I think you're expecting a little much from the VW main agent there!
Hankook Tyres Cracking
- Thread starter MalvernMichael
- Start date
P.S. bought a T5 T32 Kombi from VW a while back, came with alloy wheels that weren't high enough load rating!
Our other car is a 2017 Yeti with 30k miles on it. It failed its first MOT (8 k miles) because all 4 tyres had similar cracks. These were the original Pirelli Cinturatos that were supplied new with the car, we bought it brand new from the dealer. We lodged a claim with Pirelli and got a 50% contribution towards a new set of tyres. The dealer fitted a set of Bridgestones, as these were the only ones available at short notice.
The Bridgestones lasted 3 years before failing in exactly the same way, they had done 12k miles. The tyres were failing due to cracking in the root of the grooves that ran all the way around the circumference of the tyre.
I subsequently fitted some cheapish Maxxis all season tyres, that due to the tread pattern, don’t have a continuous groove around the tyre. The Maxxis tyres have a 5 year warranty
The general consensus is lack of use causes premature failure of tyres. They need to be used to keep the plasticisers moving through the compound, otherwise they develop a “crust” due to UV and atmospheric damage. The crust is brittle and cracks.
The Bridgestones lasted 3 years before failing in exactly the same way, they had done 12k miles. The tyres were failing due to cracking in the root of the grooves that ran all the way around the circumference of the tyre.
I subsequently fitted some cheapish Maxxis all season tyres, that due to the tread pattern, don’t have a continuous groove around the tyre. The Maxxis tyres have a 5 year warranty
The general consensus is lack of use causes premature failure of tyres. They need to be used to keep the plasticisers moving through the compound, otherwise they develop a “crust” due to UV and atmospheric damage. The crust is brittle and cracks.
MalvernMichael
Member
Remaining tread depth?
Yeah, all 4 of the tyres on my Audi S4 did the same. After getting the van it was only doing about 500 miles per year. Same thing happened to all my suspension bushes too. They need to be driven.
I’d still take a look at the load rating.
With tyres I never rely on the company or fitter to look.
Several times I have had different tyres fitted to what I ordered, and they just say ‘they’re all the same’.
KwikFit mobile was the last one to do that. Same manufacturer as I ordered, different model, different load rating, different speed rating, and a cheaper tyre.
These are supposedly a tyre fitter. Main dealer will be even more clueless or will just sub it out to a mobile company.
After the guy fitted them he wanted to shoot off. Raised suspicions so I didn’t sign the paperwork and said I’ll have a look - that’s when I spotted it. Didn’t sign anything that day and called the office. I had to not drive the van until they could get back out with the tyres I ordered.
At the end of the day it’s our vehicles driving our families about - I’ve learnt people looking to make money out of our vehicles don’t have the same buy in as we do so always check the work.
MalvernMichael
Member
5mm
If you’re looking for recommendations on new tyre’s I can’t recommend Michelin Cross Climate’s highly enough…. not the cheapest, but then that rubber is your only contact with the tarmac. You can have a 50k van and the best brake’s in the world, but if you’ve got shit tyre’s, that’s your weakest link! I’m on Cross Climate 2’s that I’ve had for three years now…. almost 21,000 miles and they’re still going strong. 
I’m surprised that your tyres are down to 5mm after 16K miles.
I’m getting 50K miles plus out of Goodyear Cargo Vectors.
MalvernMichael
Member
Well we had a set of continentals fitted and the most striking improvement is ride quality and quieter than before.
Hopefully longevity will also apply.
Hopefully longevity will also apply.
