[Cruiser_D]

Folks,

My fortuner (2nd generation) has clocked 85000KM. The variant is Sigma 4, currently it is running on stock Bridgestone Dueler HT 265/60/R18. I am planning to try an AT tyre as I have been going on mild off-road trips (mostly sand/mud) on regular basis.

While checking out the options, BF Goodrich and Yokohama Geolandar seems to be performing well on both on and mild off-roads. But have seen many incidents of side wall cracks with Geolandar, and hence bit confused on the same.

BF seems to be not easily available in the market currently, do we have any source who can arrange a pack of 5? Otherwise I would have to settle with Geo.

Also please let me know if someone using any other AT tyre in this size and using for both on and off-road purpose.

Regards,
Darshak

[rugsrags]

So i had a chance to head out of town on a 700 km roundtrip on these tyres. The highway was a mix of 6 lane and expressway. The tyres were a little quieter than the original bridgestones but the car was pulling to the left and a slight effort was required by turning the steering slightly to correct the vehicle on straight expressway roads. Only balancing was done at the time of tyre replacement since the tyre dealer suggested that alignment wasn't required as it had been performed by the service center barely 50kms before getting the tyres replaced. After reaching my destination around 300 kms of driving on good roads i inspected the tyres and could see some burnt rubber deposits on the side of the rear left side tyre that I assumed was because of the alignment issue. Rest of the tyres looked fine.

On my way back around a 100 kms from home i heard a sound of a glass shattering as if i had gone over a glass bottle but it came from the rear side of the vehicle and as i was at around a 100km/hr speed I wondered what the sound was. It was around 8 at night so stopped after around 10 kms as I didn't feel any difference in the driving and on looking in the rear view couldn't see anything on the road either as i was on a lit flyover when I heard the sound. Looked at the tyres but couldn't see anything so continued driving home.

Next morning i come out to see a flat rear left tyre with a sidewall cut. As is expected the dealer says it won't be covered under warranty ofcourse and that it isn't possible for it to have happened on the highway as it is a cut. I've told him my experience got the tyre changed and have asked him to atleast raise a claim with Michelin though he is positive that company won't accept the claim as it is clear it is a damage done by me. I fail to understand how this could have happened. Got him to check the alignment too but the alignment has come out correct. Ive always been a fan of michelins and it's been the go to brand for all my replacement tyres in all my vehicles. Let's see what Michelin has to say to me about their finding and whether they even inspect the tyre before giving me their decision. Attaching pictures.

[achyutaghosh]

Originally Posted by Cruiser_D

Folks,
While checking out the options, BF Goodrich and Yokohama Geolandar seems to be performing well on both on and mild off-roads. But have seen many incidents of side wall cracks with Geolandar, and hence bit confused on the same.

If you are into hard core off-roading, like to reduce psi and go dune bashing etc then go for BFG. For everything else, the Yoko Geolandar is better.

[rugsrags]

As expected Michelin has washed their hands off my claim saying it isn't a manufacturing defect.

Just wish there was a way to get it checked because their view has come after inspecting only pictures and not the tyre physically. My tyre dealer though is pursuing the case at his level with them since he knows how particular i am personally with my driving. Is it possible that we are importing tyres that are not suitable for our indian conditions. Just saying because this was the first time I got new tyres without feeling any difference whatsoever in my driving experience followed by my unfortunate mishap.

[achyutaghosh]

Originally Posted by rugsrags

Next morning i come out to see a flat rear left tyre with a sidewall cut. As is expected the dealer says it won't be covered under warranty ofcourse

Always sad to see sidewall tears on brand new tires. The earlier Michelin LTX Force had a good reputation among Fortuner owners mainly for long life and comfort. Am a bit surprised with the new LTX Trail though. The tread pattern also looks HT type and i guess the sidewalls are a lot softer, so the propensity for cuts. Michelin anyways charges top dollar but almost never offers unconditional warranty, so do not expect anything from them.

[rugsrags]

Originally Posted by achyutaghosh

Always sad to see sidewall tears on brand new tires. The earlier Michelin LTX Force had a good reputation among Fortuner owners mainly for long life and comfort. Am a bit surprised with the new LTX Trail though. The tread pattern also looks HT type and i guess the sidewalls are a lot softer, so the propensity for cuts. Michelin anyways charges top dollar but almost never offers unconditional warranty, so do not expect anything from them.

Well i have been given a 50% claim against the new replacement tyre based on my history of purchases of Michelin tyres over the years and no claims as stated by my dealer. But on a serious note this is the first time i'm not very impressed with the tyres. I have high expectations because of which i pay a premium (For these tyres the premium was around 2k per tyre over Yokohoma) and this time its fallen flat maybe because this tyre hasn't been homologated for our driving conditions?

[KK2001]

Members,
Just a heads up. Michelin Primacy SUV plus is now available in 265/65/R17 and 265/60/R18.

[FortunerTRD]

Originally Posted by rugsrags

As expected Michelin has washed their hands off my claim saying it isn't a manufacturing defect.

Just wish there was a way to get it checked because their view has come after inspecting only pictures and not the tyre physically. My tyre dealer though is pursuing the case at his level with them since he knows how particular i am personally with my driving. Is it possible that we are importing tyres that are not suitable for our indian conditions. Just saying because this was the first time I got new tyres without feeling any difference whatsoever in my driving experience followed by my unfortunate mishap.

