[Elmojo]

Hi all,
I need some help here.
My 2013 ST has about 78k on the clock.
My current tires are Continental ExtremeContact DWS06.
They were installed in October of 2015, when the car had roughly 54k miles, so they have about 24k miles on them at the moment.
They are inflated to 33psi all around, and have been filled with Nitrogen since new. I had the alignment checked (in-spec) when they were installed, and it's been re-aligned twice since they've been on. You'll see why in a second.
According to Continental, these tires are rated for 50,000 miles. Not gonna happen. The centers are totally shot at 24k. They won't pass inspection today, and are starting to feel squirrely in wet conditions. I paid too much for these tires to just toss them and buy a new set. I drive fairly mildly, for an ST driver. I NEVER do burnouts, I don't race or do track days. The closest I come is taking corners at speed on occasion or engaging the boost once in a while to merge with traffic.
The wear is even across all 4 tires, and is only in the center sections.
Additionally, I'm getting serious road noise that's been getting progressively worse over the past couple months. At this point, it's actually loud enough at around 50-60mph to cause buffeting inside the car with the windows up. You know, that sound you get when you leave the rear window down a little? It's no where near that dramatic, but it's enough to be more than annoying. At lower speeds, like in parking lots or approaching a stop, it becomes a growl. I've looked at the tires, but can't really see any obvious cupping, which would be my first thought for the source of the growl especially. There's no visible evidence of broken belts or sidewall bubbles either.
I'm attaching photos of the tires and the latest alignment report, from about 12k miles ago. I notice that the caster is out of spec on the front left, and close to out on the front right, but my understanding is that these are nonadjustable. Could this be the cause? Can anything be done about it that doesn't require aftermarket parts? I'm not interested in spending money I don't have to fix Ford's design flaw, if that is indeed the issue, which may not be the case at all.
I've contacted Tire Rack about the treadwear warranty, and they're very helpful in facilitating the replacement, but it requires that I buy another set of the same tires. I'm not sure if I even want another set, if they're gonna do the same thing.
Anyone have any ideas about what might be causing these issues?
Any suggestions appreciated.

 

[elyk864]

Center wear on a tire usually means over inflation. What size are you running?

 

[Elmojo]

I agree, that's why I specified my pressures as 33psi all around, on nitrogen. I check them regularly. It's been adjusted once by the tire shop (about a month ago) to add a little Nitro to correct for a low pressure issue due to temperature drop.
The max pressure for this tire is 51psi, so obviously overinflation isn't the issue.
The size is stock, 235/40 ZR18.

 

[elyk864]

I agree, that's why I specified my pressures as 33psi all around, on nitrogen. I check them regularly. It's been adjusted once by the tire shop (about a month ago) to add a little Nitro to correct for a low pressure issue due to temperature drop.
The max pressure for this tire is 51psi, so obviously overinflation isn't the issue.
The size is stock, 235/40 ZR18.

The Continental ExtremeContact DWS06 is an extra load tire (XL) with a 95 Load Index. So approximately at 33psi each tire will carry about 1254 lbs. 1254 X 4 = 5016lbs. So your tires are capable of carrying over 5000lbs at 33psi. Maybe that will help you a bit?

 

[DDST3]

Just out of curiosity. What is the date of manufacture on the sidewall?
It is branded into the tire in a 4 digit format.
Example: 2516 would be the 25th week of 2016.
Wondering how old they are...

 

[Elmojo]

The Continental ExtremeContact DWS06 is an extra load tire (XL) with a 95 Load Index. So approximately at 33psi each tire will carry about 1254 lbs. 1254 X 4 = 5016lbs. So your tires are capable of carrying over 5000lbs at 33psi. Maybe that will help you a bit?

Not one bit... what do I do with this information? Surely the ST is way under 5000lbs, so overall load can't be the issue. The ST is spec'd for an extra load tire, so this is the correct type tire for this car. Not sure what you're implying...please clarify.
@DDST3: The date code seems to be 0515, so week 5 of 2015? Sounds about right, since I bought them in October of 2015. Does that help any?

 

[DDST3]

The Continental ExtremeContact DWS06 is an extra load tire (XL) with a 95 Load Index. So approximately at 33psi each tire will carry about 1254 lbs. 1254 X 4 = 5016lbs. So your tires are capable of carrying over 5000lbs at 33psi. Maybe that will help you a bit?

Not one bit... what do I do with this information? Surely the ST is way under 5000lbs, so overall load can't be the issue. The ST is spec'd for an extra load tire, so this is the correct type tire for this car. Not sure what you're implying...please clarify.
@DDST3: The date code seems to be 0515, so week 5 of 2015? Sounds about right, since I bought them in October of 2015. Does that help any?

