Excessive Tyre Wear

[LiamD]

I bought my '06 plate Cayenne (3.2 V6 Auto with Tiptronic) from the OPC at just under 3 years old with 21k on the clock. When it went for its first MOT a few months later having done less than 1k miles, it needed two new rear tyres. Given all the claims that the OPC made about their extensive 100+ point check on used Porsches (including the tyres), I complained to them about having to replace the tyres so quickly, but they weren't having any of it and insisted that the tyres were fine when they sold it to me.

Now, only another 6k miles later (it's not used that often!), both rear tyres are extremely worn on the outer edges and will need to be replaced again (the front tyres are OK). I also own a 996, so I know that Porsche ownership is not cheap, but this is getting ridiculous at £250 per tyre!

I've read lots of comments online about excessive tyre wear on Cayennes, so it is obviously a common problem, and it has now also developed a real judder at 50-60mph (particularly when braking), which could be caused by something else, but it wouldn't surprise me if it's the tyres. I have 20" Sports wheels with Conti Sport tyres (same as the previous tyres) and have read that the tyre wear seems to be less of a problem with 19" wheels.

I'd appreciate some thoughts from other owners on whether buying a set of 19" wheels will lead to less tyre wear, or am I going to have much the same problem? I will also get the tracking/ alignment checked properly, although as noted above, it does seem to be a common problem with Cayennes. I've also read that Michelin Diamaris tyres generally have better wear/ last longer, so some thoughts on tyre choice would also be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

[wvicary]

If no suspension components are worn then the tracking must be out. I have almost 30,000 kms on my tires and not one issue with vibration or abnormal wear although I do rotate them front to rear approx every 15,000 km.

[clarksongli]

wheel diameter has nothing to do with the tire wear. A soft 19" tire will wear quicker than a 20" hard tire and vice versa.

you need to check all of your suspension components and then get an alignment. Abnormal wear is a sign that you are running out of spec on your alignment:

1. too much POSITIVE Camber

2. too much toe IN

3. A combination of the 2.

As you well know, the Cayenne is a very heavy car, expect tires to wear, especially with aggresive driving habits.

Personally, i have a set of Kumho's on my 20" wheels. The tires wear very well BUT with a severe sacrifice in road noise (traction and performance is equally as good).

To make it easier/cheaper, step up to a 275/45/20. Slightly larger diameter, but many many more choices in tires.

Finally....rotate your tires...i try to do it as frequent as possible (5-10k) to ensure even tire wear

[mudman2]

Experience over here is that unless the tires are mounted using a road force machine then you can get all sorts of issues and bad tire wear. 27K miles on these tires are not that bad tho. My old Contis were only good for 15K Miles