Treadwear Issue with Ventus S1 Noble 2 Hankooks

[peterk9]

I warned my coworker with a '17 Explorer with similar miles to mine of this issue. Sure enough she looked and has the exact same "chipping" as shown in my post #252 above. I have a feeling there're thousands of Explorer owners out there with this issue that don't even notice it.

That is very possible. But if they take their Explorer in for regular servicing, the issue should be spotted. When I take mine in for an oil change, I always get a report on the tire tread depth as part of their multipoint inspection. When that is done, any abnormality with the tread should be noticed.

Peter

 

[krafticus]

I was in the same boat as many. I purchased by '16 in October of '15. after about 18 months (20k miles), my tires were very worn. We had a small snow storm, and I tried to drive through about 3-4 inches of snow, and got stuck. Went to the local "Warehouse Club" store, and replaced the tires with Michelin defenders. 35k miles later, and they are still in great shape. I took a nail in the shoulder of the front tire, and they replaced it ($75 out of pocket), but said the wear wasn't off enough to justify replacing the other tire. (it was rotated to the back). The defenders are a tad louder, but all-in-all, i'm very happy with them,

Mark

 

[kam327]

That is very possible. But if they take their Explorer in for regular servicing, the issue should be spotted. When I take mine in for an oil change, I always get a report on the tire tread depth as part of their multipoint inspection. When that is done, any abnormality with the tread should be noticed.

Peter

I doubt the quick lube places are checking tire treads. Not sure what percentage of people go to dealerships for routine maintenance. $70 for a synthetic oil change? I can do it in my garage for about $20 in materials.

I was in the same boat as many. I purchased by '16 in October of '15. after about 18 months (20k miles), my tires were very worn. We had a small snow storm, and I tried to drive through about 3-4 inches of snow, and got stuck. Went to the local "Warehouse Club" store, and replaced the tires with Michelin defenders. 35k miles later, and they are still in great shape. I took a nail in the shoulder of the front tire, and they replaced it ($75 out of pocket), but said the wear wasn't off enough to justify replacing the other tire. (it was rotated to the back). The defenders are a tad louder, but all-in-all, i'm very happy with them,

Mark

The Defenders I just had put on are very quiet. But I suppose that will change as the tread wears. Good to hear yours are still in great shape at 35k miles.

 

[peterk9]

I doubt the quick lube places are checking tire treads. Not sure what percentage of people go to dealerships for routine maintenance. $70 for a synthetic oil change? I can do it in my garage for about $20 in materials.

I get all my servicing done at the dealership. Last oil/filter change including multipoint check including battery test, tire tread depth check, brake lining thickness check cost me $51.29. No mess no fuss on my part nor any disposal requirements.

Peter

 

[kam327]

I get all my servicing done at the dealership. Last oil/filter change including multipoint check including battery test, tire tread depth check, brake lining thickness check cost me $51.29. No mess no fuss on my part nor any disposal requirements.

Peter

That probably included Motorcraft synthetic blend oil. I do my own full synthetic oil change and "multipoint check" for around $20. I sit in an office all week. I enjoy some manual labor on the weekends.

 

[KBik]

 

[mwittman77]

I replaced my OEM Hankook's this past October, but waited to comment before I had a chance to get some miles on my new treads. Like many of you all, the factory Hankook Ventus S1 Noble 2 tires came on my XSport from the factory. While their wet/dry grip was amazing, their snow grip was horrendous, on the verge of scary. After watching the wear creep up steadily, I bit the bullet and replaced them before having to deal with them for another winter. They were all 4 worn down to between 3/32-4/32 by ~24K miles. I don't recall any serious chipping/flaking issues, but they did have some minor peeling/flaking towards then end of their life. They also had the horrible flat-spot syndrome. I was kind of on a budget for my new treads, and thought I'd try out a different brand. I found some Nitto Crosstek 2 tires at a local dealer for $775 installed so I thought why not? So far they offer similar stability/grip as the factory Hankooks, although maybe not as tight through the curves. I do love the rim guard built into the bead, and this winter was a breeze riding on these tires. They do produce a bit more road noise than the Hankooks, however they seemed to ride softer, although that could just be cause they were full tread compared to my recent riding on the worn out Hankooks. I would definitely recommend them to someone looking to replace their OEM tires with an alternative tire.

 

[peterk9]

The Hankooks are a 3 season tire, not designed for Winter conditions. Therefore it isn't surprising what you experienced. You need the correct tire designed for the season. It isn't the tire's fault they didn't provide the expected performance. While the Crosstek2 has a more aggressive tread, it still won't match the traction and safety of a dedicated Winter tire especially on cold bare pavement where grip is important.

