I have a 1998 Mercedes Benz that I do not drive often and keep well stored in a heated garage. I was driving it and noticed the tire was low. I took it to discount tire, who informed me that my tires were down to tread wear of 2/32. These tires, although purchased several years ago, have less than 11,000 miles on them. Both the place I purchased the tires and the new tire shop refused to help me process any type of warranty complaint.

- Pueblo, CO, USA

Purchased new Michelin sport tires dot gudl 275/35 zr 18 ON11/3/2010 and found out that the manufacturing date was 1107. These tires were over 3 years old and should have not been sold as new. The tire dealer accepted my complaint and replaced them with 0909 tires. The old ones were being returned to the distributor but I have no way of knowing if they are going to be resold or destroyed. Shouldn't there be guidelines making sure 3 yr old tires are destroyed and not sold as new?

- Fernandina Beach, FL, USA

I have had three tire bolow outs on my Mercedes-Benz, in identical situations, approximately 2 months apart. All three incidents happened on three different highways, at speeds approximating 60 mph, and after approximately three hours of driving. The first incident occurred in April 2004, on I-95 in new haven. The second occurred in July 2004 on I-95 in Delaware. The third occurred on September 7, 2004 in Canada on highway 401 in kingston. These were the only occasions when I had driven in similar situations. Ie: for more than 3 hours on a highway at speeds of over 55 mph, during this year. On all other occasions the trips were shorter than 3 hours. The wheels are different at each occasion. The first was passenger side front. The second was driver side rear, and the thired was driver side front. On each occasion, after returning home I have taken the car to the Mercedes dealership in poughkeepsie, and they have assured me that there is nothing wrong with the car. I then contacted Michelin tires, and they have assured me that there are no reported incidents similar to mine. The first two tires were discared. The third was inspected by sears auto center. There are no holes found. The tires according to sears had come off the rim. The tires involved belong to a set of 4 that I bought from tire-rack, and mounted by Mercedes dealership in 2002. Since the first incident, I have diligently checked tire pressures weekly, in addition to visually inspecting the tires before driving. This cannot be a coincidence. I am now afraid to drive this car. Please investigate this matter as soon as possible.

- Poughkeepsie, NY, USA