Hey guys I just got a brand new 2007 Ram 3500 mega cab about a month ago. Since I have always had bad luck with tires this time was no different. I got a nail in the tire and while I was fixing it (and up close to the tire) I noticed some surface cracks on the side wall of the tire. They are on all four tires and very close to the rim. I spoke to the dealer and they agreed to check it out except they are about 100 miles one way. They suggested I take it to a Michelin dealer and check with them since they have a factory warranty. I went to two places first that did not sell Michelins but they both said yep defective. I finally made it to a Michelin dealer and they said nope not defective because it’s only on the side wall not in the tread part of the tire. They continued to say that it’s from putting cleaner/shinning products on the tires and it’s eating at them. They determined the tires to be 100% safe. Not sure what to do next. Does anyone have any knowledge on this topic? Note: from a standing position you can't see the cracks.

 

There's been some posts about Michelins sidewall cracking and about them being replaced under warranty. Here's one thread:

https://www.dieseltruckresource.com/...Michelin+crack

 

I'de say get the store manager to put that in writing. That way when you have a blow out and accidently hit somebody you can show the court that the store manage stated it was safe.

 

Michelin has some of the best tires on the road. However they have the WORST warranty. Just smile and say it's your faullt.
Bob H

 

Well I went to three places. The first two sold Michelins but are not dealers. They both looked at the tires and said "yep they are defective". The third place was a Tire Kingdom. They are a dealer. The manager looked at them and said "No they are not defective. Only if the cracking goes into or starts in the tread part of the tire. That is from putting shining chemicals on the tire and its eating them up." I said come on the truck is brand new maybe there has been a product like that on them 3 or 4 times. Not satisfed with this answer I took the truck to a Sears Tire Center. They looked and said they can help me but I have to call Michelin myself and start a file. I said no problem and I called right there. After a few questions from them I passed the phone to the Sears manager and the deal was done. I am getting 4 brand new tires. I only have to pay $40 bucks for the mount and balance. I am very happy with this outcome and it could not have gone any better with Sears.

 

Hmm that sucks. We only run Michelins on our vehicles, only tires we have found that stand up. Good to hear you got things cleared up and all new tires!!

 

Glad it worked out at Sears. If it hadnt, I would recomend getting the Michelins from Costco if you can.. Good price and very good warranty. On a side note. I just replaced my front stock tires at 71,000 miles. They were still safe, just had some side wall weather cracking. I am on my second set of rears. Very impressed with the Michelins.