doctorG

Yet another saga...

So there is a nail in one of the tires in the outer most tread line....apparently not fixable.

Need to take to the dealer tomorrow to see if they are ok with changing one tire, but the tire shop said with AWD, we have to change all 4 tires to maintain similar tread depth.

Questions:
1. Is this true?

2. If I need to change the tires, we have the 20 inch Pirelli Scorpions. I've heard iced reviews on these. What would be a better alternative for an all season tire?

Thanks! I really hope we won't have to spend nearly $2000 on new tires after having the car for 4 months.

fabbrisd1

If the leak is a sidewall puncture - then that is unrepairable - and the tire will need replacement.

Depending on overall treadwear - which is largely a function of original tire pressure and drive style - may not require replacement of the other three tires - newer/bolder tire would be placed on the rear.

I would suggest you take a print out of a tirerack.com for the replacement tire in with you to the dealer - for purposes of price match/comparison - better to be well informed.

Tire manufacturers do not offer Road Hazard added coverage on original tires delivered with new Mercedes - but replacement tires "can" come with manufacturer's Road Hazard warranties - the "value" or effectiveness, and the cost, of Road Hazard tire warranties differ by tire manufacturer.

Keep the faith !

Todd in PA

It really depends on how much wear there is on the tires. If there is minimal wear, then the rolling diameter will be similar enough to only replace the affected tire. Are you a lead foot?

blittle

Unless there is significant tread ware difference …..there is NO need to replace all tires….. I had the same thing happen to me on my original 07 , replaced the damaged tire and that was that!

wamochi

i just had to replace one of mine at 7200 miles. the 21" continental cross contact UHP. seems fine. i was a little worried about the uneven wear but they mounted and balanced and everything is perfect.

emilner

From your comments it sounds like your truck is 4 months old- anyone who tells you to change all 4 tires with virtually no tread wear is a pure scammer (assuming you didn't drive 20k in 4 months). Run for it. If the puncture is where the tire starts to roll towards the sidewall then it's done, but if is in the first block but not near the edge it's repairable. Either way I would take it to another shop. The one you are at is flat out not trustworthy. Another thing, anyone who wants to charge you $2000 to change $1100 worth of tires is a criminal. The tires cost $259 each on tire rack- my dealer matches their pricing (and figure another $25-30 for mounting).

doctorG

Thanks for the input. Here's a picture of where the nail is...

Unrepairable?

bigigg

Plug that tire! Do not buy a new tire! Do not buy 4 new tires! Run from whatever shop told you that.

emilner

Wow- they are total scammers! Yes, patch that tire and never step foot in that shop again!!!

UAG1

fix it

doctorG

Follow-up report...

My wife took it to the dealer who fixed it very quickly and washed her car!! Gotta love it! Unbelievable scammers out there. Thank you everyone for your thoughts!!

Dalema

Happy this worked out for you. You should go on Yelp and write an appropriate review of the tire shop so others are not subjected to this. Post that picture there too. Incredible.

emilner

Great, glad it worked out!

+1.

doctorG

Thanks! I agree, I should make sure others don't get screwed by this place.

Steve Maislin

Yep, I have had nails just like that and plugged it myself with perfect results.

Ed Wolcott

I was a bit puzzled by the whole post. If Mercedes rotates all 5 tires, you should be set. At the very worst, you should only have to buy one tire since your tires are not even worn enough for the first rotation. I don't what Mercedes tire rotation procedure is, but with all wheel drive and a full size spare, the recommendation is to rotate the spare with the tires to avoid an over sized spare if the spare is needed.

SmokinReefer

Go to the nearest auto parts store and invest in a tire plug kit. I had to because my wife magnetizes the tires of any vehicle she enters. And she has a special kind of magnetism.... It even attracts aluminum.... and weirdos..... like me!!

JimBarnhart

I was driving home last night and hit something on the road, putting a small tear in my sidewall. I've always heard sidewalls aren't repairable, so will be looking at a new tire. Since I have 23,000 miles on them, is it worth buying just one, or should I be looking at replacing all 4? Treadwear is getting down there, but I think I could have reached 30,000 on my originals.

Dalema

Edit: you say a tear - as in a small flap of rubber - but it didn't puncture? Definitely need a specialist to check it out. End of Edit.

Yeah - if it's in the sidewall the tire is normally toast. Id have a qualified (yelp approved if you don't know one local) tire specialist look at it.

If it were me, at that mileage I may think about 4 new ones - but would depend on how much tread its left. You could always keep the older 3 tires for the next 3 flats you get

Just to double check - but you don't have a full size spare you could switch - right.

Let us know how it goes and if you go with 4 new ones - what you decide to buy.

Good luck.

JimBarnhart

It leaks slowly, goes to zero pressure in about an hour.

I think I might be looking at 4 new tires. I noticed on tirerack that Bridgestone has their Dueler now in my 20" size. Anybody had any experience with them on other vehicles? If not, I'm leaning toward the Perelli's again.

captivabenz

My 14 350 GL,20 inch, has a limited 50mph tire/ rim, not a full size rotatable tire. 5500 miles.
My car had large nail in outside tread, fixed by dealership for $ 43.00 and not a problem afterwards.

emilner

I have had them on several Escalades with no complaints. They last forever (people have been known to go 45-70k on a set). My last one had 34k miles and they had at least 15k left on them. It's hard to say how quiet they are since the ESV is a much louder truck in general, but I never noticed tire noise. They handled really well. I was often shocked how stabile they were in corners while pushing with a 7000lb SUV. I never once noticed them being a rough tire comfort wise, again it's hard to compare as the 22's are a much stiffer tire. All in all I would not hesitate to buy them...

blittle

4 New tires , Jim! …..and get 'em road force balanced!

JimBarnhart

I talked to a few people. It looks like I can replace 2 if the treadwear is within 50% of new. I doubt that will be the case but haven't measured yet.

One potential source is giving me the same price for Perelli's and the Bridgestones. He said he's not sure about the Bridgestones but has had good luck/feedback on the Perelli's. Since I've been happy with them as the original tire, I'm probably going to stick with them. I'm guessing I'll end up with 4 new tires.