[Avalanche2409]

I am not sure if it belongs to this thread but I have a doubt related to tyres.

My Aspire S runs on stock 195/55 R 15 wheels which have just completed 41k. Today, I had gone for the regular wheel alignment/balancing/rotation routine. While on it, the guy at the tyre shop told me that the tyres have now not much life left in them. The wear is more on the inside of the tyres even though the outside looks good. The solution he gave me and actually did was removing the alloys and refitting the tyres inside out. So now the worn out part faces outside. I kept on asking him whether it is safe to do so because the tyres have 'inside' 'outside' written on them for a reason and are designed in a way that ideally this setting should not be played with. However, he kept assuring me that it is only for the good as the inside part was taking all the beating and probably would have run just 2k more before needing a replacement, something which I just don't buy.


The tyres actually look pretty good to drive atleast 15-20k more, it's just that I won't keep them for more than 50k as I usually replace tyres at this mileage. Also, he was pushing for Continental Mc5 with slightly bigger profile whenever I change. However, I'm satisfied with the Apollo Alanc 4Gs which are quite sturdy (only 2 punctures till date). I often drive in hills with bad to worse roads so can't afford to put soft ones.


As of now, my only contention is; whether should I get the tyres refitted to their actual orientation next week when my car goes for service, or shall I keep driving like this?

[NaXal]

The solution he gave me and actually did was removing the alloys and refitting the tyres inside out.

This is desi Jugad, usually a very common practice previously when we didn't used to have these very accurate digital alignment machines & lack of service centre ment people used to get their work done from local mechanics with really unreliable alignment/balancing process.

But didn't you do this on regular basis since there aren't many complaint about Ford Figo/Aspire/Freestyle platform having this uneven tyre were issue?

As of now, my only contention is; whether should I get the tyres refitted to their actual orientation next week when my car goes for service, or shall I keep driving like this?

You shouldn't be running like this. Smaller, slower, less powerful cars may run ok but this "jugad" is very risky with such powerful car like Aspire.

It's better to change the tyres & get a new set.

Make sure to either get it done from Ford A.S.S or some other tyre shop since your previous alignment guys were no good.

Thanks.

P.S. I am also very happy with Apollo tyres which came as OEM rubber. I may too buy the same again when it's time for me to replace tyres.

[samcan123]

Originally Posted by Avalanche2409

My Aspire S runs on stock 195/55 R 15 wheels which have just completed 41k. Today, I had gone for the regular wheel alignment/balancing/rotation routine. While on it, the guy at the tyre shop told me that the tyres have now not much life left in them. The wear is more on the inside of the tyres even though the outside looks good. The solution he gave me and actually did was removing the alloys and refitting the tyres inside out. So now the worn out part faces outside. I kept on asking him whether it is safe to do so because the tyres have 'inside' 'outside' written on them for a reason and are designed in a way that ideally this setting should not be played with.

IMO, the tyre can be reversed to even out uneven wear and tear. But, there are a few points to be considered before doing that.
1. The tyre should not be a unidirectional one. Some tyres have a tread pattern in such a way that they should be used only in one direction and should not be reversed. Reversing such a unidirectional tyre might result in wobbling, loss of grip, drop in mileage, etc.
2. The uneven wear (on the inside in your case) should not be too much. If the tread is very low on the inside in your tyre, then no matter you reverse the tyre or not, it will cause lack of road grip.

Similar is the case with my Punto's tyres. They have been running on Yoko Earth1 for the past 55K+ kms. The OEM JK tyres lasted only for 35K+ kms and then I replaced them with the Yoko. Now the Yokos also have this uneven wear like you mentioned. Initially I also thought of reversing the tyres just to push it for another 5K kms. But, on looking closely I found that the wear on the inside is a bit too much and reversing would not be worth it. I am planning to replace my tyres to another set of Yoko Earth 1.

[Reinhard]

Originally Posted by Avalanche2409

The solution he gave me and actually did was removing the alloys and refitting the tyres inside out.

Originally Posted by samcan123

1. The tyre should not be a unidirectional one. Some tyres have a tread pattern in such a way that they should be used only in one direction and should not be reversed. Reversing such a unidirectional tyre might result in wobbling, loss of grip, drop in mileage, etc.

Almost no modern cars come with symmetric tread pattern. Very rare. So safe to assume that your tyres are also with asymmetric tread that have specific "side facing outside" markings on the wall. Do check. The inside out fitment done will be pretty okay in city usage where speed never really climbs at all & tread has very little work to do.

Where it will matter a lot and become a safety issue is - highways, freeways, bypass roads. And in rain. The tread pattern's main task is to move out as much water as possible towards the outside from under the tyre contact patch. In reversed orientation - it will retain water towards insides. This can contribute to aquaplaning in extreme scenarios with water stagnated / flowing across road. This being monsoon season - I suggest you put it back as it was - if you venture on highways in rain.

[samaspire]

Originally Posted by Avalanche2409

The wear is more on the inside of the tyres even though the outside looks good. The solution he gave me and actually did was removing the alloys and refitting the tyres inside out. So now the worn out part faces outside.

The main question is - why is there uneven wear in the tyres?
What were the alignment readings?

