have someone rotate the tires every so often; some shops will do it for free if you bought the tires from them.
