Michelin tires dry rotted!

[Fastrack]

I saw a report on the news about out of date tires that have been sitting on the shelf for years and decided to look at mine and all 4 are dry rotted around the bead. I can't believe it 16,000 miles and they have hair line cracks around the bead radiate out from the rim about 2 inches. They have never been over or under inflated nor abused. Has anyone else had this problem.

[ChrisM]

Originally Posted by Fastrack

I saw a report on the news about out of date tires that have been sitting on the shelf for years and decided to look at mine and all 4 are dry rotted around the bead. I can't believe it 16,000 miles and they have hair line cracks around the bead radiate out from the rim about 2 inches. They have never been over or under inflated nor abused. Has anyone else had this problem.

Michelin LTX tires replaced at 24,000 miles

hairline cracks on new Michelins

[VoicesInMyHead]

Portion of an email to Michelin:
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I purchased the truck new in December 2007, and a little over 3 months later (and only 3900+ miles), I notice the sidewalls are cracking in a full circle around the tire.

Cracks on the tire are “spidered” left and right from each side of the lettering, and each side of the rubber spikes, approximately 1 to 1.5 inches from the edge of the wheel’s rim. They are also cracking at the base of the tread fully around the tire as well.

I took the truck back to my Honda’s Service Department, and was told they do not contract with Michelin for the warranty on the tires, and I would have to go to a Michelin approved dealer. So, I took the truck to a Discount Tire, and was told that they would only give me a $60.00 credit per tire based on the tire date (2006) and miles on the tire.

If I'm correct, based on the warranty PDF from your web site, the tire is warranted six years from the date of purchase or new vehicle registration. This should make the date of record December 2007, not the 2006 date I was told is on the tire. The tread looks new, however, that is not what I am having a problem with. It’s the sidewalls.
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I had many calls & a few emails to Michelin, and several trips to tire shops, before finally getting a "resolution" out of Michelin on my 4 month old tires that were falling apart. So much run around and lack of customer care it was unreal! I ended up with a 90% reimbursement, but only after almost harassing Michelin, and after weeks of driving on tires ready to pop.

Needless to say, I now have Yokohama Geolander A/T-S tires on the Ridge. Not sure I'll ever do another Michelin - but that's just based on my experience with them, not a judgment on all of their tires. BTW - Love the Geolanders!

[OwnerCS]

I noticed mine are cracking in the area between the tread. I have 43,000 on the tires so I'll get about 10,000 more miles. I am not that concerned about weather chex that appear between the tread. So far, I think the tires on mine are holding up ok. I think the tires are supposed to run at least 65,000 miles. My next tires will be Goodyear Fortera SilentArmor. See link below.

I have had excellent service from Goodyear Wranglers, Eagles, and other models through the years.

Goodyear Tires | Find The Right Tire | Display | Fortera SilentArmor

[Fastrack]

Thanks for all the info! At least i'm not the only one with issues.

[steveberger]

I just noticed this yesterday. TPMS went off on right rear, and sure enough I found a nail. Second time this has happened on my `06 with 57,000 miles. The tire manufacturer code say 0505 so the tires are over three years old. While waiting for a repair I priced new tires. Sears has the OEM LTX tires for $159 each. I can get through the summer with the tread left on the old ones, but I will need new tires for next winter.

When they rolled it out, fixed, I was looking at the tires and noted the dry rotted & cracked appearance on the side wall near the tread.

I bet the tire places will be doing a great business after that expose!

[GaryP]

Just had a look at my tires. Not a crack to be seen. I have had the truck since April 2005. It has seen 2 cold Alberta winters and the wet froth of a Vancouver Island winter. My tire build date shows the 6th week of 2005.

I am wondering if the owners experiencing tire problems are from states with extreme dry heat or exposed to the new generation liquid road salt? Sidewall cracking should not happen regardless but I am curious if this is environmental or a manufacturing problem.

Gary P

[shovelhd]

I think it's more of a "new car sitting stationary in the sun on the dealer's lot for 6 months" problem. Any tire would have trouble with that.