segelflugandy

On my second Yeti now, (had for about 3 weeks). The first I had for nearly 4 years and in that time have got through 3 windscreens. Not sure if it's car related as I have had to replace windscreens before - I drive on mainly rural roads. That said I've never had to replace a screen more than once and I tend to keep cars for roughly the same amount of time.

I've been running on Hankook Optimo 4S for the last 2 1/2 years and although the last two winters haven't been too challenging I've found them to be pretty good. Due to puncture issues one pair are newer than the other however the older pair have done more than 31000 miles with still more than 4mm of tread left.

I've been running on Hankook Optimo 4S since March 2013, around 24000 miles and they still have circa 5mm of tread left, (which to me seems to be pretty good). They have coped well under all conditions I have encountered but have yet to experience any major snow events due to the recent mild winters. However, my question is this. I have been un-lucky and picked up a puncture and the 4x4 system disguised it for long enough to trash the tyre. So I now have 1 brand new tyre with 8mm of tread running along with 3 tyres with 5mm. Should I bite the bullet and buy another tyre to even things up a bit or stay as is with the potetntial for handling differences? I guess the 4W drive system will help to even things out but am interested in your opinions. New tyre has been fitted to the front. Happy Christmas Cheers!

Also, in my experience driving into and out if wind can have a marked effect to consumption.

I would check for paint bubbling below the door trims both front and rear. Mine has been re-sprayed under warranty and if re-occurs would probably stop me from buying another one. Also have a good sniff inside with doors closed and engine running for signs of exhaust fumes entering the cabin. Had this on mine and again fixed under warranty. I'm still not convinced it's been sorted though despite it being checked at the last service and being told all well, ( that said it was reported at this service that there were no issues/advisories only for car to fail on it's MOT approx 4 weeks later due to badly corroded rear disks causing brakes to bind - but that's another story).

November last year I had fitted 4 Matador Hectorra 2's. They get good reviews and I had no issues with them throughout the winter months. Ended up having to change in March due them being condemned by the Dealer when car was serviced due to flints cutting through to the cords. This isn't the fault of the tyre but more down to the the roads I drive on where the local farmers decide to bring their fields onto the roads along with associated stones etc.. Combined with an over zealous mechanic,. When the tyres were changed at my local fitters, they questioned why I was changing as in their opinion they were OK. By that point I couldn't change my mind as the new tyes,(4 -Season for reasons I won't go into), had already been fitted. So, I'm keeping them for Summer use .

From reading the posts on this forum I know some of you have been looking at the new Oct III. I had to attend a meeting in Birmingham the other day and the car I was given to get me there was one of the aforementioned . Travelling from East Yorks it gave me a good run out and I have to say it was quite a good drive. The seat/seating wasn't as comfortable as the Yeti but more importantly in heavy rain encountered en route the water streaming across the lower part of the side windows was such that it made the wing mirrors just about un-useable due to visual distotrtion, which from a safety point of view isn't too clever. My passenger also commented on this 'feature' and we both agreed it was bad enough to put us off buying one. I know the above isn't really Yeti related but my be of interest to some.

Further to the above it turns out that all four doors were affected and they have since been remedied under warranty. I have been told that this type of defect is the result of stones causing small perforations and allowing moisture under the paint etc..... and that the Yeti is prone to such damage. I have since had front mud flaps fitted which will hopefully help deflect debris away from the paintwork however only time will tell. The fitting of protective tape would also be a good idea, (like that fitted around the rear wheel-arch), but feel this is something that should be fitted by SUK. Apart from some initial difficulties with the local dealer when reporting the issue and having to travel some extra distance to get to the Dealer's bodyshop the service received from the bodyshop was good and the work carried out appears to good also, (I say appears as I'm no expert).

I too have found paint bubbling/blistering thus far only spotted towards the rear of the offside rear door below the side protector strip. Reported it to the dealer when in for service 2 weeks ago and still awaiting a report. IMO it;s a paint defect as there is no evidence of damage that would allow water beneath the paint. Hopefully should find out more today when I go back to have a baffle associated with the DPF replaced which, I am told is the cause of the exhaust fumes entering the cabin.

This is something I've also encountered, but tends to be more of an issue when you hit a large puddle on the inside of a left hand bend. Depending upon the depth of the puddle the 'wash' can totally obliterate your forward vision - not good. My route to & from work has a few of these, so now if it is safe to do so will avoid said puddles by drifting out wide otherwise I put the wipers on in anticipation. Speed is a factor as you would expect, but even at low speed you can get a good washing!!! Had a the same issue with the Octavia I owned prior to getting a Yeti.