I have a 1999 Jeep Cherokee stock that I love. I bought it a few months back and when I had it serviced (as soon as I bought it used) I replaced the tires with what the Jeep service dealership (where I took it for a once over as it was a used car) said were the best tires they sold (I.e most expensive) and were standard on jeeps now, which I thought sounded like a good thing. So first, shame on me for just having them do this without my research but that aside, they are Wrangler SRAs. I put about 1k miles on them and they have been fine. I then on a whim started reading more about them and the general consensus seems to be that these are horrible, unreliable, and dangerous tires. Winter is coming. (GOT for the win).

So now I am freaking out that I have unsafe new tires on my Jeep, ticking time bombs or misery and should replace them. Am I overacting here? If I should replace them, what should I go with.

 

I have no experience with that specific model (SRA) but the reviews I found are not kind. I recently purchased a set of 235/75-15 Wrangler Radials and couldn't be happier. I had the chance to test them in the snow (6" fresh powder, slush, and ice) a couple weeks ago and found them to be excellent with 4x4 engaged but slippery in 2-wheel drive, the back end was sliding all over the place which was fun but maybe not the safest thing.

Overall, I would rate them as excellent on my stock XJ. They work well on trails, they're quiet, they haven't had any affect on fuel economy and after 10,000 miles there are no signs of wear. I purchased them from America's Tire, total price for four new Wrangler Radials, one used tire (same size, good condition, 80% tread) as a spare, five Cragar Soft Eight wheels, new lugs, mounting, balancing, and tax was $507 after rebates ($250).

 

Wow THAT was their most expensive tire??

"The Wrangler SR-A is Goodyear’s Highway All-Season tire developed for the drivers of pickup trucks, crossovers and sport utility vehicles. Extensively used as Original Equipment on a wide range of popular light trucks, the Wrangler SR-A is available in a comprehensive range of 15” through 20” rim diameter sizes. The Wrangler SR-A is designed to reduce noise, vibration and ride harshness while providing all-season traction, even on gravel roads and in light snow."

SR-As are your generic all seasons on trucks, not fantastic but they're really everywhere. I've never heard of any problems with these. Just the usual stock tires from the dealer that suck. The official snippet from Goodyear's website should tell you all you need to know. I'm sorry to say but it sounds like you really got taken for a ride.

If you want something good for winter get actual winter tires that are peak snow rated. The compound is softer and the tread is designed for crappy weather.



Some popular examples include the Goodyear Wrangler Duratrac/Territory, General Grabber AT2, and BF Goodrich All-Terrains, and you can run them all year round.

 

I would not freak out, I would not consider any good year or name brand tire unsafe. Sure some are better in snow or ice but comparing any all season tire to a snow tire for winter driving the snow tire will always win.

 

I work for a tire dealership. Better yet. I install tires everyday on cars and trucks. We are also a Goodyear dealer so we carry mostly Goodyear. We put a lot of SRA's on trucks and cross overs and it have yet to hear of a complaint. I like Goodyears. They last. I have the wrangler radials also and I love them. I have about 35-40 thousand miles on it and I maybe have 50% tread left. Maybe more. I also plow with my Jeep so the tires do offer traction in the snow. I have not heard of the SRA's being dangerous to drive. Goodyear has a warranty on all their tires. If you feel a slight discomfort in the ride, bring your Jeep back and the shop will check them out. Other than that you should be good to go my friend

 

I had the SRAs on my jeep many years back when it was bone stock. It is a decent tire. Keep the proper air pressure, too much and they tend to wander on wet road turns. Proper air they do fine. I noticed though that when they are close to their lifestyle end they suck. Oh FYI i had them in a few snow storms and they did great.

Moving forward id probably never get them again cause Im moving towards duratracs or similar.

 

I'm also with you with the proper air pressure. You wouldn't believe how many people I get in everyday saying that they have a pull when the tires aren't inflated correctly. That's just common sense to me. After my radials finish their long life I'm gonna be looking at the duratracs or the silent armors. Just look like a beefy tire and I know a lot of people that love them

 

Thank you everyone for the info and for taking the time to help me out. Much appreciated.