QuestionQUESTION: I bought a new 2005 Jeep Wrangler that now has 23k miles on it. Dealer says all 4 tires need to be replaced. (Goodyear RTS came on it)I only drive 12 miles to work, never off road. Is this normal?
ANSWER: Nancy,
Most tire wear occurs when cornering, so tire wear is more a function of turns per mile. The average seems to be around 1.1 turns per mile - counting any more or less 90 degree turn as a "turn", including backing up and including freeway off ramps. A freeway off ramp that is 270 degrees would be the equivalent of 3 "turns".
But it is also possible that the alignment is off or perhaps you didn't rotate your tires enough.
Hope this helps.
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: All four tires are just about treadless. They all look the same. Doesn't this suggest they are just lousy tires? What is the lowest # of miles I should expect from tires on a new vehicle?
AnswerNancy,
Unfortunately you didn't tell me if they were rotated or not. If they were, then that still might suggest an alignment problem.
If they were not, it might suggest the "turns per mile" thing.
But it may also be that Jeep specified a low rolling resistance compound on their tires and that may be why they are wearing quickly. After all, Jeeps aren't exactly known for good fuel economy and I can easily imagine that Jeep might use a quick wearing tire to improve their EPA fuel rating - leaving the consumer stuck with changing tires earlier than they expected.
