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I bought a new Nissan Almera in October 2013. Coming uo to the 40 000 Km service now, I notice that the tires are down to about 3mm tread at the front and 5mm at the back. I don't drive fast, take my time on curves and corners and 99% has been on decent roads. I heard the tires squeaking a little maybe 3 times during this period. Bridgestone B250 tires. Am I going to have to count on changing the tires every 18 months now? Any recommendable brands next time I change? Maybe this is normal in Thailand?

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Looking at some reviews of the B250 the ratings are not very high with wear being a main negative on them. 40,000 sounds pretty good for them as others show 30,000 and need replacing.

My brand recommendation based on personal experience, Michelin.

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That B250 is one of the most basic tires from Bridgestone, and that probably illustrates the trade-offs with these ecocars. However,don't think that is representative of Bridgestone as I consider them the best value for money tire for mainstream cars. The Bridgestone Ecopia line is a very nice, quiet, and gas-saving tire that will give you 60k + in normal driving. You will be pleasantly surprised how much quieter and better handling they are than the ones you have now, but they are still affordable.

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That B250 is one of the most basic tires from Bridgestone, and that probably illustrates the trade-offs with these ecocars. However,don't think that is representative of Bridgestone as I consider them the best value for money tire for mainstream cars. The Bridgestone Ecopia line is a very nice, quiet, and gas-saving tire that will give you 60k + in normal driving. You will be pleasantly surprised how much quieter and better handling they are than the ones you have now, but they are still affordable.

I got ecopias as standard on my suzuki. I've done nearly 30K on them. Not a lot of wear at all. Very quiet, but not so grippy as can be expected for fuel saving tires. I think they are good for another 20-30K kms. I can recommend them as an oem replacement. The negative is now my excuse for replacement with fancy wheels has been extended somewhatsad.png .

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Yep slightly more then half life on the rears, I'd just have a rotation myself especially since it's dry season. Think about news ones next wet season.

In Switzerland, driving with less than 3mm tread (and I had summer and winter tires) lost you your license, that's why I asked. I'll do a rotation as recommended.

sent from phone using bih thumbs

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40,000 k's on a set of tyres seem awfully low.

The Michelins on my 2year old 37000ks Toyota Pick-Up look hardly worn, at this rate I expect to get at least 100K out of them.

:-)

That is about what I get on my 13 year old Ford Ranger per set. 314,xxx now and still going strong on the 4th set.

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40,000 k's on a set of tyres seem awfully low.

The Michelins on my 2year old 37000ks Toyota Pick-Up look hardly worn, at this rate I expect to get at least 100K out of them.

:-)

The tires are likely to go hard way before 100K kms. They won't be as comfortable or have the same grip as before, especially in the dry. It seems those with 4wd are quoting very high mileage, much more than those with sedans. I've found all of the sets of tires I've used on my sedan have gone hard by 40K kms, even though there seems plenty of tread left. Heat / age kills tires here, usually a long way before the tread disappears. I always change when they go hard and / or noisy, or have visible cracks in them.

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Sorry guys, I don't believe you all got 120,000 plus kilos on your tires. Not possible, maybe some memory loss. If you went that far on your tires you would be riding on the core of the tire and it would be very unsafe.

Are you calling me a liar? I can assure you I did get 120000 on the original Michelins, untill 2 fell apart at high speed, still with 5mm tread. I still have the last 2 in the pigs compound as food areas.

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Ok guys - sorry if this has been covered, what pressure do you use for your truck tyres? I have my Geolanders set at 31 all around, seems a bit soft if loaded but ok if empty.

Sorry but I don't know what truck you have. I copied the below from the New D-Max manual if it is any help. It seems to say that different tyre sizes/trucks have advised different tyre pressures.

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If you search the forum for 'tyre pressures' you will find several threads. Some opinions seem quite sensible whereas others ... judge for yourself.

I hope my reply helps in some way. You can always ask the dealer ... maybe a waste of time though.

I run mine at the recommended pressure of 29psi ... have tried 33psi but didn't like the ride...it felt like a pickup!

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Didn't like the ride? It IS a pickup, you don't buy a truck, and expect it to ride like a car by making it unsafe and prematurely wearing the tires by lowering the pressures. It's for that reason that they recommend that tire pressure, they too are trying to hit a razor thin compromise between safety and ride because so many people buy them for their daily drivers now and don't want a pick up truck ride.The problem is those pressures are just that, razor thin and no margin for error if they are not strictly watched and kept perfect, they easily dip to below safe pressures and then they wear prematurely and are unsafe, but hey if all those videos posted here and elsewhere of over-correcting and flipping trucks and SUV's aren't convincing enough for you, then just keep doing what you're doing until you experience it first hand yourself. Hopefully you'll survive to come back & tell us about your experience first hand.

I do agree with having lower pressures on the rears though when the truck is not being used for carrying a load as the rears need help with grip when unloaded and over-filling them will induce dangerous over-steer especially in down hill, wet & sudden braking conditions.

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What's your rotation schedule? Are you ensuring your toe and camber are properly aligned?

I like to rotate every 15,000 - 20,000km at a legitimate tire specialist and pay a bit extra for a proper alignment. It's cheaper than replacing tires and it makes me feel like a pro.

If you are concerned about the taste, try soaking them in melted butter and squeeze a little lemon on top. You could even add some cayenne pepper to kick it up a notch.

EDIT: I just read OP's post saying he rotates.

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Not all modern tyres can be rotated as many are directional. The down side of swapping front - rears regularly is that you then have to buy 4 new tyres at once.

Prolonged under inflation produces wear towards both outside edges.

Prolonged over inflation (often done at Thai garages) produces wear in the centre. (as well as a harsh ride, lack of traction and inability to stop in the wet)

Pronounced wear on one edge (usually on the front) is most often caused by incorrect tracking. (It can be out again within an hour of being checked if you hit a kerb or pothole).

The easiest way to check for this type of wear is to put the steering on full lock. Stand alongside the wheel at the side the steering is pointing and look down the front of the tyre.*

OK not Thailand but to help put things in perspective for those who don't believe a 120,000 kms is achievable. In the early 80's a friend bought a new Ford Transit van. It was fitted with Michelin tyres as OE. He was a steady driver, though it was often heavily laden, (with cheese and yoghurt!) and probably 70% of miles were done on the motorway.

Those tyres lasted just over 2 years, 112,000 miles = 180,000 kms.

* I'll be in Thailand again soon and am happy to show anyone how to do this if you are anywhere near Chiang Mai, Bangkok or Pattaya.

Edit: Forgot to say, someone mentioned balance. You will generally know if your wheels require balancing as the steering wheel (and possibly dashboard if its really bad) will shake at certain (usually higher) speeds. This shake can be driven through, i.e. Continue to increase the speed and the shaking will stop. I can never understand why people put up with this as it is a very simple, quick and inexpensive procedure to have them balanced.

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