What is causing rapid tyre wear on my 2010 Ford Mondeo?

In October 2011 I purchased a 2010 Mondeo 2.2 Titanium X Sport (bought used with 13,000 miles). After much work the engine is now smooth (fuelling issues). The car is a great deal more refined in every aspect than my previous 2005 2.2TDCI.

My problem is rear tyre wear on the new pair of Continental ZR 235/40 R18s. I suspect this is following my local tyre supplier checking and altering both tracking and the toe-in. Tyres are worn fully after just 7000 miles. The original rear Continental ZR 235/40 R18s may have been changed at 31,000 miles. What do you think is the problem? The front tyres appear fine and may have 15,000 miles wear if switched to the rear axle at the right time. I have requested the local Continental representative visits me to examine the tyres.

Asked on 9 February 2013 by ND, via email

Answered by Honest John
That definitely should not be happening. I suspect it’s wrongly aligned because the original tyres lasted 31,000 miles, which is more like normal. Try a 4-way laser alignment at a branch of www.alignmycar.co.uk and also have the steering angle sensor reset. Do this after the new tyres have been fitted, not before.
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