Flipping tyres?? to avoid known wear (Mazda5 sport)

[LEVIS531]

I want to know if people think it is worth flipping tyres as part of a rotation (i.e. removing, reversing the rotation direction and RE-MOUNTING the tyre on the same rim)? I am about to rotate the tyres and this is my idea (WHY? see below). Tyres are dunlop sp sport 2050 205/50 R17 and bi-directional AFAIK. I need rotate them anyway (was planning to do this at the dealer as part of my 12mo 1st ann. service (400 quid, ouch). BUT if I was giong to flip the tyres and then rotate them (fronts to backs), i'd obviouly just do it at a local garage.

For those who don't (have never needed to) know, there is a lot discussion (Uk and French and German forums) on Mazda5 sport re; tyre wear. Mazda had a big problem with rear tyre wear from 2005 to 2008. Mazda re-jigged the rear suspension at the '08 facelift (see www. honestjohn.co.uk/road-tests/mazda/mazda-5-facelift
The word is that THAT problem is cured.

But since then, a lot of folks note severe front wear (inside edge). Tyre rotation is recc'd by Mazda @7k mi. (very early IMHO). Allegedly UK dealers acknowledge avge lifetime of 12k mi. on the stock dunlops: sp sport 2050 205/50 R17.

One guy....see here: search for CAMBER down page
/www.roadtestreports.co.uk/car-reviews/2008/Mazda/5/
suggests it is camber (seems a good bet to me).

So at risk of "if it ain't broken dont fix it" is it worth doing this??

Mine is a diesel 2,0l sport with 9000mi, (bought the 09 car ex-demonstrator with 7000mi). I don't think the tyres were ever rotated (why would dealer do anything to a car <7months old?). I can't see any wear (yet) on the front inside edges - but this can be hard to spot.

[HellDiver]

SP Sport 2050? They're pretty rubbish tyres, anything to wear them quicker and get proper tyres would be ideal.

[LEVIS531]

so what would you go for in view of it's family car role AND I am drving on these (and the alloy rims!) all years ruond ??

[redgriff500]

My MX5 runs aggressive camber hence wears out the inner edges first.

I have been flipping the tyres for years to get sensible wear from them.

BUT you need to either have expensive tyres or a cheap tyre place to make it worthwhile.

(My guy charges £20 for flipping all 4)

[jagfan2]

doesnt sound like you have the issue, and if your concerned check the alignment at a decent place, get the toe straightened, should help

for good tyres try vredestein Ultrac Cento's next ;-)