I have about 850 miles on my new '13 XFR with the OEM Dunlop Sport SP Sport Maxx tires. On the front right, i just discovered a bulging sidewall (ironically, i decided not to get the warranty coverage when i got my car 2 weeks ago).

At $398 each from Tire Rack, i'm not too happy about this. Couple questions:

1. With only 850 miles on the full set, should I be OK replacing just the front right as opposed to both the fronts? I have not done any spirited driving, so no abnormal wear.

2. I'm assuming I don't really have any leg to stand on as far as getting a new one from Jaguar for free?

3. Any cheaper, obvious alternative that i'm not thinking of?

Any advice would be greatly appreciated. What a bummer.

 

You should hve a warrenty from Dunlop!

 

If it's a true defect, I think it would be replaced. But if it was from impact (pothole), I'm guessing not. Doesn't hurt to ask.

 

+1

If you definitely haven't had an impact, it's worth asking.

You will certainly be OK to replace only the front RH tyre with such a low mileage since replacing the set.

However, it's not advisable to mix brands or specs on the same axle.

Graham

 

There should be tire warranty info in one of the owners manuals that detail what is and is not covered.

 

Dunlop (or rather, Goodyear) is doing a one-time goodwill gesture of 75% off for the replacement tire, so my net cost is $140 all in (based on the full retail price from my local Goodyear service center for a new tire), which I'm OK with (since I thought I was going to be on the hook for at least $420 plus installation from Tirerack/independent installer). Just need to wait a day or two for the tire to come in.

The local Goodyear dealer said the damage was due to impact, as the sidewall casing itself was split open, most likely from a pothole, hence not covered by the Dunlop warranty.

Not really sure why these Dunlops are so expensive, as it seems like newer tires with more modern tire technology are anywhere from $600-1200 per full set versus $1600+ for the Dunlops.