Message:
We have been stranded on three occasions far from home waiting for replacement tires. Total waiting of about 15 days and at least a hundred phone calls and perhaps an extra 1000 miles. We had one tire fail early in 1998, four (not 5) were replaced on a formal recall later in 1998. Since then we have had four more tires fail - two of the increased size (215/70/15's) on the rear and recently the two fronts (195/70/15's). (Our 1997 Rialta came with all 195's.) So nine tires have been replaced in about 3 1/2 years. Five tires have actually failed by tread separation which resulted in pronounced deformation. We drive conservatively as attested by our extraordinary overall mileage of 18.4mpg - including mountains and cities. Every tire dealer we have asked has been unwilling to put his brand of tire on our Rialta. They say they don't have a tire strong enough. My questions: 1) Has anyone found an alternate tire? 2) Is there enough clearance at the front to go bigger than 195? What would it take to increase the clearance? 3) Why not use a tire larger than 215 on the rear for both added strength and to gain a little clearance at the holding tanks - a half inch more would be great. Grateful for any information. Regards, Don