Continental Tire Problems

[brinmaric]

Hi Everyone,

I got a roofing nail stuck in the sidewall of my tire on my 2005 R/T today. I took it to a tire shop to have it repaired and the mechanic took me out and showed me the tires were almost down the the wear indicator. I have just over 14,000 miles on the car and do not beat on it.

The mechanic told me that they have been getting quite a few Chryslers in with Continental Tires that have less than 20,000 miles on them and they are worn out already.

I ended up buying Goodyears and then called Continental and I was told they would only credit me if I bought Continental tires. Why would I put on more of the same lousy product.

Has anyone else run into this problem? If so any resolution?

I don't think tires on a $35,000.00 car should wear out so fast.

Thanks,
Keith

[Hemi31]

Alot of us have had this problem with the Conti junk.Your not alone.The good news is most people have had good luck with any other tire.

[thunder63cs]

COntinental are known for that and also have seen a few blow out . I hate having cont on my car but can't find any other the same brand .. on the other hand mine are actually wearing good 21k miles and still on org set..

[Fletcher323]

Definitely nothing new here. Mine lasted barely 21k and then I put on some Michelins. Now Goodyear has the Assurance Comfortread in the stock size (225-60-18) and I am hearing great things about this tire and will go to them if my Michelins ever wear out. Right now they have over 20k with 40% left on them. Chrysler is now using the Goodyears.

[hattey]

do any of you guys with the conti tires notice they always look like they are running low on air even when they are at the right psi?

[HeatSiphon]

Mine are junk too, I'll be lucky to get 10,000 miles on them. I have 6700 on them now. I don't whoop on them at all..........Can't wait to get them off..........

[txrot]

'05 SXT had it one year, 8500 miles. conti tires and maintain 33lbs and have had them rebalanced and rotated once. no problems.

[desquirrel]

33lbs is very low.

The Magnum is the first domestic car I've had in a long time. American cars ALWAYS came with crap tires, batteries, and shocks.

My AWD came with Conti 4X4s and at 14,000 mi. look brand new.

[txrot]

don't have 4x4's conti touring contact

[spinks08]

i had the problem with conti put new tires on same problem found out the front alignment on the magnums were bad but goodluck getting dodge to give you money back for the tires

[desquirrel]

Car makers do not warranty tires.

An improper alignment is an "adjustment" which the car maker will do in the first couple of months.

And while there where a few cars with a misaligned cradle the dealers had a hard time dealing with, there is no problem with the alignment on "the Magnums".

[rorymagnum]

Sorry dude, but there is a problem with alignment on many Magnums. Maybe you meant that there is no inherent problem in the design of the front end, but many Magnums left the factory with to much toe-in. It might have been incompetence, suspension settling, or a Geri rig attempt to mask the right pull that some early Magnums had. A lot of people with premature wear also had excessive feathering.

Also, alignment is a warranty issue that is covered by the 3 year warranty. Unless you have a big dent in your rim or something, any dealer will check and adjust your alignment if you have abnormal tire wear.

I'm no fan of Continental, but I had identical tires on a Camry that lasted 80k miles. The Contis on my Magnum were 50% worn by 12k miles and feathered. The dealer corrected the alignment (under the warranty) and now I have 27k miles and probably 25% tread left. 50% tread wear in the first 12k and only 25% in the next 15K -- I'd say alignment was more of an issue than the tires.

So ... have the alignment checked if you have abnormal tire wear, and remember to rotate your tires every 5k.

[desquirrel]

Sorry dude, but there is a problem with alignment on many Magnums.

The problem is the definition of "many". You read half a dozen posts on a forum and calculate a percentage that is several orders of magnitude out of whack.

Also, alignment is a warranty issue that is covered by the 3 year warranty. Unless you have a big dent in your rim or something, any dealer will check and adjust your alignment if you have abnormal tire wear.

Wrong

Alignment issues are very easy to spot early. No one ever checks. If you have an alignment issue and the dealer says "it's fine", you go to another dealer or alignment shop. A 4 wheel alignment would easily show something was whacked. Very few dealers will go through the trouble.

[rorymagnum]

[QUOTE=desquirrel]The problem is the definition of "many". You read half a dozen posts on a forum and calculate a percentage that is several orders of magnitude out of whack.

