3 years ago, I purchased a new set of Michelin Symmetries from Walmart for my 03 EXL, to replace my old ones. I had gotten the exact replacement with 98T load index, plus they were having a great sale at the time. I aslo got free lifetime rotating and balancing.
Recently when I took the van in to get the tires rotated one of the tire techs noted the tires were dry rotting. I said how could that be, the tires are 3 years old and not even 20K on them.
I looked at the tires and the only sign of dry rot I could see is small cracking between the treads. I did not see any sign of cracking on the sidewalls.
In any event, he said I could get 60-75% pro-rated, and throw on Douglass Xtra-Trac (Walmarts brand) since they no longer carry Symmetries, and plus Douglas is the only tire they carry with a 98 load rating. When I googled Douglas, it seemed to be an inferior tire.
So my question is does small cracks between treads mean the tire is rotting? Or is some cracking normal? If I remember my old Symmetries had the same cracking. I really don't want to give up my Michelins for a no-name tire.
Recently when I took the van in to get the tires rotated one of the tire techs noted the tires were dry rotting. I said how could that be, the tires are 3 years old and not even 20K on them.
I looked at the tires and the only sign of dry rot I could see is small cracking between the treads. I did not see any sign of cracking on the sidewalls.
In any event, he said I could get 60-75% pro-rated, and throw on Douglass Xtra-Trac (Walmarts brand) since they no longer carry Symmetries, and plus Douglas is the only tire they carry with a 98 load rating. When I googled Douglas, it seemed to be an inferior tire.
So my question is does small cracks between treads mean the tire is rotting? Or is some cracking normal? If I remember my old Symmetries had the same cracking. I really don't want to give up my Michelins for a no-name tire.