Can I drive on a flat tyre that does not have run-flat technology?
No. Michelin does not recommend driving on tyres without Run Flat technology. MICHELIN Run-Flat tyres have reinforced sidewalls designed to support the load of the vehicle in case of a pressure drop and allow continued driving for up to 50 miles (depending on road and driving conditions) at a maximum speed of 50 mph. Standard tyres do not have this technology.
What are road hazard injuries?
Road hazard damage is damage that occurs when a tyre fails as a result of a puncture, bruise or break incurred during the course of normal driving on a maintained road. Nails, glass and potholes are the most common examples of road hazards.
Avoid running over objects (e.g. potholes, rocks, kerbs, metal and glass, etc.) which may cause internal tyre damage. Internal damage, not visible without demounting the tyre, may be caused when a tyre runs over an object. Continued use of a tyre that has suffered internal damage (which may not be externally visible) can lead to dangerous tyre failure. Determination of suspected internal damage requires demounting the tyre from its rim and examination by a trained tyre personnel.
What are the causes of centre tread wear?
When the centre tread wears faster than the adjacent tread surfaces, possible causes include over inflation for load carried, rim width too narrow, misapplication, smooth wear after spin-out, improper tyre rotation practices, aggressive acceleration or under-inflation for certain tyre types, such as performance tyres.
If the tread depth is at or below 1.58 mm (2/32") in any groove or if cord material or under tread is exposed, the tyre must be replaced. If sufficient tread remains, verify the proper rim width and vehicle fitment as well as verifying/adjusting inflation pressures, then rotate the tyres for maximum wear.
What can cause my tyre to show One-Sided Shoulder Wear?
When the shoulder of the tread on one side of a tyre wears faster than the adjacent tread surface, this can result from a variety of conditions, such as front and/or rear misalignment (example, toe or camber), loose or worn suspension components, hard cornering, improper tyre-rotation practices, misapplication, high crown roads or non-uniform mounting.
If the tread depth is at or below 1.58 mm (2/32") in any groove or if either cord or under tread is exposed, the tyre must be replaced. If sufficient tread remains, verify that the tyre has been properly mounted, then rotate the tyres for maximum wear.
What can cause my tyre to wear in more than one spot around the circumference?
When tread is worn in one or more spots around the tyre circumference, this can indicate brake lock/skid, improper balance, localised underlying separation, loose/worn suspension components, improper bead seating/mounting, progression from initial tread cut/chip/road hazard injury or chemical contamination. Surface texture may have initially shown abrasion marks from the tyre sliding on the road, but the surface may have since worn smooth.
When the tyres with a flat spot are used in a dual application. you may consider rotating one tyre 180 degrees in relation to the flat spot on the other tyre.
If the tread depth is at or below 1.58 mm (2/32") in any groove or if either cord or under tread is exposed, the tyre must be replaced.
When the cause of the flat spot is not apparent, your tyre dealer should contact our Consumer Care Department.
What can cause my tyre tread face to show one rib higher than the other?
Feathering is a condition when the edge of each tread rib develops a slightly rounded edge on one side and a sharp edge on the other. The most common causes of feathering are incorrect toe-in setting or deteriorated bushings in the front suspension. The toe setting should be as close to 0 as possible for the optimum wear.
The tyres should be inflated to the pressure as indicated on the sticker on the inside of the driver’s door. The vehicle manufacturer has determined that this pressure is optimal for load, ride, handling, rolling resistance and tread-wear performance.
What can cause the sidewall of my tyres to start turning a brownish colour?
The brownish colour on the sidewall of your tyres is not a defect. The source of this discolouration can be varied. One possibility is that the tyres contain an anti-ozone agent in their rubber compounds to slow down the ill effects of exposure to ozone in the air. This anti-ozone ingredient will migrate to the surface of the rubber and leave the appearance of a brownish dust. This is completely normal and technically is no cause for concern. In time, depending on usage, it will disappear.
Other possibilities for discolouration can be simply dust that is picked up from normal driving or brake dust which is generated by the abrasion of the brake pads against the brake rotor. This latter condition is more prevalent when the brakes are new or have recently been relined. In all cases, we recommend that you continue to clean your tyres with mild soap and water.
What causes a tyre to wear out?
Tread-wear or life expectancy is determined by many factors:
Driving habits and style of driving, geographical location, type of vehicle, type of tyre, how the vehicle is maintained and how tyres are maintained, etc.
As a result, mileage expectancy is impossible to determine.
Our Limited Warranty covers defects in workmanship and material for the life of the tread or six years from the original date of purchase, whichever occurs first. We offer no mileage warranty on the tyres that were originally equipped on your vehicle.
We suggest that you have the tyres/vehicle inspected by a participating tyre retailer in your area to determine if there is perhaps a mechanical or maintenance issue that could be contributing to a rapid or irregular wear pattern.
Your satisfaction is important to us. Please have the dealer contact us with the tyre inspection as we are willing to offer you assistance with your concern.
What causes sidewall indentation on my tyre?
The condition, sometimes referred to as sidewall undulations, is a common characteristic of radial tyre construction and is purely a visual characteristic that will not affect the performance of the tyre. These indentations are more noticeable in larger/wider radial-ply tyre sizes and become more visible with higher inflation pressures. The joining of the ply material in the sidewall area may cause a slight indentation or wavy appearance on the sidewall surface of the tyre when it is inflated. However, if bulges rather than indentations appear on the sidewall of the tyre, or if there is any question concerning any sidewall indentations, please contact a tyre dealer for a tyre inspection.
What could be the cause of my tyres making a loud noise?
Noise is most commonly due to an uneven or irregular wear pattern that has developed on the tyres.
We suggest that you have the tyres inspected by a participating tyre retailer in your area. To find the dealers near you, refer to the Yellow Pages of your telephone book or utilise the Dealer Locator on our website.
What should I do if I notice a vibration?
Vibration is an indication that your car has a problem that needs attention. The tyres, steering system and suspension system should be checked to help determine the possible cause and correction of the vibration. If left unattended, the vibration could cause excessive tyre and suspension wear. It could even be dangerous. Authorised dealers offer expert diagnosis and repair