Problem with the Continentals - Page 5

**Mr.DJ** · 05-06-2005, 12:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mspeasl

You got it!!

In other words they don't want to hear about it until the tires are worn out (2/32's) and right now they are not. Even though they are 1/2 gone in less than 1 year. Sucks doesn't it. When we replace them it will not be with Continentals.

Well, not that it'll make you feel any better, but if you had come into one of my Goodyear locations (before I retired) experiencing such and/or similar-related problems with a Goodyear tire, then I would've taken care of you 'in a heart beat'. I'm sure that the Goodyear warranty is still as good as their word...it better be, as I just 'plunked down' $1,200 for a new set of Goodyear tires myself.

LWOOD · 05-06-2005, 07:26 AM

Even if you had the Contis replaced free of charge you would still have Contis on your car. That's a vicious cycle. Make a clean break. Get new tires, be happier with car. All is right with the world, that's a good cycle ... Shan-nn-nn-nn-a

jhelmuth · 05-06-2005, 09:59 AM

Bottom-line... I don't think any of us believe that the Conti's are great, and we'll likely not replace them with same. For myself, I'll be planning to seriously consider the BFG gforce. Still, these are performance tires and no one should expect more than 20K miles out of them (but if you do get more - great).

jjs · 05-06-2005, 10:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mspeasl

You got it!!

In other words they don't want to hear about it until the tires are worn out (2/32's) and right now they are not. Even though they are 1/2 gone in less than 1 year. Sucks doesn't it. When we replace them it will not be with Continentals.

Understood, but it still doesn't answer what they supposedly might do if they were actually already toast.

Any ideas? Anything they said about this?

Jon300C · 05-06-2005, 12:08 PM

Here is a pic of my Front Right Tire with 19K miles.

I had the Right Pull issue fixed at 7K with an alignment done same day

I took my car to the dealer today and they would not even give the tires a good looking over. Said tire wear and alignments were not part of the warranty due to road conditions, etc.

What to do, that is the question???

[IMG]Jon300C_RF_Tire[/IMG]

jhelmuth · 05-06-2005, 12:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jon300C

Here is a pic of my Front Right Tire with 19K miles.

I had the Right Pull issue fixed at 7K with an alignment done same day

I took my car to the dealer today and they would not even give the tires a good looking over. Said tire wear and alignments were not part of the warranty due to road conditions, etc.

What to do, that is the question???

[IMG]Jon300C_RF_Tire[/IMG]

The tire is really worn, but the wear bars are still below the curent tread depth (so you should have a few more miles left before you must replace). As I've been saying all along, 20K miles is not surprising (to me anyway) based on my past experiences with other OEM performance tires. In some respect, this makes sense as this is how the car will be judged by the Car magazines and reviewers - with the stock tires. So handling is their only consideration (albeit we would love it if they made milage a higher priority, we would also use the reviewers omments and findings againt them as well - so they lose no matter what).
Tire wear and alignments are never in a mfgr. warranty, but really top notch dealers will find a way to keep you happy if it reasonale to do so. Problems that are identified really early on are typically handled without much fuss. This is just one of those instances where the tire do not meet some customers expectations for wear (tread life).
As far as what to do... find a set of replacements that you believe will meet you criteria for handling, wear, etc. and see if you can find a tire dealer that will "steer" you in the right direction. A really good tire store with great tire people is the Rx for what ails you regarding the 300C tire problem. Once you find the right combo - stick with it and you'll never be disappointed (I hope).

**Mr.DJ** · 05-06-2005, 01:00 PM

IMO, I feel the treadwear debate is based upon the fact whether these tires are even being marketed as performance tires in the first place. I believe that Continental is marketing these as all-season touring tires...where most owners would actually expect to receive more than 20,000 miles worth of tread-life (under 'normal' driving conditions).

I too would recommend changing tire brands, as it appears that too many '300 series' owners are simply unhappy with their OEM tires. I must admit, however, that I haven't personally experienced such tire-related problems with my 'ContiTouring Contact' tires that others have been experiencing, but this might be due to the fact that my car still only has about 1,200 miles on the odometer...even after nearly six months of actual ownership.

jhelmuth · 05-06-2005, 01:26 PM

Mr.DJ,

Good point... so I went off to see if I could find some info on these tires. It turns out that they are not exactly a performance tire - but are included in the Contental "Touring Group".
Here was a quote from their site on this tire...
"Perfect for high-performance touring cars, this innovative product line offers a smooth, low noise ride and an unbeatable warranty"

Here is a link that will provide everyone with more data. One thing seems very clear - Continental rates these puppies @ 60,000 miles (and offers a limited warranty behind that). So there may be some relief for those who are getting significantly worse mileage.

Conti Tire Data

If there is a remedy, you'll probably have to get some guidance from your dealer or go directly to an authorized Continental Tire dealer/store in your neighborhood. I believe that tire warranties are not with the automaker, but with the tire maker.

PS - Please accept my apologies for having so fiercly defended these "performance tires". That was what I was told, and I took it for just that (a mistake I wouldn't normally commit, but I guess that's just my fault for having not looked more into it and trusting what I was told). They do seem to be semi-performance, but Continental has specificaly issued a mileage rating on them and therefore needs to defend that.

Chamby1 · 05-06-2005, 03:41 PM

I agree that the tires are possibly junk BUT..... Chrysler has an admitted problem with alignment specs. There have been two TSB's, the latest in March 2005. I feel I drive in a very conservative matter BUT Chrysler replaced my original tires at 6,900 miles (to the person who's dealer stated tires not covered, this should interest you) and now with 15K on car I/m down to 2-3/32 before wear bars. Did I mention the SEVEN alignments I have had???? Lemon law filing is already well in motion!
P.S. DC blames crown sensitivity, the tires and everything else but the geometry of the chassis...in my opinion!

II kings 9:20 · 05-06-2005, 04:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chamby1

I agree that the tires are possibly junk BUT..... Chrysler has an admitted problem with alignment specs. There have been two TSB's, the latest in March 2005. I feel I drive in a very conservative matter BUT Chrysler replaced my original tires at 6,900 miles (to the person who's dealer stated tires not covered, this should interest you) and now with 15K on car I/m down to 2-3/32 before wear bars. Did I mention the SEVEN alignments I have had???? Lemon law filing is already well in motion!
P.S. DC blames crown sensitivity, the tires and everything else but the geometry of the chassis...in my opinion!

Funny DC blames the Contis, who picked the tire for this car, the freakin consumer? Who failed to notice this crown sensitivity in all the so called "testing" that was done . Testing by bean counters certainly not enthusiasts.