[AKTRACK]

Cross posting from the Aspire Tyre upgrade thread for more opinions -

I have Aspire diesel 2015 model. I am planning to change and upgrade my tyres. Currently it is running on Michelins and I have been pretty happy with their performance. Earlier they were MRFs and we all know how they performed. It would be helpful if someone can answer the following questions -

- How is 185/70/R14. I know 185/65/R14 is the tyre of choice for most but I found 185/70/14 cheaper than 185/65/14 at most sites. I understand the higher sidewall argument but how much of a difference is it going to be after all? Is it unsafe?
- I am also thinking of using the Freestyles rim based 185/60/15. Will it be a direct fit? Do we have to get into PCD/offset for rims too or is it just for alloys?
- Although I am inclined to repeat the Michelins but they cost a bomb. What would be the next best upgrade? I am looking at something below 4k. Yokohama Earth1s are retailing around 4k and should easily come below 4k after the discounts that will be coming in upcoming online sale.
- How is Yokohama blue earth compared to the Earth1?
- Ceats are also making me greedy especially the newer x3 version. Heard they have a softer compound and at the same time retail very cheap.
- Any other suggestions will be welcome.

[abhinav.s]

Originally Posted by AKTRACK

- How is 185/70/R14. I know 185/65/R14 is the tyre of choice for most but I found 185/70/14 cheaper than 185/65/14 at most sites. I understand the higher sidewall argument but how much of a difference is it going to be after all? Is it unsafe?

It is certainly not unsafe. Higher sidewall will give you better comfort at the cost of handling which will be skewed. Not to a very high extent of being unsafe but yes it will not be the same as OEM size.

Originally Posted by AKTRACK

- I am also thinking of using the Freestyles rim based 185/60/15. Will it be a direct fit? Do we have to get into PCD/offset for rims too or is it just for alloys?

If you go for 15 inch rims, you have to get 15 inch tyres too. The price of those are higher than 14 inch ones. Since you are looking at economical options, best if you stick to the stock 14 inch tyre size.

Originally Posted by AKTRACK

- How is Yokohama blue earth compared to the Earth1?

They are both in the mileage category of tyres so one over the other, the difference is very minimal.

Curious which Michelin you were using till now? Also does your car not see the highway often? Because you have a TDCi Aspire which has ample power. The tyre is the only contact patch with the road and you ideally should get the best that you can buy. Even if it is in the stock OEM size of 14 inch. If it does not see any high speed highway usage, then any mileage oriented tyre from Ceat or Yoko is good enough. You have to worry about the profile, handling and comfort for highway runs and twisties etc. If the usage is 95% city and 5% highway, you cannot go wrong with any tyre apart from the OEM MRF's.

[AKTRACK]

Originally Posted by abhinav.s

If you go for 15 inch rims, you have to get 15 inch tyres too. Curious which Michelin you were using till now? Also does your car not see the highway often?

Thank you for your inputs Abhinav. Yes I am ok with 15 inch rims as was looking for some increase in ground clearance. Freestyles 185 60 R15 should be a direct fit I think. I have XM2s right now. The difference between other brands and Michelins for the same size is 700 -1k and even more at times. I understand that the difference is worth but I am ok with something at gives 70-80% of what Michelins deliver with a lower cost.

[NaXal]

It's been 2.5 years & I still feel wow by the paint quality. This car never got any professional polishing or detailing. Simple wet wipe using microfiber with occasional pressure washing.

Since I don't have any dedicated ownership thread so sharing it here

Thanks.

[Maverick Avi]

It's been 2.5 years & I still feel wow by the paint quality. This car never got any professional polishing or detailing. Simple wet wipe using microfiber with occasional pressure washing.

I have a white gold 2019 model Aspire and though the paint quality looks good from a visibility standpoint I cannot say the same in terms of its thickness and durability. Just 2 small nudges from the wall while opening up the gate in my parking was enough to scratch the gate edge to its core leading to rust now. The paint also peeled off (pea size) beneath the bonnet. Thankfully the primer remains. Similarly the hook that locks the bonnet is also showing signs of rust as the paint peeled off. The car is just 8 months old.

I am contemplating to buy a small paint can(not aerosol) to touch up these areas as soon as paint withers off from any area. Can the regular paint enamel used for painting iron gates be used for cars as well?

[NaXal]

Couple of pictures of those effective areas would be useful.

This car receives ton of dust & harsh hot sun light often being parked out in open area.

Comparing to other cars of similar age & similar condition, Aspire is holding its shine very well.

Thanks.

[tharian]

Looks like the battery in my car is on it's last legs.

The other day I noticed the odometer digital display light dimming when the AC compressor cut in and out, when I was idling at a signal. This morning I checked the battery cranking voltage and it was 8.7 which I think is a dying battery. When driving, it was at 14.5-6.

Has anyone changed to a non-Ford battery and which one would be good? Since the Metro Ford service centre near my place is shutting down, they don't have any inventory stocked and I may as well try a good non-Ford brand.

[Blow Horn Ok]

I guess your car is fairly new to get a new battery from ford. Do ask a service centre which is in operation. I have experienced that motorcraft batteries are cheaper to buy than any other battery in the market.

[tharian]

Originally Posted by Blow Horn Ok

I guess your car is fairly new to get a new battery from ford. Do ask a service centre which is in operation. I have experienced that motorcraft batteries are cheaper to buy than any other battery in the market.

My car is nearing 2.5 years and run 24k kms. Not sure if that is premature for the battery to go weak on a diesel engine.
Except for the cranking voltage, everything else is fine and it cranks the engine in the first try always too. I don't want to be stranded on the road since there are lot trips in the coming few months.

[VWAllstar]

Originally Posted by NaXal

Attachment 1917443

It's been 2.5 years & I still feel wow by the paint quality. This car never got any professional polishing or detailing. Simple wet wipe using microfiber with occasional pressure washing.

I too second that. Especially their white is much better than that of others. And on top of it they do not discriminate like Toyota - Super White and Pearl White for an additional 10K Same with Honda as well.

My white horse has gone for her 10k servicing, awaiting to see her come back all cleaned and waxed.