OEM Continentals are almost bald at 28K miles ('22 BB)

[box986]

Hi all. Is there any recourse to the fact that our tires (which I have rotated) are already almost bald (3/32nds) at only 28,000 miles? The wear is even. I never pursued a tire mileage warranty before so have no idea if I reach out to Continental or Ford? Or will it be a useless waste of time? Thanks!

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[Jmuns]

It's always worth asking. I'd start with Continental assuming you want to buy another set of Continental's. If you are planning on changing manufacturers then it's a waste of time.

 

[Uncle Brad]

The OEM Continentals on my 2024 Big Bend had abysmal thread depth and super weak sidewalls (I could crush a sidewall down with just one hand). OEM tires - even those having the same names - can be different than what you buy from a retail store. It's my understanding that this is done to cut production costs and potentially reduce "lot rot" by engineering the OEM tire to withstand long periods of time on sitting on dealer lots. I replaced mine immediately. I'm frankly surprised your OEM Continentals survived as long as they did!

 

[thomasm23]

The OEM Continentals on my 2024 Big Bend had abysmal thread depth and super weak sidewalls (I could crush a sidewall down with just one hand). OEM tires - even those having the same names - can be different than what you buy from a retail store. It's my understanding that this is done to cut production costs and potentially reduce "lot rot" by engineering the OEM tire to withstand long periods of time on sitting on dealer lots. I replaced mine immediately. I'm frankly surprised your OEM Continentals survived as long as they did!

This is not true.

OEM tires are the same tires that are offered at retail. The tread depth has been reduced on many newly designed tires. This helps improve gas mileage. But there are not two versions of the same tire.

Deeper tread depth tires are available for longer life but offer reduced gas mileage and typically effect ride and handling characteristics.

 

[Uncle Brad]

This is not true.

OEM tires are the same tires that are offered at retail. The tread depth has been reduced on many newly designed tires. This helps improve gas mileage. But there are not two versions of the same tire.

Deeper tread depth tires are available for longer life but offer reduced gas mileage and typically effect ride and handling ch

Just typed "oem tires can be different than retail" into my Brave browser:

"Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) tires and retail tires of the same model can indeed be different. OEM tires are specifically designed and engineered to meet the vehicle manufacturer's performance requirements, such as fuel economy, stopping distance, and noise levels. Retail tires, on the other hand, may have different specifications to cater to various consumer preferences and driving conditions.23

For instance, OEM tires often prioritize fuel efficiency and quietness, which can sometimes compromise tread depth and longevity. This means that OEM tires might wear out faster than retail tires, which are designed with different priorities.34

Moreover, tire manufacturers may produce different versions of the same tire model for OEM and retail markets. These versions can differ in compound blend, sidewall design, and even tread pattern.5

Therefore, while the tire model numbers might be the same, the actual tires can vary significantly in performance and longevity."

 

[Uncle Brad]

Just typed "oem tires can be different than retail" into my Brave browser:

"Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) tires and retail tires of the same model can indeed be different. OEM tires are specifically designed and engineered to meet the vehicle manufacturer's performance requirements, such as fuel economy, stopping distance, and noise levels. Retail tires, on the other hand, may have different specifications to cater to various consumer preferences and driving conditions.23

For instance, OEM tires often prioritize fuel efficiency and quietness, which can sometimes compromise tread depth and longevity. This means that OEM tires might wear out faster than retail tires, which are designed with different priorities.34

Moreover, tire manufacturers may produce different versions of the same tire model for OEM and retail markets. These versions can differ in compound blend, sidewall design, and even tread pattern.5

Therefore, while the tire model numbers might be the same, the actual tires can vary significantly in performance and longevity."

And another thing: perhaps the most-documented and obvious example of this phenomenon is found in the Michelin Pilot Sport 4S.

 

[Mark S.]

Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) tires and retail tires of the same model can indeed be different.

The confusion is the word "model." Is a Falken A/T3W 245/65R17 the same "model" as a Falken A/T3W 235/65R17? They are both A/T3W tires, right? The fact is that the 235/65R17 size tires were specially made for Ford as an upgrade off-road tire for the Bronco Sport. Falken sold these tires at retail outlets for a time (you can still find some even though Falken no longer manufacturers them) and they were exact same tire as the OE tire. This makes sense because there must be a supply of OE tires available retail to accommodate replacement of damaged tires.

That said, the 235 and 245 sizes of this tire are vastly different, even though they are the same "model." So yes, OE and retail tires of the same model can be very different.

 

[thomasm23]

I have replaced the OE Michelin Primacy A/S 225/60R18 100H SL BSW tires on my 21 OB twice. Once at 60,000 miles and again at 120,000 miles.

The replacement tires are exactly the same tires that came on the vehicle from the factory. They both were made at a Michelin factory in Mexico.

My point is the same exact OE tire and retail tire of the same manufacturer and model and size are the same. The tire manufacturer does not manufacture two versions of the same tire.

Now, different sizes of the model tire will be different.

 

[The Shark]

Hi all. Is there any recourse to the fact that our tires (which I have rotated) are already almost bald (3/32nds) at only 28,000 miles? The wear is even. I never pursued a tire mileage warranty before so have no idea if I reach out to Continental or Ford? Or will it be a useless waste of time? Thanks!

Be happy you got 28K out of the tires and move on. Get a better set of tires like Falken.

 

[Mwittke5857]

Hi all. Is there any recourse to the fact that our tires (which I have rotated) are already almost bald (3/32nds) at only 28,000 miles? The wear is even. I never pursued a tire mileage warranty before so have no idea if I reach out to Continental or Ford? Or will it be a useless waste of time? Thanks!

After my 1st snow storm, those "new" Conties were my first upgrade. Absolutely useless for snow, I imagine for mud as well. If all I did was street driving in decent weather, I suppose they would be fine.

 

[Uncle Brad]

I noted that the FALKEN 235/65R17 Wildpeaks AT3W BWare OEM tires are still available. These made an ASTONISHING difference in the performance of my Big Bend over the supplied Continentals. They are quite a bit lighter that the AT4W's, and were (I understand) OEM for the FIrst Edition, but are no longer manufactured.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08L63HF6W?psc=1

 

[Mwittke5857]

I noted that the FALKEN 235/65R17 Wildpeaks AT3W BWare OEM tires are still available. These made an ASTONISHING difference in the performance of my Big Bend over the supplied Continentals. They are quite a bit lighter that the AT4W's, and were (I understand) OEM for the FIrst Edition, but are no longer manufactured.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08L63HF6W?psc=1

I still stand with my Mickeys. Past experience with them for the most part. Wear like iron, bite like animals!

 

[B-Dog15]

After my 1st snow storm, those "new" Conties were my first upgrade. Absolutely useless for snow, I imagine for mud as well. If all I did was street driving in decent weather, I suppose they would be fine.

I agree the Conti’s were not good. I didn’t even like them in the heavy rain we get around here. I see you put some Mickey’s on. I’ve heard really good things about them! They also look really good on the BS.

 

[BLUEOVALRACER]

This is not true.

OEM tires are the same tires that are offered at retail. The tread depth has been reduced on many newly designed tires. This helps improve gas mileage. But there are not two versions of the same tire.

Deeper tread depth tires are available for longer life but offer reduced gas mileage and typically effect ride and handling characteristics.

X2 on the OEM Tires being made to improve gas mileage.

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