Does Your Freestar Eat Tires?

[Exocet]

Our 04 Freestar seems to have quite an appetite for tires. The original set (Uniroyal Tiger Paws) lasted just over 20K miles. The next set (Bridgestone Duelers) lasted about 25K, and now the third set (Hankook Optimos) might make it just past 30K. The Hankooks were a 60K mile tire and I figured I could get 40-45K out of them. I rotate the tires every other oil change and my wife (who is the primary driver) is not a "spirited" driver. Most of the miles are highway or rural roads.

I've never had a vehicle that's gone through tires so fast. My track record with tires has generally been about 35K-45K a set, even on some vehicles that have been aggressively driven.

Has anyone else seen this with their Freestars?

[mark v]

Are you using the warranty provided with these tires?

[Exocet]

Originally Posted by mark v

Are you using the warranty provided with these tires?

I still have to look into that. Obviously, it will be prorated.

[balogne_t]

Maybe an alignment is required, Is the wear even across the tires?

My 06 freestar had original eagle goodyears, front were 70% and rear were at 40%. Not a very good make of tires and driving with them is an awful driving feeling, I installed 4 new Michelins Pilots MXM4 and difference is night and day, put about 10k on the michelins and there still brand new.

I would shoot for alignment or poor choice of tire quality. I believe loose tie rods and other associated items like suspension, bearings. But typically tire shops make you aware of these problems when changing tires.

[Exocet]

Originally Posted by balogne_t

Maybe an alignment is required, Is the wear even across the tires?

My 06 freestar had original eagle goodyears, front were 70% and rear were at 40%. Not a very good make of tires and driving with them is an awful driving feeling, I installed 4 new Michelins Pilots MXM4 and difference is night and day, put about 10k on the michelins and there still brand new.

I would shoot for alignment or poor choice of tire quality. I believe loose tie rods and other associated items like suspension, bearings. But typically tire shops make you aware of these problems when changing tires.

Up until a couple of months ago, there has never been any sign of uneven tire wear. Got an alignment recently, and now I'm back in spec. The right front wheel bearings are starting to make some noise, but everything else is in good shape.

[GraybeardAv]

Rotating tires tends to hide alignment problems.

[mark v]

Very good answer, I agree it will hide alignment issues. I bet the car was never aligned.

Originally Posted by GraybeardAv

Rotating tires tends to hide alignment problems.

[MonsoonMike]

I hate to tell ya, but 20 to 30K seems about average nowadays. At least from my experiences. Also, I'm not impressed with any of those three brands you mentioned. I had Hankooks on a car and they wore faster than any tire I've ever had. I know someone with Bridgestone and he hates them. And my father-in-law doesn't like Uniroyal. One brand I have had luck with are Cooper and their generic version Mastercraft.

[GraybeardAv]

I've always bought Michelins for my cars, and never regretted it.

GB

[balogne_t]

You get what you pay for. I've used bridgestone in the past not too bad but once i've tried Michelins it was a no brainer they really last as long as they state and the traction remains consistent as they wear down.