Advice Please. Fullrun Tyres

[brucemillar]

Folks

From previous threads you will know that my beloved C240 now has a new engine and is finally back on the road.

Prior to the engine blowing up I had a brand new set of 18" alloys fitted by a big reputable wheel & tyre company. The wheels came fitted with Fullrun Tyres. Within a few miles of fitting the I had a balance weight come off so returned to have the wheel re-balanced. At this point the tyre guy noticed that both rears had splits (that looked like they had been slashed) in the inner side walls. Apart from this the tyres looked as new (they had done about 1500 miles). Pressures were fine etc.

Both tyres were returned to Fullrun who offered my 50% compensation. I felt I had no choice but to accept, but was not happy that this was all they would offer.

We now both fronts have the same splitting and they have only done 2500. A quick google shows that this is a known issue with these tyres.

I am not happy that I bought four new tryres but am only effectively being compensated for two when I will now need to replace all four after only 2500 miles. That does not take into account my anger over the obvious danger posed by these tyres (this is my wife's school run car).

Any suggestions (sensible please)

 

[BlackC55]

I have seen this too on Fullrun tyres.

They are pretty cheap and nasty IMO. My local tyre place has stopped using them.

I would make sure the tyre company you bough them from to put a new set of better tyres on FOC. It is their responsibilty to sell you tyres that are not unsafe.

 

[brucemillar]

Olly

Thanks for that. My concern is that that fitting company may well correctly say that they are now two years old. This is true but the mileage is so low and the wheels were stored off the car in a dry garage. Do I still have an argument given that?

 

[MarkJunedd]

I had a set of 4 Fullruns on a volvo i bought a few years ago. The two fronts split just as Bruce described right the way around the sidewall. I also noticed that they were very noisy,almost like a wheel bearing giving up at certain speeds

 

[HB]

Bruce. Stick those tyres in the nearest bin. DO NOT USE xxxx LIKE THAT ON THE CAR YOUR WIFE USES FOR THE KIDS. If you want to run budget tyres, at least use Falkens.

 

[Will]

Wouldn't fit tyres like that to a wheelbarrow. Regardless I think you should lean on the supplier to replace or refund as appropriate - not fit for purpose.

Use part worn quality tyres if you are on a budget.

 

[moonloops]

a Full Run - what you should break into when offered such tyres.

 

[brucemillar]

Many thanks to all who responded. So I went into the tyre place and after some polite discussion they agreed to replace both tyres at no charge with new tyres (not Fullrun) I asked why not Fullrun? Answer. "we don't sell them anymore".

I think that is a fair result.

What is unfair is the possible consequences of using Fullrun tyres. These were sold to me as part of a NEW wheel & tyre deal and were not cheap. At no time did anybody say "these tyres are prone to splitting and are dangerous". Had they done so, I would never have bought them.

A further search on Google reveals a chap who had one blow out on the Motorway. The splits are identical to what I had on mine. Looks like a stanley knife had run round the inner side wall.

If you have Fullruns on your car get them checked on the inner sidewalls now.

 

[MarkJunedd]

These were sold to me as part of a NEW wheel & tyre deal and were not cheap.

Looks like a stanley knife had run round the inner side wall.

Mine were fitted as a wheel and tyre package by the previous owner,i found the receipt in the glovebox and as you say they werent cheap.
The stanley knife description you use is exactly what mine looked like.

 

[kam05]

I wouldn't fit Fullrun tyres to a shopping trolley!

Seriously, I made the mistake of fitting a set of Fullrun tyres to my last car (Lexus IS200). They made so much noise, it sounded like my wheel bearing were shot.

Avoid Fullrun tyres!

 

[ringway]

When I bought my 320CDI Estate it was fitted with 2no SAVA and 2no Fullrun tyres (one pair to get it through the last MOT I should think). The grip, especially in the wet, was hopeless.

Fullruns are dangerous tyres and when compared to a premium brand bought at a good price (E-Tyres were very competetive for my last Michelin fitment) the are incredibally poor value.

I replaced all the tyres on the 320cdi with Michelin Pilot Sport 3's. Fantastic grip in wet or dry conditions and they roll beautifully as well.

 

[Rob77]

At no time did anybody say "these tyres are prone to splitting and are dangerous". Had they done so, I would never have bought them

It wouldn't have mattered if they did say that. Nobody is entitled to rely on statement like that in order to limit their liability.

 

[brucemillar]

It wouldn't have mattered if they did say that. Nobody is entitled to rely on statement like that in order to limit their liability.

Rob I agree and was not trying to suggest anything different. My point was that you have to be able to trust the "professionals" at some point. So if you go to a tyre sales/fitting company with your car for them to view and ask for their advice on wheels/tyres and they say "here you are" this is what you need you do not expect to end up with a completely hopeless and dangerous product.

There should be a point that conscience gets ahead of profit especially when you know that your product/offering could cost others their lives or those of their families.

When the trader then accepts that they no longer sell the product as they know it is no good, I would not expect ANY debate about refunds or replacements.

I do not think that my case is unique or that my seller thought he may be contributing to somebody else's demise at the point of sale. I just really wish that people would consider the impact of their actions.

Not everybody is fully aware of tyre mechanics and their role in accidents. There seems to be a belief that more means better? However in these austere times people will gravitate to what is affordable and companies like Fullrun will profit from that.

I say again. My wheel and tyre package was not a cheap deal. I see sets of wheels being sold on here for much less with albeit part worn big brand tyres.

I say again. If you have Fullruns on your car then have the inner tyre walls inspected immediately. Mine were horrific and gave me quite a shock when I realised the potential consequences that I was putting in the way of my family.

 

[Dieselman]

I say again. My wheel and tyre package was not a cheap deal. I see sets of wheels being sold on here for much less with albeit part worn big brand tyres.

Ah, but we all know you must never run your car on part worn tyres, the sky will fall in and babies will be slaughtered wholesale...

 

[TDE1]

Holy moly DM!

That would explain the sky deciding it wanted to turn into water recently, and where my jelly babies disappeared to. I'd best get my PZeros changed immediately - they are part worn (well, they are now after a few thousand miles )