Four years ago I decided to replace the tyres on my 92 Nissan Terrano and because most of my use was on road I was talked in to using Firestone Destinations to replace the Firestone Fire Hawks that had just done 100,000 km. These are an 80/20 tyre as opposed to the Firehawks being a 60/40. I was told the Destinations would give better fuel economy, be quieter and give even better mileage and all the usual b/s . They were certainly no quieter, fuel economy as expected was exactly the same but imagine my surprise when these tyres were worn out at just over 45,000km.
Examining the tyres I found that tyre wear was even right across the tread so no obvious signs of problems with alignment or set up on the vehicle.
I gatherered some info off two separate Firestone dealers and was told off the record that the destinations did have a problem in achieving expected mileage and that the 45,000 km was pretty much the maximum you were likely to get out them. Of course Firestones customer service have all the excuses and are quick to point the finger at the vehicle or my driving style, surely my driving hadn't deteriorated that much so quickly.
I replaced the Destinations almost two years ago with Dunlop AT2 tyres and have already clocked up 40,000 km and these tyres are hardly showing any wear at all. In future I would be very cautious of buying any Firestone tyres again especially any that are relatively new to the market.
Firestone Destination Radials
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Fourbyfour
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Firestone Destination Radials
Last edited by Fourbyfour on Mon Aug 18, 2008 4:33 am, edited 1 time in total.
Re: Firestone Destination Radials
Could it be that someone in the Firestone purchasing department choose the Destination model out of an international catalogue without having a clue about New Zealand road conditions?
I understand that our chip seal roads are more abrasive than overseas and therefore require a different compound rubber.
So what is the average customer meant to do for every purchase, ask if a product is specifically designed for New Zealand conditions and then trust what ever b/s the sales person gives to be gospel?
Theoretically, it might be possible to pursue Firestone under the Sale of Goods Act as "the product was not suitable for the purpose intended". But then to counter their claims it was your driving style etc rather than their product you would have to prove how you drove (45k worth of GPS records?) and that the wheel alignment was checked regularly (receipts?) and that the tyres were always correctly inflated (video evidence?).
Would your "two separate Firestone dealers" be prepared to support you if you went to Consumer Institute or Fair Go in an attempt to get a refund for the 55k of tyre life? Then again, I would imagine it isn't in their best interests to battle their supplier. At all gets too much for the average Joe so the big guy wins again.
Increasing public awareness is probably the only thing you can do.
I understand that our chip seal roads are more abrasive than overseas and therefore require a different compound rubber.
So what is the average customer meant to do for every purchase, ask if a product is specifically designed for New Zealand conditions and then trust what ever b/s the sales person gives to be gospel?
Theoretically, it might be possible to pursue Firestone under the Sale of Goods Act as "the product was not suitable for the purpose intended". But then to counter their claims it was your driving style etc rather than their product you would have to prove how you drove (45k worth of GPS records?) and that the wheel alignment was checked regularly (receipts?) and that the tyres were always correctly inflated (video evidence?).
Would your "two separate Firestone dealers" be prepared to support you if you went to Consumer Institute or Fair Go in an attempt to get a refund for the 55k of tyre life? Then again, I would imagine it isn't in their best interests to battle their supplier. At all gets too much for the average Joe so the big guy wins again.
Increasing public awareness is probably the only thing you can do.
"Insert witty comment here"
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Fourbyfour
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Re: Firestone Destination Radials
As consumers we have the option to make sure that other potential buyers are made aware of the shortcomings of products that don't go the distance (excuse the pun but I couldn't resist it) and through forums such as this we are able to hit some of these manufacturers where it really hurts (in the pocket) as well feel better for getting even.
As stated before I thought my run out of the Firehawks was good but have also got 100,000 km out of some Dunlops, Yokohamas and Vredisteins on my old Corona and Corollas. At the end of the day we as consumers are the judge and by going to another brand and telling our friends about products good and bad we can make a difference. Would I buy another Firestone product, probably not as there are just so many other competing brands. I let Bridgestone/Firestone customer service know of the short comings of these tyres, first they denied a problem with those tyres existed and second they chose not to do anything to make it worthwhile to stay with their brand.
You were right about the dealers their comments were off the record and they were too scared to upset their suppliers for obvious reasons.
As stated before I thought my run out of the Firehawks was good but have also got 100,000 km out of some Dunlops, Yokohamas and Vredisteins on my old Corona and Corollas. At the end of the day we as consumers are the judge and by going to another brand and telling our friends about products good and bad we can make a difference. Would I buy another Firestone product, probably not as there are just so many other competing brands. I let Bridgestone/Firestone customer service know of the short comings of these tyres, first they denied a problem with those tyres existed and second they chose not to do anything to make it worthwhile to stay with their brand.
You were right about the dealers their comments were off the record and they were too scared to upset their suppliers for obvious reasons.
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Fourbyfour
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Re: Firestone Destination Radials
The Destinations are apparently made by Firestone here in NewZealand so you would think they could come up with a tyre that would go the distance on New Zealand roads. Due to the fact that Firestone's customer service were arrogant and quick to point the finger at the way my vehicle was set up (wheel alignment and balance done by my local Firestone store)and my driving style. Due to the fact that the Dunlop AT2 which I replaced the Destination Tyres with also went close to 100,000km without even bothering with a wheel alignment and were still on the vehicle when I sold it.
Firestone will never ever see another dollar of mine.
I look after my tyres and with my driving style I expect to get at least 65,000 km out of a set of 4wd tyres. 40,000 just doesn't cut the mustard.
Firestone will never ever see another dollar of mine.
I look after my tyres and with my driving style I expect to get at least 65,000 km out of a set of 4wd tyres. 40,000 just doesn't cut the mustard.
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Fourbyfour
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Re: Firestone Destination Radials
Well as a summing up of this thread we had an independant tyre rep at work who I put a few questions to regarding tyres for the Surf. His comments were very enlightening as according to him Firestone's local manufacturing technology is at least 10 to 15 years behind what is currently being produced in Australia and the USA. I wonder if this is the real reason that Firestone/Bridgestone decided to cease manufacturing in NewZealand.
I find it very amazing that companies can produce a great product and then replace it with something that is grossly inferior.
I find it very amazing that companies can produce a great product and then replace it with something that is grossly inferior.
Re: Firestone Destination Radials
Fourbyfour wrote:The Destinations are apparently made by Firestone here in NewZealand so you would think they could come up with a tyre that would go the distance on New Zealand roads. Due to the fact that Firestone's customer service were arrogant and quick to point the finger at the way my vehicle was set up (wheel alignment and balance done by my local Firestone store)and my driving style. Due to the fact that the Dunlop AT2 which I replaced the Destination Tyres with also went close to 100,000km without even bothering with a wheel alignment and were still on the vehicle when I sold it.
Firestone will never ever see another dollar of mine.
I look after my tyres and with my driving style I expect to get at least 65,000 km out of a set of 4wd tyres. 40,000 just doesn't cut the mustard.
Seems they will though
Outta the way sheep shagga !!!!