Is anyone having problems with premature tyre wear? I bought a pre-reg 2005 Mazda 6 TS2 diesel estate from my local dealer. At the first service it was quite clear that the outer edges of the rear tyres were wearing unevenly. Dealer told me that it was an estate and the rear tyres "needed to be pumped up". I kept the tyres slightly over-inflated but the problem persisted. At the second service the vehicle had about 14,500 on the clock and the n/s rear tyre needed replacing. Dealer said that rear tyre replacement at this mileage was not unusual for an estate car (although mine is rarely fully loaded) and said they could do a geometry test but I would probably end up paying for it. Had vehcile's tracking checked by local tyre specialist (who said it was OK) and Bridgestone tyre repaced with Avon. Changed dealer to get another warranty job done properly and mentioned tyres - told that Bridestone tyres weren't good for mileage. Both front and the rear o/s replaced with Goodyears at 22,500 miles. Avon tyre wearing unevenly and had two goes at Mazda UK who eventually said that a dealer could look at it but - if nothing found to be out of place - I would need to pay for it - possibly over £100. However "new" dealer did a freebie and altered tracking on rear n/s slightly - still not cured and will need to chnage the tyre at about 26,000 miles. Any ideas as to what migh be causing the problem - car drives perfectly.

Martin

I could propose one of my 'standard' reponses - " if I knew why, I wouldn't be working here !". Unless a mechanic/technician spends a high proportion of their time checking and adjusting wheel alignment AND applying a high degree of intellect to their observations, then, most pronouncments are 'waffle' ( imho ). The type of 'spin' that a Receptionist / Service Advisor ( who may never have done such work ) may 'fall back on' can then cause even more bewilderment.
I am not surprised that your local tyre specialist 'gave a clean bill of health. Let's consider their possible motives for such a comment :
1. They may have good equipment ( unlike the dealer ) but have they the staff with the ability to match ?
2. They know that they will never achieve a 'good result' , but would not admit it.
3. Did the car actually have a competent 'full' four-wheel alignment check?
4. They started adjusting the rear toe, but 'ran out of adjustment', and so, left it 'wanting'.
5. You describe "tracking", was that front, rear, or both, or a 'full four-wheel alignment check?


Have you had print-outs from the aligner machines ? How much did they charge?
In my experience there is not a lot of difference in mileage achieved between all brands, but the Bridgestone 390 is a tyre I dislike intently, it 'magnifies' 'edge wear'.

I wonder at what point Mazda would not 'be liable' for wheel alignment adjustments, the first service or earlier I would assume.
The 'cause' is ------ it's a mass-production car. It is not 'infinitely adjustable'. The manufacturing tolerances of the body and the rear suspension are such that the rear wheel alignment is very rarely 'perfect'.

---

Things happen