4WD
$50 site donor 2024
does not seem to be a newtang
Fast-Wearing Minivan Tires
Jonathan Welsh answers a reader's question on what could be making his Toyota Sienna minivan's tires wear out so quickly
www.wsj.com
When I buy lifetime balance & rotation at AT, it has been only $19/tire (at least when I bought the tires new from them). I agree that if you pay for a one-time rotation every time you rotate, it doesn't pay off. I looked at the current set on the new to me Camry in my sig, and decided not to pay AT for a one-time rotation; I wasn't sure it would extend the life of the tires beyond what I'll get without rotating.
I'm not convinced that my tires need rotating every 6-8K; I measured the tires on one of my vehicles at 10K and tread depth was even. But I know the front tires on the Sienna were shot after 20K of not rotating. But the biggest point for me is that if I don't rotate when AT says to (every 6-8K) I don't qualify for the prorate, so I do feel that the $76 for four tires does pay off, over the long haul.
So, you’re saying the tires wear evenly, front to back, left to right? If so, then just “record” a self-rotation and still take advantage of the pro-rate. Or does AT require you to go to a “professional” for your rotations or AT themselves at a cost to you.
My old 2wd Diesel suburbans could be tough on front treads as can my heavy volt.
You can trade ride/fuel economy for tire longevity by
1. Upsize tire slightly (and go to a higher weight rating)
2. Change from standard tires to p-metric or LT tires with a heavier weight rating and the longest tire warranty you can find
3. Keep tires (especially the front) inflated to sidewall max.