Doesn't help...unfortunately. Fresh date at the time of purchase.

 

[Unfitproduct]

My tires (when I had DWS) did the same thing.

 

[brian60]

I know what poopy tires I won't ever buy now. No reason for wear like that if they are rated for at least 50+k miles.

I run dedicated summer/winter anyway so they won't see my Focus...but on my other Allseason running vehicles that isn't happening.

 

[Unfitproduct]

Falkons for the win

 

[elyk864]

Not one bit... what do I do with this information? Surely the ST is way under 5000lbs, so overall load can't be the issue. The ST is spec'd for an extra load tire, so this is the correct type tire for this car. Not sure what you're implying...please clarify.
@DDST3: The date code seems to be 0515, so week 5 of 2015? Sounds about right, since I bought them in October of 2015. Does that help any?

I've worked in the Tire and Wheel industry since 2004 and can tell you the Conti DWS's are prone to doing that. The only way to combat that with the DWS is the air pressure. Using a load index chart to gauge the load carrying capacity is the only way to get it right without being dangerous. Most manufacturers will only take tires back for mileage adjustment if they are evenly worn. On that note though, if the edges are down to at least 3/32nds they still should take them back with the centers being bald. Just make sure you aren't showing the cords or steel anywhere at all.

 

[bootdinker]

Not one bit... what do I do with this information? Surely the ST is way under 5000lbs, so overall load can't be the issue. The ST is spec'd for an extra load tire, so this is the correct type tire for this car. Not sure what you're implying...please clarify.
@DDST3: The date code seems to be 0515, so week 5 of 2015? Sounds about right, since I bought them in October of 2015. Does that help any?

FWIW, center wear usually means you're over-inflated for the load you're carrying. Since the ST is a little over 3000 pounds, he's saying that your tires at 33psi are set to carry about 2000 pounds more than that. In short, you might have avoided the problem by lowering your pressure to 31 or 32 psi. The DWS's have a load index of 95, but the stock Goodyear F1s had a LI of 94, so it really shouldn't matter that much. Maybe the DWSs are just really crappy about extra inflation.

Regardless, those tires are toast. You need new ones.

 

[bootdinker]

Also, Elmojo, for what it's worth: I have a 2006 AWD Infiniti sedan and when I first replaced the tires at 40K miles, they all went to hell on the inner side of every tire within 20K miles even though the alignment was perfect. It turned out I had two slightly bad wheel bearings on the rear wheels, and tire rotation every 6K miles took care of the rest. The bearings weren't making noise so no one thought to check them.

I'm not sure how a bad wheel bearing would cause center wear, but this:

Additionally, I'm getting serious road noise that's been getting progressively worse over the past couple months. At this point, it's actually loud enough at around 50-60mph to cause buffeting inside the car with the windows up. You know, that sound you get when you leave the rear window down a little? It's no where near that dramatic, but it's enough to be more than annoying. At lower speeds, like in parking lots or approaching a stop, it becomes a growl.

Sounds like a wheel bearing going bad, or a universal joint somewhere.

 

[Elmojo]

Thanks for the comments guys.
Needless to say, I'm not happy with Continental.
This is the second set of Contis I've owned. The first was the OE set that came on my 2007 Nissan Versa. They were absolute garbage. I was thrilled when they wore out so I could toss them and get something decent.
I was hoping that was just a case of econobox OE rubber being substandard, but alas, it appears that it's more a case of Continental not being able to make a tire that holds up actually being in contact with the road.
It's a shame, since when they aren't growling or wearing out prematurely, these DWS06's are the best running and handing tires I've ever had on any car. They stick easily as good as the OE F1's, made less road noise when new, don't turn to blocks of wood when the temp drops below 40f, and will actually handle a bit of standing water without sending me on an unscheduled ski trip. Of course, none of this means anything if they turn to chicken...soup after less than half their rated life.
I guess now I'll have to talk to Conti about the pro-rated refund. I wonder if there's any hope of getting it as an actual refund, since I have no desire to install another set of these on my ST?

Speaking of which, what ALL SEASON (please don't even mention a summer tire) tires have you run that you like?
I'm more interested in a quiet ride and good tread life than max performance. I don't track my car, and most of my miles are boring highway and rural back road miles, so comfort wins out.
Thoughts?