Don't presume to know the basis of my comments. Anyone who has spent any time in any Magnum forum knows that a LARGE percentage of Magnum owners have experienced premature tire wear. Even the guy at Keith's tire store knew that. Since I had premature tire wear that was midigated by propper tire alignment, I think its safe to extrapolate that a significant percentage of others would similarly benefit -- ergo -- the factory alignment was "whacked" on many Magnums.

[QUOTE=rorymagnum]Also, alignment is a warranty issue that is covered by the 3 year warranty. Unless you have a big dent in your rim or something, any dealer will check and adjust your alignment if you have abnormal tire wear.

[QUOTE=desquirrel]Wrong

How so? Are you saying that the tire alignment that was performed on my Magnum, by the dealer, due to abnormal tire wear, after almost 1 year of ownership, was not covered by the 3 year warranty. If it wasn't, then those guys at the dealership must really like me, because they didn't charge me anything! Checking tire alignment is not like checking your oil, but if there is apparent abnormal wear on your tires (not do to abuse or damage), any dealer will check and adjust your alignment under warranty.

[QUOTE=desquirrel]Alignment issues are very easy to spot early. No one ever checks. If you have an alignment issue and the dealer says "it's fine", you go to another dealer or alignment shop. A 4 wheel alignment would easily show something was whacked. Very few dealers will go through the trouble.

I'd address this, but I really have no idea what you were trying to say here. The part earlier about the "orders of magnitude" was real good though.

[desquirrel]

The problem you have is that you derive info from your imagination. You invent percentages of cars with problems based on "My uncle Bob knew about it", or "The tire store guy said..", or forum posts. All of which are statistically meaningless. "All the Magnum" statements are silly.

DC only warrants an alignment issue for 12mo under the bumper to bumper warranty and only if there is no evidence of user issues. That is from page 6 in the warranty book, even though techs have said a couple of months in posts here. That same section also says specifically brake linings and rotors, etc are covered for 1 year, but page 15 says brake linings are NOT covered.

[rorymagnum]

The problem you have is that you derive info from your imagination. You invent percentages of cars with problems based on "My uncle Bob knew about it", or "The tire store guy said..", or forum posts. All of which are statistically meaningless. "All the Magnum" statements are silly.

DC only warrants an alignment issue for 12mo under the bumper to bumper warranty and only if there is no evidence of user issues. That is from page 6 in the warranty book, even though techs have said a couple of months in posts here. That same section also says specifically brake linings and rotors, etc are covered for 1 year, but page 15 says brake linings are NOT covered.

Funny, I don't recall ever listing any percentages. What I do recall is using words like "many" and "a significant number". Whether the percentage is 8% or 80%, there is nothing "invented" or "imagined" and the statments are accurate.

I certainly never made an "All the Magnum" statement. Perhaps you're confusing me with spinks08's post, although he didn't really say "All" the Magnum. The only one who seems to be inventing things here is you. Perhaps you should re-read this thread and try to increase your reading comprehension.

I'll take your word on the 12 month limitation (although that hasn't been my experience with previous cars). I called bull____ on you because what you originally said about the warranty was factually incorrect. Furthermore, no number of Magnums should leave the factory with incorrect alignment. Anecdotal evidence, which most people realize can be very significant, suggests the spinks08 and I weren't the only ones who experienced that -- so I think spinks08's statement that there is a problem with factory alignment is more correct than you categorical denial.

When there is misinformation laid out on this forum, I think it's worth while for people to correct it, so that others like spinks08 won't have to needlessly mess up a second set of tires before they get their alignment checked (under the warranty in many cases). Apparently their is a 12 mo warranty limitation that I was unaware of. My statement has been corrected. My ego can take that. With words like "invented" and "imagined" it seems your's a little more fragile.

Let's here it from some of you other guys. I'm sure none of us have run a statistical analysis, but is it as clear to you as it is to me that an inordinate number of Magnums have had tire issues? Since tire alignment and not new tires fixed the problem for spinks08 and myself, do you think that might be a little significant?

