[4ePajero]

I think the problem is not so much the dud batch(es) - every product has failures, but rather BFG Michelin's attitude when the fact was discussed with them!

I still believe BFG tyres are excellent (in general), but if that is their attitude towards their clients, there are other good brands as well.

[Transkeicowboy]

I saw 4ePik's van yesterday and the Hankooks look good on it

[4ePikanini]

I saw 4ePik's van yesterday and the Hankooks look good on it

Thanks! So does yours with the hankooks!

[Transkeicowboy]

@Marius...ha ha ha what can I say you have good taste!

[4ePikanini]

I received a report 36 hours ago.

They made claims on the report which I argued. I gave them until close of business today to respond before I publish their report containing these fallacies!

[4ePikanini]

This is their report. (see attachment)

I argued with them that

- the chipping started before the 10'000 rotation interval
- My tyres are always between 1.8 and 2.0 bar (vehicle recommendation when unloaded) due to my driveway being 4km of gravel
- why wasn't the pressures noted with the initial inspection (subsequently how do they know the tyres were at 2.5 bar? )

***** Do they then deduce that 2.5 bar with no load creates more wear than 2.4 bar (vehicle recommendation when loaded) with a full load of overlanding gear and towing a trailer?.......

- I always engage 4wd on gravel without exception - after all it is such a simple thing to do with the pajero box. (anycase : why is BFG then not recommended for 2x4 vehicles? )

Anybody have a contact where we can publicly open this for the masses?

[4ePikanini]

and Michelin's final response

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: <xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Date: Thu, Apr 26, 2012 at 12:55 PM
Subject: Re: Technical Claim!
To: Marius Fourie
Cc: TWT East London


Dear Mr Fourie,

We remain with the findings as stipulated in the report you received on 24 April 2012.

Our report is final and we therefore consider this matter closed.

Best Regards

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Customer Service Manager
Michelin Tyre Company South Africa
Office: xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Mobile: xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Fax: xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
E-mail: xxxxxxxxxxxxx
Eastwood Office Park, 11B Riley Road, Bedfordview
GPS: S 26o 09.51’ E 28 o 09.01’

[4ePajero]

Marius,

1. You got a new set of tyres out of it. Do you want a set of BFGs? What is the purpose of continuing the fight?
2. They zoomed in on two issues which you will find difficult to defend:
   • Pressures
   • Rotation
3. They have done this before - they are not going to lose - fighting such a large corporate institution is like f******ng against thunder.
4. You might just post something on a public forum which could be construed as libel. Are you prepared to defend that in a court of law?

I would let it rest, if I were you.

[SimonB]

I'm inclined to agree with The Wise One.

I think you've made your point and there's enough out there for people to find and potentially make them sway away from the brand.

Should that not be sufficient?

[4ePikanini]

My point was never the tyres but rather Michelin's behaviour.

Why am I now the bad guy for trying to find the bottom of it?

If I was wrong I'd like to know so I don't err twice.

I haven't made any accusations and tried to be as objective as possible.