Back to this inflation/load topic again: Can anyone explain it to me one more time, perhaps more simply? I'm confused as to how a tire that's rated for 51psi could be considered potentially overloaded at 33psi. Perhaps I'm not thinking about it the right way, which is why I'd like someone to take a stab at explaining it differently if you could. It sure looks like the tire was run way overinflated, but that's not the case, at least according to the manual, door panel, and sidewall of the tire. I'm so confused....

 

[bootdinker]

Thanks for the comments guys.
Back to this inflation/load topic again: Can anyone explain it to me one more time, perhaps more simply? I'm confused as to how a tire that's rated for 51psi could be considered potentially overloaded at 33psi. Perhaps I'm not thinking about it the right way, which is why I'd like someone to take a stab at explaining it differently if you could. It sure looks like the tire was run way overinflated, but that's not the case, at least according to the manual, door panel, and sidewall of the tire. I'm so confused....

I'm not a tire guy, but way back in the day I got a degree, so here goes:

A tire is just a thick balloon, so it also provides its own support. Mounted on a wheel, it can stand up by itself without any load. Put it on a car (under load) and it looks flat. You're confusing load and PSI. Proper pressure for a tire is based on load, which for an ST is 3200 pounds give or take, divided by four. The PSI for your DWS tires should be calculated based on that load. 33 PSI is just the factory recommendation for factory tires. If you put solid rubber tires on your car, then the PSI recommendation is worth crap.

Your tires look like a classic case of over-inflation because the PSI requirements change depending on how much weight you put on the tire and what kind of tire it is. For example, an ideal solid rubber tire would require 0 PSI to support your car. A tire that was 90% made of rubber might require only 2 PSI to support your car. Eagle F1s require 33 psi at the stock size, while your DWSs might only require 31 PSI because they have thinner sidewalls. Like a balloon, if you over-inflate your tires then they expand. On a tire, you see that in excessive wear in the middle.

Based on the pictures, I'd say the DWSs are rolling overinflated. They can support the car with less air pressure than the stock Eagles <--- That's the important thing, they can support the car with less air pressure than the stock tires.

 

[Elmojo]

Gotcha. That does make sense, except for one thing...
If you look at the photos, you may or may not see it, but it's fairly obvious in person.
The tires are quite clearly concave in the center, meaning they almost don't touch the road surface in the middle and press much harder at the edges.
I know the evidence is the exact opposite, and perhaps the tire expands greatly when warmed (I thought that was the point of nitrogen?), but you can lay a ruler across the top of the tire and see light under the middle.
It's baffling me. I'd swear they were run at 50psi, except I know they weren't. In fact, they've been run low for a while. My TPMS light tripped a bit over a month ago, and when I checked, all 4 tires were at 29psi. This was around the time when the weather here (eastern NC) started cooling off, which again I thought wasn't supposed to happen with nitrogen, but whatever. The point is, if anything, these tires have been run a bit under pressure for at least the past couple months. It's a mystery, no? lol

 

[bootdinker]

Gotcha. That does make sense, except for one thing...
If you look at the photos, you may or may not see it, but it's fairly obvious in person.
The tires are quite clearly concave in the center, meaning they almost don't touch the road surface in the middle and press much harder at the edges.
I know the evidence is the exact opposite, and perhaps the tire expands greatly when warmed (I thought that was the point of nitrogen?), but you can lay a ruler across the top of the tire and see light under the middle.
It's baffling me. I'd swear they were run at 50psi, except I know they weren't. In fact, they've been run low for a while. My TPMS light tripped a bit over a month ago, and when I checked, all 4 tires were at 29psi. This was around the time when the weather here (eastern NC) started cooling off, which again I thought wasn't supposed to happen with nitrogen, but whatever. The point is, if anything, these tires have been run a bit under pressure for at least the past couple months. It's a mystery, no? lol

It's not a mystery - they could just be ****ty tires. I'm just not sure how you can get the tire manufacturer to pay for replacements. I'm near DC, beyond that blizzard last January we haven't had extremely low temperatures for the Mid-Atlantic coast for the past year.

 

[drew925]

I'm running BF Goodrich G-Force Comp 2 A/S. Handle great and are flawless in wet and light snow.

 

[Freebird23103]

This guy blew thru his in 8K miles ... Seems like others have posted in this thread, an issue with that brand and model tire.

Holy Tread Wear Batman! ExtremeContact DW

 

[Elmojo]

This guy blew thru his in 8K miles ... Seems like others have posted in this thread, an issue with that brand and model tire.

Holy Tread Wear Batman! ExtremeContact DW

I saw that thread. Those aren't the same tire. Those are the Summer variant. Notice the lack of an "S" in the model name.
However, I agree that Conti seems to have some durability issues. Let's see how well they stand behind their products....