Peter

 

[mwittman77]

The Hankooks are a 3 season tire, not designed for Winter conditions. Therefore it isn't surprising what you experienced. You need the correct tire designed for the season. It isn't the tire's fault they didn't provide the expected performance. While the Crosstek2 has a more aggressive tread, it still won't match the traction and safety of a dedicated Winter tire especially on cold bare pavement where grip is important.

Peter

Sure, but everyone on here harps about the Michelin LTX M/S. I'm sure they're a great tire, they darn well better be for $1100+!! The Crosstek 2 is M+S rated as well, has an XL load rating (for the 20" tire anyways), and I got them installed with tax/out the door for $775. I have personally driven a FWD car with a true snow-tire, and yes, that made a heck of a difference. But if you know how to drive to the conditions, there's not much a 4WD/AWD can't get through with adequate tires. I don't need a dual true winter setup for the 2-3 days out of the year that we get enough snow/ice to warrant a "snow tire". These serve their purpose well, and keeps me from having to have a spare set of winter tires floating around.

 

[mwittman77]

Oh, and FWIW, I can put these Nitto's through an 80MPH S-curve in 20*F weather with no worry about grip. Cold dry pavement traction is perfectly fine.

 

[RhinoQuartz]

Oh, and FWIW, I can put these Nitto's through an 80MPH S-curve in 20*F weather with no worry about grip. Cold dry pavement traction is perfectly fine.

Winter tires aren't just for snow/ice. When temps go below 7C, winter tires will have improved performance.

 

[mwittman77]

While I won't disagree, we don't get the snow or cold to warrant a dedicated set of snow tires in Central Ohio. I was merely trying to point out that I too had an issue with premature wear with the factory Hankooks, and to share my experience and recommendation for the Nitto Crosstek 2 tires.

 

[Michael Lopour]

Just bought a '19 Explorer with Hankooks on it. Interesting to note that the tires were overfilled (39-40) PSI, and filled with nitrogen (I assume to lessen pressure loss). Has anyone heard whether these are steps being taken by dealers at manufacturer request to lessen the chance of warranty claims and complaints? I have to say they've been perfectly fine so far, even good. I do notice the flat spotting issue but it resolves quickly (and I assume is lessened by the PSI increase.)

 

[peterk9]

Welcome to the Forum Michael.
If I recall correctly, I believe it isn't unusual for the Explorers to come from the factory with slightly over-inflated tires. IT is then up to the dealer in their pre-delivery inspection to set them to the normal inflation requirement. I don't recall any of them being filled with nitrogen from the factory or why a dealer would go through the trouble of a conversion.

Peter

 

[Michael Lopour]

Welcome to the Forum Michael.
If I recall correctly, I believe it isn't unusual for the Explorers to come from the factory with slightly over-inflated tires. IT is then up to the dealer in their pre-delivery inspection to set them to the normal inflation requirement. I don't recall any of them being filled with nitrogen from the factory or why a dealer would go through the trouble of a conversion.

Peter

Thanks. I've already taken in for a few items and the dealer did not re-set pressures after the visit, so I do think they intend the pressure to be around 40 psi.

 

[LVTX2011]

My 2017 Exp XLT has these same Hankook tires with about 22k miles and at recent dealer service was told the tread depth was marginal (< 5mm) and should be replaced soon. This is somewhat the dealer trying to sell tires, but I had noticed that they looked worn and will probably be lucky to get another 10K miles. Looks like others have had similar short life issues. Tires are 255/50 R20, pressure maintained at the factory stated 35psi, no aggressive driving and a high percentage of the miles are long, straight road trips in mild/warm climate. Tires have been rotated at each service which has been every 6-7K miles. My first experience with Hankook tires and based on it, my only/last. My 2011 Exp XLT OEMs were Michelin tires ( I think Latitudes but not certain ) that went 80K miles on the first set and replacements still had good tread depth at over 130K miles. Michelins may be a bit more expensive at purchase but not as expensive as replacing tires every 40K miles. I think Ford took a big step backward with Hankooks.

 

[peterk9]

See post #188 re Special Services Bulletin on this issue. Several members have had their tires replaced for this issue. Some were even able to get different brand tires.

Peter

 

[LVTX2011]

Thanks Peter for pointing out a specific post. Good info to pursue. I scanned several posts but it would have been difficult to find that specific tidbit scanning through 14+ pages. Much appreciated.

 

[Stephen Cannon]

Another friendly reminder.....Dealers and for even most tire shops will usually only ROTATE the tires. You have to specify and may pay more unless the Rotate and Balance is part of the plan. Costco is one of the few that specify Rotate AND Balance with no extra charge for the spin/road force balance.

I think it does no good to rotate if your just sending a unbalanced wheel to another position...Again my two cents but hopefully constructive input.

 

[Maorex]

Hey guys,
I'm new here and I have the same issue. 16 x limited with 20k miles on it and all of the tires are worn-out.
Did you guys had any luck?
Thank you in advance