Did speed cushions and potholes damage the insides of my Ford Fiesta's tyres?
The last time I took my Fiesta for a service at Dagenham Motors, Edgware I mentioned there was a slight vibration on the front wheels at 70mph. They later advised that the wheels were buckled and that both tyres were worn on the inside. It has 16-inch alloy wheels with 195/45 R16 tyres. The economic solution was a realignment of the suspension, having the buckled front wheels switched to the back and two new tyres put on them. I was told all should be OK, and the problem was probably "speed cushions" or "potholes". The car now motors very well, and the service I get from Dagenham Motors is very good.
Asked on 14 December 2013 by GM, via email
Answered by
Honest John
These wheels are notoriously weak and the 45-profile tyres give quite a hard ride so they are easily buckled by kerbs, speed cushions and potholes. You should not try to 'straddle' speed cushions. That tears apart the inner shoulders of the tyres. Drive one wheel over the hump, and one wheel on the flat - slowly. Next time, opt for 14-inch wheels with 175/65 R14 tyres, which are more comfortable and last longer. A sensible solution by Ford-owned Dagenham Motors, by the way.
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