[Fletcher323]

It is a combination of both. If there wasn't a problem with the Continental tires, I don't think you would be seeing as many Goodyear Assurance products coming out on the new cars. There is absolutely no doubt about the crappy alignment problems a lot of these cars have had and how poorly DC has handled this issue. While the DC engineers were designing this car, they should have also spent a little more time on suspension tuning. I can only speak for the 05 models but they are way too floaty and react terribly to rough road surfaces. If people that buy these cars are used to Monte Carlos, Luminas, some Cadillacs and other mass produced American cars then this car probably handles and drives like a dream to them. However if you have driven BMW's, Mercedes, Audi's, Lexus etc. then you probably know where I am coming from when I say that this car is too softly sprung and comes with poor damping. By the way I had to take my RT to every dealer in the DFW area before I found a dealership that could get it close to being right. Mine does not pull to the right anymore but I think due to the cradle shift, the car is very unstable over road irregularities. With regard to the tire issue, I would recommend anyone that questions the quality or problems associated with the Continentals go to www.tirerack.com and look up the Goodyear Assurance Comfortread and read the reviews. You will find a number of pretty happy campers that have switched from the Contis to the Goodyears so I don't think it is just an alignment issue.

[desquirrel]

Funny, I don't recall ever listing any percentages. What I do recall is using words like "many" and "a significant number".

And the point is that you have no method to determine what a "significant number" is. You just use the phrase off the top of your head. If you were to tell me you and xxxx had this problem, all it would mean is that you and xxx had the same problem. Suppose I said I knew 15 people who don't have the problem. Do I "win"?

I certainly never made an "All the Magnum" statement.

I never said you did.


I'll take your word on the 12 month limitation (although that hasn't been my experience with previous cars). I called bull____ on you because what you originally said about the warranty was factually incorrect.

In what way?? DC is absolutely way out of the norm with 1year, assuming this is even true as the same warranty book has a 100% contradiction on brake linings 8 pages later. DC techs have said on this forum that it is a 90 day "adjustment" which IS the norm.

Furthermore, no number of Magnums should leave the factory with incorrect alignment.

Laughable

Anecdotal evidence, which most people realize can be very significant, suggests the spinks08 and I weren't the only ones who experienced that -- so I think spinks08's statement that there is a problem with factory alignment is more correct than you categorical denial.

I have "denied" nothing. I merely pointed out that your "conclusions" can not be reached from your set of facts.

When there is misinformation laid out on this forum, I think it's worth while for people to correct it.

In case you haven't noticed, much of what is discussed in forums is misinformation. Whether it is Superstar bulbs, HID conversions or "Hey, I took my Labrador to work today. I GOT 2MPG BETTER!!!", most people operate on the "it sounds good" theory.

Since tire alignment and not new tires fixed the problem for spinks08 and myself, do you think that might be a little significant?

I think that means you and spinks08 had alignment issues. If someone posted "my car is doing so and so" you could help out and say "I had that! It was an alignment."

So would you say based on your experience that Magnums have 4X the alignment issues of say, an Impala, or would it be more like 35X???

[desquirrel]

It is a combination of both. If there wasn't a problem with the Continental tires, I don't think you would be seeing as many Goodyear Assurance products coming out on the new cars. There is absolutely no doubt about the crappy alignment problems a lot of these cars have had and how poorly DC has handled this issue. While the DC engineers were designing this car, they should have also spent a little more time on suspension tuning. I can only speak for the 05 models but they are way too floaty and react terribly to rough road surfaces. If people that buy these cars are used to Monte Carlos, Luminas, some Cadillacs and other mass produced American cars then this car probably handles and drives like a dream to them. However if you have driven BMW's, Mercedes, Audi's, Lexus etc. then you probably know where I am coming from when I say that this car is too softly sprung and comes with poor damping. By the way I had to take my RT to every dealer in the DFW area before I found a dealership that could get it close to being right. Mine does not pull to the right anymore but I think due to the cradle shift, the car is very unstable over road irregularities. With regard to the tire issue, I would recommend anyone that questions the quality or problems associated with the Continentals go to www.tirerack.com and look up the Goodyear Assurance Comfortread and read the reviews. You will find a number of pretty happy campers that have switched from the Contis to the Goodyears so I don't think it is just an alignment issue.

Unless a 4 wheel alignment is done, you're wasting your time. If the cradle is out of whack and they "align" it, you'll have a car that no longer pulls but goes down the road diagonally and acts very strangely indeed. The major problem is that in the beginning DC had not figured out the cradle issue and you know the dopes in their service depts weren't going to figure it out on a new car because everything they do is not based on diagnosis but repetition. So you wind up with angry customers who cannot be serviced by their dealers and botched repairs. And so the legend begins.

When you add underinflated tires (the car mfg will usually have a very low pressure to give a softer ride) to a crooked cradle with a 2wheel botched alignment, you get one crazy calypso going on.

