Given
33%
while driving a
Ford MONDEO
(205/55 R16 W) on
a combination of roads
for 13,000
average miles
These tires were a big mistake. Almost immediately the steering response deteriorated and the car, a 2001Mondeo,wandered. Within 6 months it sounded as if a front wheel bearing had failed, so I replaced it, to no avail. The droning persisted! I ran these tires for 13000miles,when the road noise had become very noticeable.Even passengers with no mechanical knowledge would comment. Some 6 weeks ago I spoke to the man in charge of the tire depot I use and commented about the noise etc. He ran his hand round the tread and pointed out the unevenness.
The tread had gone like saw teeth ( like the old threepenny bit). He said he had so many complaints about Goodyears and particularly Efficietgrip that he would not fit them unless the customer insisted. He claimed the tread wear was due to the steel belt not supporting the full width of the tread, that it was a 'soft tire'.
I have now removed these dreadful tires and replaced them with Michelin Primacy 3 and I can already feel the difference. The car is much more stable and there is very little road noise.