posted September 09, 2002 11:49 AM           

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I have a 96 Explorer that I was thinking of putting the Dayton Timberline AT tires on due to the high rating they received in Consumer Reports. Has anyone owned these tires? Have they been good/safe?

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posted September 14, 2002 09:07 AM           

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quote:

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Originally posted by anderson:
I have a 96 Explorer that I was thinking of putting the Dayton Timberline AT tires on due to the high rating they received in Consumer Reports. Has anyone owned these tires? Have they been good/safe?

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I sell tires. I'm not a big fan of the Consumer's Report profiles. These tests are for initial results. They can be helpful, but they certainly aren't Gospel as it would seem some believe. The testers aren't seeing what's happening to these tires 10, 20 , 30,000 miles and so on down the road. Check out the outer blocks/shoulder of the tire. After about 2/32" of treadwear, you now have a solid block. There is no way for water to escape out the sides. I've had several complaints about lack of traction in certain situations. Also, did you know that the Timberline A/T is made by Firestone? I've sold Timberline A/T's with the dreaded "VD" code on them. That's the one that was in the news for the recall we're all so familiar with. They're made in the same plant as the Firestone's that were recalled. And you're driving an Explorer. I still sell the Timberline A/T tire, if that's what someone wants. But in my opinion there are better tires. As we like to say in this industry, "Who do you want to get your advice from, guys in white coats that that will be testing toasters next week? Or guys that see this stuff all the time?"
I recommend you go to an independent tire dealer who sells a broad line of tires. Ask questions. That's what they're there for. Hope this helps.

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