If I had any such issues, I would take the car to an alignment shop with the newest specs in hand. (DC I believe changed the alignment specs to decrease sensitivity to crown.) It may cost you but uit is cheaper than putting up with the trips to the dealer and frustration therein.

[rorymagnum]

Fletcher 323,
I agree with what you said. My tires are definitely wearing better since the alignment, but they are still not on the 80k mile track that my previous set on my Camry was. Maybe the tread pattern is more sensitive to toe adjustments.

desquirel,
I'm afraid you might be insane. Talk about a guy who can't see the forest for the trees. Are you seriously still trying to tell me that my assumption that "many" Magnums left the factory with alignment/tire (same issue to me) problems is illogical and unfounded? [That's really the crux of what I said].

Let me ask my Magnum brothers a few questions.

Over the last year and a half what is the most common theme that has come up in Magnum forums (at least with respect to RTs)? O.k., it's definitely Exhaust. But I'd bet number two is Tires.

How many Magnum owners do you think have ever even looked at one of these forums? 10%? Is there any real reason why we shouldn't assume that for every guy who has posted about tire issues, there are 10 more out there?

Add what Keith was told at the independent tire shop (not to confuse you again desquirrel ... Keith was the one that started this thread with this story)
that the tire guy said 'oh by the way we've been getting a lot of these cars lately with premature tire wear'. Magnums have been out for a year and a half, and I would guess most have less than 20k miles on them. You may need a calculator to complete this analysis desquirrel, but I think I can do this one in my head.

We know what desquirrel thinks, but do any of you other guys think my previous comments were ridiculous and impossible to logically derive from these facts?

[Fletcher323]

Thanks for the info. but it's had the four wheel alignment done from day one and it is still squirrelly. I am thinking about going and driving an 06 just to see the difference if any. Do you guys know if they have changed the springs or shocks on the newer models?

[MARKR54]

I've Had Pull And Abnormal Tread For Over 20k. A Client Of Mine Told Me That My Alignment Was Off - ..... Then All The Comments That Wear And Drift Were A Part Of Many Magnums Began To Hit Home. Took It To A Tire And Wheel Shop And They Found A Problem On The Front Left. When I Told The Dealer He Immediately Sent Me To A Frame Shop And The Work They Did (under Warranty Has Given Me A Vehicle That Until This Day - I Never Realized I Had. Day Vs Night - Wow - Too Bad It Took 24k To Get The Message....

[Fletcher323]

Markr54, what did they do?

[MARKR54]

the end result was an aligned front end but appartently they had to work on the axle to get the needed results. the tire and wheel shop (whose specialty is alignment) could not handle the job. I'm sure the work involved frame/axle manipulation. the end result indicates as much. i have a scanned pdf of the report the wheel and axle place gave me. give me your email and i'll send u a copy...

[Fletcher323]

Markr54, it is philip@geanderson.com. Thank you.

[dodgeboy123]

My 05 magnum is on its 3rd set of tires with 37000 miles on it. I used both goodyear and contis and they both feathered within 10,000 miles. I had 3 dealer alignments. I think its hogwash to blame the tires. Dodge doesn't want to admit they have a problem. I am ready to sell the piece of c---.

[desquirrel]

desquirel,
I'm afraid you might be insane. Talk about a guy who can't see the forest for the trees.

What I said you twit, is that YOUR attempts at calculating the preponderance of of problem were invalid and in fact quite stupid. Your attempt to base statistics on forum posts is imbecilic. (PS. A lot of Audi owners posted their cars had unintended acceleration. Proven impossible.) The problem in the "sounds good" theory is that it is invariably wrong. I noticed you never answered any of my questions ie: would you estimate the occurence as 1.5X the normal for all cars or 20X? I know, you don't know.

The fact is, the cars ARE sensitive to road crown as originally spec'd, which is why they published alternate specs for those that complain. Now, what percentage of your forum posters would you say are reporting this as opposed to cradle shift? I know, you don't know. If you really wanted to know, I suppose you could get a affected model count from the full TSB from DC. It's amazing how this massive amount of cars so afflicted has gotten passed the fleet evaluators and testing groups. As a matter of fact, the Magnum is the most incident free vehicle under the Dodge nameplate.

In talking to a service writer for a big NJ dealership, he said they had yet to have a car with the problem. Would he "beat" the "tire guy"?

