georges66

Hi,

We have a 2008 E350 AWD 4MATIC Sedan. My wife had a flat tire the other day and by the time she realized and pulled over, the tire was ruined. All four are 1 year old Michelin Primacy MXM4. I took it to the shop where I got the tires and have the tire warranty and they're happy to replace the one tire, but they advised me that I could ruin the AWD if I don't change all 4 tires due to the difference in wear between the new and the old. Is that true? Do I have to change all 4 tires? He said something about the difference in wear is about 3/32.

Thanks for the advice.

Honcho

Short answer... the sack of shot is lying through his teeth trying to get you to spend money.

I run my 4Matic staggered in the summer. As long as you don't go crazy it's not an issue for the 4Matics.... so a little tread difference is not an issue for the differential or anything like that.

If you want to be generous to the jerk, buy one (plus the one he replaces) and put one of the old tires in the trunk as a spare.

N_Jay

If the tire looks like new you can buy 1.
If it is noticeably worn you should buy 2
You don't need to buy 4.


Some tire shops have become "pissy" on this point, probably out of an unwarranted fear of being sued.


Worst comes to worst, take the wheels in off the car to get the tires

georges66

Thank you all for the helpful replies. You've confirmed my thoughts.

N_Jay

One more quick thing.


Depending on how often you replace tires, you might want to think about replacing all 4 just to get and keep the typical 4-tire discount which you will miss out on once you go to replacing in pairs.
So: . . . . .
if less than 1/2 worn buy 2 knowing you will be dumping two not yet worn out on the next 4 tire change.
If more than 1/2 worn consider 4 now.

georges66

Sounds very logical. I'm leaning towards replacing 2, and using an old one as a full size spare. Thanks again.

N_Jay

Yep, very!
The suggestion came from my very logical brother after "very cheap" me only did 2 tires.
Went back and talked Discount Tire into giving me 2 more with a 4 tire discount.

georges66

That's smart. I got my original 4 (245/45R17 95W Primacy MXM4) for $770 balanced and mounted with waranty and repairs, over $1200 cheaper than the dealer wanted. So $197 for just one is not a bad deal if I get a second under warranty. That's like 2 for $197 or a hundred a piece. Any which way you look at it, it's still a good deal.

cetialpha5

You could always just buy 4 tires and mount just 2 assuming that you have room to store the other 2. Then when the other two wear out, just pay to mount the other two. Only drawback with this is that they say you should get rid of tires after about 6 years so if you drive enough, it shouldn't be an issue. I ended up doing this for another car where they had a buy 3 get one free plus a big rebate on top of that. The math worked out cheaper to buy 4 tires than just 2.

Honcho

...or three for $197: The 'paid for' one, the warrantied one, and the 'leftover old one' that goes in the trunk as a spare.

...or three for $1,200: The 'paid for' one, the warrantied one, and the 'leftover old one' that goes in the trunk AND the new WHEEL to put the tire on

georges66

Ended up getting two new tires on the back, and making an old one a spare. Thanks for the advice. Appreciated the input.