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Tire rotation question

3K views 12 replies 7 participants last post by  kjbean07 
#1 ·
So I noticed that my Michelin Latitudes are wearing unevenly, despite the fact that I have had them rotated every 9k miles. When I brought it in to the Jeep dealership for an oil change last week, I noticed that both the front and rear passenger side tires were worn the most - they had less tread overall (compared to the drivers side) and were worn a little more on the outside of the tires. Anyway, I had them rotate the tires last week for the 3rd time (I've got about 27k miles on the Jeep) and when I got home, I noticed that the two worn tires were still both on the passenger side. I saw them lift the Jeep and removed the tires, but didn't watch them rotate. I imagine they just did a front to back swap - is this the correct way to do it?? I thought you were supposed to criss-cross them, in an X pattern.. Could this be why my tires have worn unevenly? (I've always had the tires rotated at this dealership). I haven't had the wheels aligned (bought the Jeep new a year ago, probably should have), but I'm a little disappointed in the fact that I'm going to be replacing my tires in the next few weeks, with under 30k miles on them.
 
#3 ·
I'd ask them if they X rotate them. Some places just do a front rear, as it can be done one side at a time. The Latitudes aren't exactly long life versions, but 30K seems a bit soon. When you swap, consider the Michelin M+S/2 which tends to go more like 70K and has much better dry/wet traction than the Latitude. Doesn't seem any noisier to me either, unlike the AT/2
 
#4 ·
I would also consider an alignment check. A friend of mine who manages a tire store told me that with the way vehicles are built today you can be out of alignment and not feel anything, like pulling or vibration. Before you know it the tires are wearing unevenly.
 
#5 ·
Yeah, I'm planning on replacing these with the Michelin LTX MS2's. The Latitudes will still pass inspection, but with winter coming and living in New England, I want to have the new set of tires on before the snow comes. I've heard good things about the MS2's so I'm eager to try them out, especially in the snow.

I will definitely get an alignment done when the new tires are put on, and probably have another alignment done in 6 months even if I don't notice any issues.
 
#9 · (Edited)
Yeah, I'm planning on replacing these with the Michelin LTX MS2's. The Latitudes will still pass inspection, but with winter coming and living in New England, I want to have the new set of tires on before the snow comes. I've heard good things about the MS2's so I'm eager to try them out, especially in the snow.

I will definitely get an alignment done when the new tires are put on, and probably have another alignment done in 6 months even if I don't notice any issues.
I found the LTX M/S 2's to be very good in the snow, but only average on ice. That is to be expected as they are a high mileage (70,000 miles) tire and thus the compound is harder rubber. You might also consider the Nokian WR G2 SUV which is a 12 month harsh weather rated tire. It will not last as long as the LTX M/S 2, but will be better on ice. I am starting to see them around here on Grand Cherokees, but still see more Michelins and GY Silent Armors (now discontinued).

I have the Nokian WR G2's on my Subaru and it is unstoppable in the winter.
 
#6 ·
Time for "OCD Theater". I took a marking pen and discretely numbered my wheels, 1-5, including the matching spare. When I go to the dealer for my $19.95 oil change +rotation, I draw out a diagram, "before" and "after", of the rotation scheme for 5 tires. If they use the diagram they get it right the first time.

BTW, I bring my own Pennzoil Platinum.
 
#8 ·
Kind of sad that you have to mark everything and draw a diagram... can't people do things right anymore?

I just called the service department of the dealership explaining my situation to them. They are going to have a manager call me back on Monday. I feel like I should be compensated some how if they haven't been rotating my tires properly, since I now have to dish out $1100+ for new tires. The girl I spoke with on the phone said that the actual service guys (not the Quick Lane) do the cross rotation, but the Quick Lane guy just told her that they only do front to back... I feel like that's not right. Quick Lane or not, I'm paying them to rotate my tires, so I'd expect that they'd do it properly per manufactures specifications. So we shall see what they say on Monday...
 
#7 ·
Unless the tires are directional, you need to do the cross.

If you don't have the matching spare wheel, then the spare doesn't play.

I had latitudes on my '07 for 50K miles, I did not find them to be short lived, but then again there are at least three different "Latitude" versions..

...tom
 
#12 ·
I stopped in at Town Fair Tire (authorized Michelin dealer) and they said I wouldn't have any luck with a warranty claim since I hadn't had an alignment...

My main issue is the Jeep dealer's quick lane service did not properly rotate my tires. I don't understand why their service department would rotate tires properly, but the Quick Lane wouldn't - the Jeep was on a lift and there were two guys rotating them, so it wouldn't take much longer... Anyway, I put in a call to the Jeep dealer and the Quick Lane manager is going to give me a call tomorrow. I am hoping to get some money from them (or from Michelin, through them) to put toward new tires. I will keep you posted.
 
#13 ·
Talked to the Quick Lane service manager yesterday and they are going to match Town Fair Tire's price, plus take another $350 off, and thrown in a free alignment. Very pleased with how things were handled - I didn't even have to ask for anything, just explained the situation to him and that's what he offered.
 
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