[dodgeboy123]

First of all I don't appreciate the personnal bashing and I am sure you would not either. All I know is the dealer said my car was ok all three times I had it aligned, but my tires only lasted 10k miles. Both Conti and GOODYEAR !
When you buy a new car you don't expect to take it in three times for an alignment and they tell you your car is ok then fork out cash for three sets of tires while the car is still under warranty. Now my car surpassed 36k and the problem still exists and I am on my own. I am not a front end specialist but you don't have to be to know I have a problem that Dogde does not want to address.

[Fletcher323]

Dodgeboy you are right in that some Magnums do have a front end issue and Dodge doesn't seem to care to fix it. However, I have had mine aligned numerous times and with the Michelins I currently have on the car, they are wearing great with no feathering. I am thinking about going and test driving an 06 to see how it drives and if it is what I think it is, I may trade my 05 in and get an 06. Have you had the cradle shift done?

[Zebb]

At 5900 I took my 05 SXT AWD to the dealer for balance and rotation. My right front was starting to cup and the other tires were feathering some. I asked them to check the alignment. They did not check the alignment and said to drive it, it may have been an out of balance tire.

The right front did the same thing. I took it in at 11,500 miles for another tire balance and rotation. I complained to the service manager about the right front and he agreed and they did an alignment.

It now handles great (like a different car). A 1000 miles later the fronts are wearing good, no cupping. The service writer told me the toe was way off.

[Graygoat]

Hey! Has anyone heard anything about wear issues with the Conti tires?






(Sorry guys, I couldn't resist that!)

[Fletcher323]

I fixed my tire and alignment issue tonight. I went out and traded my 05 RT for an 06 RT and man what a difference. The new one drives the way it should and it has GoodYears. It's hard for me to believe what I have been missing by driving a car for the last two years that the Bankston stealership in Irving, Texas said was a normal driving Magnum.

[HeatSiphon]

I buying Goodyears tomorrow!!! My contis have 7511 miles on them and the dealer said they are "shot". Took it in for a steering wheel shake which I figured was just a balance but they said the tires are the problem. I asked about a mileage warrranty and they said go to NTB. I didn't waste my time at NTB and went to a tire shop I've been going to for 20 years. They are an authorized dealer of crapinental tires. They laughed and said "continenatal" before I told them what tires were on the car, laughed again and said the mileage warranty is for retail price of the tire, $195.00. By the time I got new contis after the mileage warranty, I could get a new set of another tire for about the same $$$$$$. At this point I don't care how much they cost as long as I never see continentals again.......I wish I would have known this when I bought the car, I would have made the dealer scrap the conti's before I signed the papers...........
I'll NEVER buy crapinental's again.

2005 AWD Inferno Red Magnum R/T

[desquirrel]

I buying Goodyears tomorrow!!! My contis have 7511 miles on them and the dealer said they are "shot". Took it in for a steering wheel shake which I figured was just a balance but they said the tires are the problem. I asked about a mileage warrranty and they said go to NTB. I didn't waste my time at NTB and went to a tire shop I've been going to for 20 years. They are an authorized dealer of crapinental tires. They laughed and said "continenatal" before I told them what tires were on the car, laughed again and said the mileage warranty is for retail price of the tire, $195.00. By the time I got new contis after the mileage warranty, I could get a new set of another tire for about the same $$$$$$. At this point I don't care how much they cost as long as I never see continentals again.......I wish I would have known this when I bought the car, I would have made the dealer scrap the conti's before I signed the papers...........
I'll NEVER buy crapinental's again.

2005 AWD Inferno Red Magnum R/T

If you have an AWD, you better verify you have the Conti 4x4s because the Contis everyone are referring to are not the 4X4s. you may have other problems. I have 16K with no significant wear showing.

[HeatSiphon]

Yeah, I HAD the 4x4's......Got Goodyears 3 days ago and the difference is night and day. All 4 of my continentals wore evenly so I assume the tires were junk with only 7500 miles on them.

[T-Bone CDA]

Anyway....I have a set of the Conti tires and they are nearing the wear bars at a little over 20k miles. Wear is even with no indications of improper alignment. Review of other forums and anecdotal information from conversations indicates poor tire life on stock tires is fairly common--our company car (a Honda) didn't even make 8,000 miles on the original tires (don't recall the brand) and contact with the Honda dealer indicated they had received numerous similar complaints. Personally, expect to pony up another grand next summer and just buy a new set of tires of a different brand.