Sad to hear that the all these big name companies don’t hold true to their quality claims when it’s time to refund.
In my case Bridgestones have served well when it comes to lasting and toughness. My Scorpio tyres lasted 75,000 kms.
After changing again to Bridgestones did another 50,000 kms before the vehicle went to another owner. There was enough tread left to last another 25,000 kms. Have taken the Scorpio and the present Fortuner on non-tar roads near village roads on uphill, etc and there have been no problems. Though it wasn’t any serious off-roading.

Probably the long life on the tyres is also due to sedate driving of max 70 in city and maximum 110 kmph on highways.
Everytime I’ve changed tyres I’ve been tempted to try another brand like Geolanders, etc especially because the ride quality has been mentioned by many but the stories of tyre mishaps have kept me away.

[hserus]

Originally Posted by FortunerTRD

Sad to hear that the all these big name companies don’t hold true to their quality claims when it’s time to refund.
In my case Bridgestones have served well when it comes to lasting and toughness. My Scorpio tyres lasted 75,000 kms. .

Any tyre at all will have sidewall slashed if it was cut by glass. He did say he could hear glass shattering but couldn't see anything, chances are a bottle he ran over was crushed to powder by his tyre but by that time, it slashed the sidewall. Nothing to do with Michelin, Yoko or any other brand.

[FortunerTRD]

Originally Posted by hserus

Any tyre at all will have sidewall slashed if it was cut by glass. He did say he could hear glass shattering but couldn't see anything, chances are a bottle he ran over was crushed to powder by his tyre but by that time, it slashed the sidewall. Nothing to do with Michelin, Yoko or any other brand.

You’re probably right.

But have read fewer complaints about Bridgestones in general. Though nothing exceptional about them. But cost-effective, long-life for regular usage is a definite.

[hserus]

Originally Posted by FortunerTRD

You’re probably right.

But have read fewer complaints about Bridgestones in general. Though nothing exceptional about them. But cost-effective, long-life for regular usage is a definite.

I had Bridgestone Dueler HT on my previous Scorpio and got new tyres in that brand. Performed ok, had a good amount of life but horrible in eg rainy conditions, when cornering etc. I have a feeling some 15-20% of lazy braking and slow response type complaitns about scorpios come just from those tyres.

Moved to Michelin Primacy SUV and there was a night and day difference.

[FortunerTRD]

Originally Posted by hserus

I had Bridgestone Dueler HT on my previous Scorpio and got new tyres in that brand. Performed ok, had a good amount of life but horrible in eg rainy conditions, when cornering etc. I have a feeling some 15-20% of lazy braking and slow response type complaitns about scorpios come just from those tyres.

Moved to Michelin Primacy SUV and there was a night and day difference.

Strangely I’ve never found any problems with braking etc with Bridgestones. But then again my max driving speed has been 110 kmph on the highway ever in both the Scorpio and Fortuner.
My brothers XUV 500 2016 Automatic also has Bridgestones. No complaints.

If one is a spirited driver then probably Bridgestones might have drawbacks.
But now at an ‘uncle’ age the tyres lifespan, general performance and cost matters more any other parameters.

[Gearphile]

I am planning to replace the tires of my Fortuner - I have had good experience with Michelin Latitude Cross, so would Michelin LTX Trail be the equivalent now ? Any experience one can share on those ? Somewhere I read that it is supposed to have better sidewall than the earlier LTX Force.

[rphukan]

I have been running Yokohama Geolanders on my 2009 Fortuner for almost 6 years now, and it's now time for a replacement.
Was thinking of the Maxxis 275/65 R 17s. Any thoughts?

[RubberGuru1113]

Originally Posted by rphukan

I have been running Yokohama Geolanders on my 2009 Fortuner for almost 6 years now, and it's now time for a replacement.
Was thinking of the Maxxis 275/65 R 17s. Any thoughts?

What is your experience and feedback of the Geolandars? Any reason you're not considering a re-fitment of the same?

Also can you share the price you're being quoted for the Maxxis tyres?

Just a word of advice - when you're investing in such expensive tyres which are going to cost you 14k+ per piece, you should absolutely ensure that they come with unconditional warranty.

Tyre damage is more about bad luck than anything to do with the user and it is fully possible that a sharp object can render your tyre unusable as you leave the tyre shop - and this has nothing to do with the quality of the tyres either - just your luck.

This is why I absolutely insist that for expensive tyres, you must absolutely go for a brand which has unconditional warranty. To my knowledge, Yokohama gives it for a limited period whereas Maxxis does not.

Just go through rugsrags' experience quoted below to get an idea of why I'm insisting on this.

Originally Posted by rugsrags

As expected Michelin has washed their hands off my claim saying it isn't a manufacturing defect.

Just wish there was a way to get it checked because their view has come after inspecting only pictures and not the tyre physically. My tyre dealer though is pursuing the case at his level with them since he knows how particular i am personally with my driving. Is it possible that we are importing tyres that are not suitable for our indian conditions. Just saying because this was the first time I got new tyres without feeling any difference whatsoever in my driving experience followed by my unfortunate mishap.