Tyre tread measurement

[ERIC3451]

Got an inspection report at the 3rd service on the Leon SC. They measured the tyre treads at 4mm in the middle and 2mm on the inner and outer edges the tyre. The tyres are Bridgestone Turanaza ER300.

These tyres each have 4 grooves across the width. Each of the four grooves have the usual tyre wear indicators to show when the minimum legal limit has been reached. (1.6mm I think)

Now all my tyres are evenly worn across their widths and all grooves with wear indicators are just above 4mm in depth.

The dealer has measured the small tread patterns at the inner and outer edges of the tyres at 2mm and noted that the tyres were worn quoting a price for new tyres.

These small tread patterns do aid water removal, were probably only about 4mm when new anyway and of course have no tread wear indicators.

When queried about these outer 2mm measurements the dealership said that that was how they were trained to measure tyres since the customer should know where the least depth is.

Admittedly I was only told to keep a close eye on the tyres as they were worn at the edges and could soon need replacement. I always replace my tyres when treads have reached 3mm since water removal is significantly reduced below 3mm depth.

This dealers method of tyre tread measurement seems strange. Is anyone else aware or have experienced this way of measuring tyre tread wear?

 

[dw911]

Seems a strange way to measure tyre depth, the law requires car tyres to have a minimum tread depth of 1.6mm in a continuous band around the central three quarters of the tyre. And as you said, manufacturers often mould tread bars at roughly 1.6mm so you can gauge the remaining tread left.

Seems a strange way to go about measuring and quoting the state of tyres, unless

Maybe if I was cynical this is more likely what the dealer actually meant to say to you
'When queried about these outer 2mm measurements' the dealership said ' " That was how we were trained to measure tyres since it will often confuse/worry the customers and on the customer hearing 2mm instead of 4mm, they will thing they are only 0.4mm off the legal limit and we can flog them four over priced new tyres and flog their only half worn tyres to the part worn tyre chap who calls in once a month, win win "

 

[ERIC3451]

Yes that's what I thought about their intentions, but the Service Advisor did only tell me that they were near to replacement and to keep an eye on them.

Just a little foible of mine, but this is something I always do anyway so as to rotate tyres to wear evenly and replace all four with the same make and tread.

 

[Slipps]

Ive just had a service with an 'amber' advisory that my offside tyres are at 3-4mm - I checked them myself when I got home a good 4mm plus was to be found across all the tyres and there was no obviosu difference offside to nearside.

My wife's Mini was recently in for a service and they advised her the front brake pads need changing and came up with an extortionate quote - I told her to ignore them checked them myself about two thirds worn we'll change them when the indicator light that the manufacturer built in tells us it needs changing or I can see they need doing!

Dealers are all out for a quick buck sometimes they suck in the gullable with the 'safety' theme sometimes they lose but if they only suck in one or two a day it pays their bills for the 'free' coffee and the Christmas do.

 

[chrisRibiza]

From memory you got your car serviced with Agnews...... I'm not surprised they were trying to sell you new tyres when they aren't needed. As long as you have 1.6mm across the continuous band across the middle you are legal.

Had a few bad experiences with Agnews when I had the Ibiza and I'd never go back.

 

[ERIC3451]

Digress from the topic here, but do you (chrisRibiza) use the V/W-Seat dealerships now or independents?

Didn't appreciate there was can an "amber" advisory, my service report came with a "red" advisory on the tyres !!

 

[chrisRibiza]

When I got my Leon I bought it from SERE Seat in Lisburn and I had a couple of free services so I have had mine done by them so far.

I can't fault their service at all so I'll more than likely get my next service done by them too.

Its hard to find someone I would actually trust to work on my car!

 

[kiddo]

They prey on people's lack of knowledge to try and milk money out of you. As long as you know the depth then dont fall for their bs

 

[kazand]

Buy a cheapo tyre depth thingy from Halfrauds and check them yourself.

 

[Lentäjä]

The wear indicator in the tread are at 2mm, but under 4mm they are quite poor at rain.

 

[ERIC3451]

Ah yes ChrisRabiza, just up from Knockmore Ind Estate. Although a good 35 miles from me but that in its self would'nt necessarily be a big problem, but a bit concerned I might be a bit far from anywhere during the service.

Like you and Im sure many others, I find it hard to find people I trust to work on my car.

To Digress further, have you ever heard of any reports on Shaws Mazda Newtownards for servicing.? (Our other car is a MX5 Mk4 ND)

 

[chrisRibiza]

I live in Newtownards and don't mind travelling to get my car worked on. Sere can give you a courtesy car or you can wait while they do the work so it's no problem really. I had several arguments with Agnews when I had the Ibiza and I got prices for the Leon from them but they had no interest in trying to get the sale.

I haven't heard any reports on Shaws to be honest, I know my friends mum bought a Citroen from them a few years ago and had no problems but nothing recent.

I've also used John Muholland skoda in Randalstown (friend works there) without any problems, Tho they really are miles from home for me!

 

[Luckypants]

The problem with modern tyres is they can look worn even when plenty of tread available. I've been convinced my fronts will need changing for the last 4k miles, but when most recently measured they still have 2.5mm. The lease company will not change until at 2mm, so not bothering yet. But the edge sips are practically gone and make the tyre look almost bald from a cursory look.

 

[andrewpain]

do you have a lot of roundabouts?
Used to work in Milton Keynes, and ALL my fronts used to wear on the outside shoulders. Common complaint there but well-loved by tyre dealers....