[magnuman]

I've had the Conti's on my RT since new (over 2 years), have 23000 miles on them and they're only about half worn. Here's what I have done to help prolong the life. Early on, when everyone was having alignment problems I took mine to a reputable front end shop (not the know nothing dealer), and spent about $75 to get a proper alignment. The guy aligned it WITH ME IN THE CAR, (I am a heavyweight) and showed me how if aligned with no one in and then get in it goes out of alignment tolerance. He said BMW is the only one that requires weight in the car during alignment. He also said to up the tire pressure to about 40 PSI. I have since experimented with different pressures and check them monthly with a tread depth gauge to make sure I have the proper pressure for even wear. For me, that ended up being 40 PSI in the fronts, and 36 PSI in the rears. I also had the tires siped (costs about $50), http://www.sipers.com/sipers/increased_tire_life.asp
(read the info. under the subheadings on the left) and have recently had them serviced with nitrogen. I am sure I will get easily 35000 plus off the tires. They're wearing evenly, with no feathering or cupping. I figured I might as well make the best of them as long as they're on the car. I will, however, not put Conti's back on the RT, but they are now about as good as they can be. Also, increasing the air pressure makes the ride a little noiser and harder, but the handling is improved substantially. Worth it, IMO. Edit: I also rotate them every 6000 miles.

[gt40girl]

I am assuming that the SXT comes with Goodyears...mine did. However, my hubby and I were talking b/c a friend of mine has a one year old sienna and they had to get new tires...with 20k or so on it! I was shocked! My hubby said that a lot of new cars are coming with crappy tires...designed to wear out in the first year so you go out and buy new tires...just a thought.

oh, my goodyears are good to go and thank goodness b/c when we bought our magnum we dumped our 97 expy with michelins on it...we hate michelin since what they did at the F1 race at indy two years ago....

[desquirrel]

It amazes me that posters are so "surprised". I have usually bought European cars, but among the American cars I've bought, I always knew they came with the cheapest tires, batteries, and shocks possible. Typically I had the new tires and Bilsteins or Konis ordered before the first payment ws due.

[dhermesc]

My wife's 2004 Taurus came from the factory with Continentals, it just turned 50K with no issues. I fully expect to get 70K or so out of them before pulling them. If I recall correctly they are 215-60-R16 Continental Touring Contact AS. Until reading this thread I was planning on putting the same tires back on, what is the specific model of tire giving all the early wear problems?

[gt40girl]

Goodness, you made me think of all our car purchases....we still have the original tires to our 97 bmw....continentals. They have barely 30k on them and are doing well...more worried about their age and that issue...oh, and my magnum has 20k and the originals and they look good...

I bought a 86 vw golf in 86 with michelens....they lasted nearly 3 years and 80k....our 2000 focus has 76k and will be needing new tires soon....

[MikeyB]

My '05 RT (bought in Jan 05) came from the factory with the cradle shift. At 10k I had the alignment checked by someone I could trust and he verified the cradle shift. He readjusted the rear alignment for better tracking. But the Conti's only lasted 20k miles for me. Now I'm running Hankook Ventus ST 255/55/18's and these tires are lightyears ahead of the Contis in traction and road noise. Slightly stiffer riding due to the XL rating.

MikeyB

[DaHurst]

the conti's outright suck...swicthed to goodyears....no problems since...

[w5blt]

I just got rid of my conti's and got the Goodyear too. What a massive difference. I'm going to have to get used to this new thing called realistic tread depth. The ride has substantially improved as has the handling.

[TxSwimDad]

The wear pattern was even but they were toast. They were just ok as for performance. I was told that getting 25k with the Hemi was good and that I must baby the car. They obviously haven't seen me drive. I more roll on the power than launch off the line. Maybe that helped.

Anyway, I've been a Goodyear fan for many years & was starting to go that way again. I've heard good things about the Kumhos around work who have Vettes, M3's & M5's, so at about 2/3's the cost, I figured I give them a try. I replaced them w/ Kumho's 255/55/18's ($130 @ Discount tire) on stock rims and love them. Slightly noisier than Contis on certain roads (course aggrigate) but so far in rain & dry conditions, they are really good.

[w5blt]

Just as a curiosity factor, if you replaced your conti's with the Goodyear Assurance Comfort on the original 18 inch rims, what did you pay for them?

