Front left tire bubble

Yeah I would just replace the one, at such low mileage. But, you are perfect candidate to take advantage of tire manufacturer's warranty against defects. I would follow up on that. The dealership should have volunteered to help with this I think. They can act as go between, give "professional testimony". What's the tire make/model btw?

 

A good rule to follow: both tires on the same axle should match, i.e. manufacturer, model, wear

 

Just for giggles check all the documents that came with the car. In the glove box? Often there's a warranty pamphlet from the tire manufacturer. This is the perfect manufacturing defect, btw. One thing, those tires might be hard to get in North America, not sure.

Here's the Toyo USA OEM tire warranty pamphlet:

https://toyotires-1524598101.netdna-ssl.com/media/1505/warranty_oe.pdf

I would consider other places for the tire(s) swap as well, not to say the dealership won't be competive, but just keep in mind you're not obligated to use them. It's not Toyota warranty. Still, the dealership could your best ally in this, and it really should cost you nothing: they would be reimbursed by Toyo for install charges. The latter are typically $15~25 per wheel, btw.

If the dealership is really indifferent to your plight I would first talk to the dealership owner, that'll likely wake them up. If not, just follow through, get done what needs doing, and contact Toyota about your experience. This is a near-new car with a tire defect.

 

It's really just a safety issue. You want the both front (or rear) tires to behave in the same manner.
(In this country, it is mandated by law that both tires on the same axle must be from same manufacturer and same specification)

 

There's some info here, on changing single tires, vs a pair, vs all four. As an example, if (say) only 1/32" has worn off the existing tires, is it still safe/acceptable to replace a single defective tire with new?

Winter Tech Information - Matching Tires on Four-Wheel Drive & All-Wheel Drive Vehicles

 

Get the dealership on this too. They owe you: you've just dropped big money with them, and they have an obligation to got to bat for you, do the legwork of reviewing the warranty, act as go-between with Toyo.

 

I always replace tyres in sets, or pairs at least, although bearing in mind the low miles in your case, you might get the dealership to help out (warranty? good-will?) - when you think that ultimately the tyre is the last thing between you and the road and every thing is riding (literally) on them, I think it's stupid to compromise on such an important link in the chain!

 

5,000 miles? if the others look like new, i would just replace the one with same model.

 

I can't wait for my noisy Toyo tires to WEAR OUT so I can buy quieter tires! And BETTER tires.
I'm leaning towards getting the Michelin All Season.

 

Yeah, have dealership check depth gauge with a proper gauge (everybody should have one, they're $3~5), compare to spec'd new depth (9.7/32", per TireRack), go from there. I think the TireRack article I linked above suggests anything under 2/32" variation as aceeptable. With 5000 miles you likely only have 1/32" wear, if that.

 

The dealer I go to, told me he can't get the original factory OEM Toyo tires. He said those are only installed on the assembly line. But he can get a different version of Toyo tire. But of course I don't know how honest he is being.

 

They do seem rare. FWIW, TireRack's indicating they'll be available Jan 20:

Toyo NanoEnergy A29

 

Thanks for posting that, Mendel. The Toyo is not a bad tire, but I would need lots more experience in the rain with them, to be sure. I've always had Michelin in the past on all my cars. And they performed very well in dry and wet conditions.

 

put on 4 energy savers and sell the toy's on clist or ebay.

 

I used to have Michelin Energy Savers on my 2009 Gen II but they became very noisy and had developed micro-cracks in the side-walls, and were almost useless in the snow, so I replaced them with a set of Antares Ingens A1s for the summer (recommended by Town Fair Tires), and purchased a set of Blizzaks on a set of steel rims for the winter (see previous threads for full story). The Antares are very quiet, and great in the rain (…and they're about ½ the price of a set of Michelins) - …just sayin'