I bought a set of Dunlop SP Sport Signature tires back in 2009. It's been 3 years and I've only put 45K km(28K miles) on the set. When replacing the set for my winter tires last season I noticed that all 4 tires had cracks along the *inner* sidewalls. I'm pretty sure that my alignment and balancing has always been good since the tread wear is even. It sucks if I have to buy a new set since these have a lot of tread left. Any thoughts? Should I be concerned, play it safe, and buy a new set?

I also read that I may have gotten an old set when I originally purchased them. I'm gonna have to check the DOT stamp on them to see when they were made...

 

^^^ there was a problem with the Dunlops Signatures....

i saw the same cracks on my wifes lexus and she got em back in 2008-2009 and has only 9K miles on it....

we went back to sams club where we got em from and got em replaced....PS all 4 tires had crack.....1 tire had a 3 inches long crack and the other 3 tires had more than 10-12 inches worth of cracks....

take it back to where you got it from and get them replaced....you might get some credit as they are a 45K miles warranty tire....

 

Wow, that really sucks then. Makes me want to stay away from Dunlop altogether. I'll contact the shop and see what they can do although I doubt they'll replace it. Maybe I can get a discount on another set at least.

 

That's signature dry rot, though it seems awfully early for that (even if they were exposed to or stored in direct sunlight, which can noticeably shorten the life of a tire)(if you see an RV in a campground with covers over all the tires, that's why). I'd say you just got a defective mold (and sounds like you're not alone). I've always had good luck with Dunlop tires, but I understand your concern with the brand. Even if you get some satisfaction from a dealer, I wouldn't hesitate to contact Dunlop/Firestone. And write, don't call or email (and include some pictures).

 

Simba, I've stored mine over the winters in garbage bags on a balcony. I'm just surprised that the cracking is on the sidewalls facing into the car. I want to first see the date of manufacturing on the tires before sending Dunlop a letter and I'll only be able to do next weekend. Thanks for the advice

 

Sorry to revive old thread. I have same exact problem. Found this weekend. Same tires, cracking in same location. Going to tire store this morning. Stay tuned

 

^^^

when I saw that on the wifey's car i was like WTF !!! and i found it while I was doing an oil change....we went back and he replaced all 4 tires under warranty....Infact I gave him some cash to put a better tire on for me.....we ended up going with the Michellin Pilot Exalto AS something....love how that tire rides.....

I also saw similar crack (1/2 inch to 1 inch long on my car)....they were on 2 tires and the tires were Fuzion Hri (I was on a budget back then).....but I had 50K miles on them and cudnt complain coz I only paid $150 for a set of 4 installed/balanced

 

I have 4 signature 2 dunlops, they all have what goodyear techs call "weather cracks" all inner side wall. What gives ? not even exposed to sunlight or its drying effect. The dealer tried to describe it as a slit. But i want ed to see it. They ended up giving me another tire discounted 25%. there was half the life left on it. So I told them I wanted the tire and will use it for such forums as these. The date code was 3512 (35th week of 2012). Not done with them yet. since checking the web.