Mine was purchased at Americas Tire Company. They claim to beat any price. I checked at 5 places in my area for a set of 4, balanced and mounted. Best price I could get was $695.00. My final cost at ATC was $675 out the door. The good news is that they have a promotion going on and I'll be getting an additional $40.00 rebate for a final cost of $635.00.

[batmobile]

Hi,

Never had an alignment problem, 2004 1/2 Magnum SXT.
Just got the new Goodyear triple-tread tires and they rock!

[jwl27]

yep, conti's stink! my 05 RT AWD, replaced them at 30k, they were junk!

[romeodj]

MY JUNK Continental Tires ARE IN THE DEALERS DUMPSTER 10,000 ON THEM WITH SOME LIFE LEFT IN THEM BUT ENOUGH I PUT MICHELINS ON WHAT A DIFFERENCE. IF I GET ANOTHER ONE WITH Continental Tires THERE WILL BE A SET OF MICHELINS WAITING I WON'T DRIVE ANOTHER MILE ON Continental Tires.

[jwl27]

I went to Michellen dealer and they said they didn't have any to fit my Magnum at the time.

[romeodj]

Michelin® Primacy™ MXV4
225/60/18 unless you're riding on other than 18's. Got mine at the tire rack

[Strykker]

Folks are having good experience with the Goodyear Assurance as well. That is what DCX switched to as the OEM tire.

[romeodj]

Yep There Good Tires But I've Always Liked The Michelin

[smiley b]

had the same grief u guys are having,went to my dealer was we'd look into it for warranty.mean time i replaced them on my own,went back to dealer left him one tire so they'd have proof.then i decided to do the foot work,contacted the tire rep that handles continental tires around here.he told me the cars were to heavy for that tire.i said really,he then gave me the ph# for the conti people.i phoned him he said he would give 50% warranty no questions asked.i go back to dealer and start dealing with the owner,he goes to the serv.dept to find out what their doing.they told him no warranty and they threw the tire out i left them.talk about a pissed off owner,he in formed them i had warranty,so he came good for the whole price of the tire that they threw out.guess you gutta start going over everybodys head to get the rite answer.there are people that definitely don't like that.

[po_wagon]

Wow....I just got my pre-owned '05 RT AWD (35,909 miles) from a dealer - who said it passed thier "1 billion" point inspection...I noticed after a couple of days the car pulls to the right. I took it back and the service manager explained "it is common in the magnum, that his does it too" - he said this as he offered up his keys for me to drive his. (I declined his offer to drive his car)
I explained that alothough I am not a dealer service manager, or auto maechanic, that I have driven enough different cars to know that it is not "normal" for a car to pull to one side or the other. I think NASCAR is the only place one should have to drive pulling the steering wheel to the left 95% of the time.

Now - my solution. The dealer is over an hour drive away. This is a nice car (I think so) and the tires look expensive. I am going to take it to my local mechanic who has serviced my cars for several years for a four wheel alignment.

Does anyone know of specific things I should ask him to look at? (just in case he may not know already)

I appreciate this forum - and found the preceding posts to be entertaining to read.
Thanks for any advice

[romeodj]

My O5 & 07 Magnum Did The Same Thing And It Is Common With These Cars ""but"" My Dealer Ship Did A Alignment And Had A Tech. That Is Good Make That Great With Them Do The Alignment And It's Gone It Can Be Done. He If I Remember Right Made An Adjustment To The Rear Toe Along With The Front. Your Guy Needs To Be Familar With The Beast To Straighten It Out. Good Luck.

[smiley b]

had the same problem with my 2005 sxt,took it to dealer and had wheel alignment done,didn't notice with my r/t as i changed the springs and had alignment done so noticed the problem with it.

[RuddzMag]

OK, have 27k on the clock. I have complained to the dealer at least a half dozen times on these tires. Especially when the temps are high. Loud, these things have never really had tread depth. I think my complaints are falling on deaf ears. This car hydro-plains with any hint of moisture. Do I bite the bullet and purchase new rubber? Write these off as a learning lesson to never buy a vehicle with Cont's on it? I know there are alot better alternatives. Would like to hear some updates on the replacements other responders have posted. Just wondering if they still think there choice was a good one. Thank you.

[romeodj]

I PUT MICHELIN PRIMACY MXV4 ON WHAT A DIFFERENCE THE Continental JUNK ONLY HAD 10K ON THEM BUT I HAD ENOUGH AND I'M GLAD I MADE THE CHANGE.