do i need to replace all 4 tyres?

[mjc_rs4]

Got a puncture last night and car taken back home on back of lorry. Now got to decide which tyres to buy. Fronts have only 3 mm left, and exeter audi have said i should therefore change all four wheels (it's the nearside rear wheel with the puncture).

Any comments on whether I really need to replace all four tyres, and also is the general consensus that the goodyear f1 275/30 is the best tyre?

Also wondering if the goodyear protects the alloys more than the pirelli p zeros the car came with? Every time I've hit a kerb the alloys have taken a chunk out of the side wall with the pirellis - will this also happen with the Goodyears?

[david7m]

I think if the variance between tyre depths is too great, it causes issues with the traction control. I'm on my fourth set of F1 GSD3's and I love them, but its only an S3. How come you keep hitting the kurb?

Dave

[mjc_rs4]

Just careless when first got the car! I'm a bit more careful now! Puncture yesterday was in a country lane so was just unlucky. Sounds like the goodyears are the best replacement. I'm assuming everyone fits them on the same alloys, it,s just that the tyre place is a bit concerned ordering them when they are such a different spec.

[david7m]

I have no idea if they are the best for the RS4, but I love them on my S3.

Dave

[mfire]

I put them on mine 2k miles ago and they are bloody good, although they are a bit scary at first due to the release compound taking 500 miles to wear off. Yes they do offer more rim protection and so far seem to be lasting OK, running standard pressures. Cheers
Oh Yes I'd replace all 4 every time!

[sonny]

Think you should stick with a 255 with, dont see the point in going 275!

Im going for the F1s next time round

[mjc_rs4]

Thanks for the advice. One last question, it isn't only people with the SS+ that are using these F1 tyres, cause mine's the standard spec?

Looks like I'm going to have to change only the back two tyres today cause the local garage has only got two in stock, and then I'll do the front two on Monday. Is this a bad idea? I'm going to driving a fair way tomorrow (Exeter to Bath and back).

[mjc_rs4]

Hmmm, this is getting confusing. Went through all the threads on this and it seems people think the 275 is better, but then originally the 255 wasn't available or something so they didn't have a choice. But the general consensus seems to be to go for the wider one. I really don't know what to do!! (by the way, normally I'm the type who'd always get the original manufacture choice, partly to avoid all this indecision!).

[MoRS6+]

I put them on mine 2k miles ago and they are bloody good, although they are a bit scary at first due to the release compound taking 500 miles to wear off. Yes they do offer more rim protection and so far seem to be lasting OK, running standard pressures. Cheers
Oh Yes I'd replace all 4 every time!

3 questions:

a) How do you rate the comfort of these, are they a slightly firmer due to the stiffer sidewall or are they virtually the same as oem?

b) I'm very interested in the rim-protection factor as I was asking about this recently - as you have had both (255 and 275), is there an obvious difference in the amount of physical rubber sitting proud of the alloy lip?

c) Any issues with rubbing on full-lock etc.?

Many thanks. (Soz for slight hi-jack! )

[RS Owner]

Any comments on whether I really need to replace all four tyres, and also is the general consensus that the goodyear f1 275/30 is the best tyre?

With only 3mm left, I am certain you need to replace the other 3 tyres too.
The RS4 is 4 wheel drive and you will get wear on the differentials if the circumference of the tyres differs by more than a certain amount. Thats what Micheldever tyres told me.

I replaced my tyres with OEM Pirelli rossos as I woried about fitting tyres with a different spec. £400 fitted for 2.
The OEM tyres are very wide, very low profile and fit properly. Also I think my RS4 corners like its on rail so what difference will other tyres make?

[rAudiguy]

Costco have a deal on PS2's at the moment which doesnt put them far of the Goodyear money! for me I'd stick with PS2's great all round tyre!

just IMO though!

[P_G]

To answer all questions if you only have 3 mm left on the other axle replace all 4. If only 2 available, if it is a motorway trip and that is the only driving you intend doing put the 3mm ones on the rear until you get the other two new ones just because the new ones are better looking after the weight of the engine.

Regarding 255 vs 275 debate, just by their size there is at least 10mm extra rubber protruding (I say at least because F1's also have rim protection) over the rim that isn't there on the 255's. I had the same problem with kerbing but have't had any issues since I changed and have 'bumped' some kerbs. This pic should hopefully show the difference;



I couldn't comment on F1 255 vs 275 on F1's as I has Conti SC3's beforehand but the Goodyears are a country mile better than the SC3's in wet and drip grip, turn in is far improved, lesser road noise. They are at their prime when warmed up, but for extra grip and rim protection 275 is what I would recommend and I have standard suspension. No rubbing on lock issues and also fill the arches better so no need for spacers IMO.

Alternative is the Vredestein Ultrac Sessantas, the other tyre I would have look at and cheaper than F1's. The ultimate for the RS would appear to be Michelin Pilots, however considering they are £1300 for 4 and F1's are £680-700 for 4 and Vredesteins are £600-620 for 4 you can have two sets for Vredesteins and nearly the same of F1's to Michelins.

Hope this helps.

[reevesroadster]

I changed all 4 tyres about 3 months ago for the 275's. After a cautious few hundred miles and a little adjusting of the tyre pressures i honestly believe the 275's are a definite improvement in the ride, noise and grip.

And Im also the type of person who usually sticks with manufacturer guidelines. I also had the option to buy pirellis from costco cheaper than the goodyears at he time.

[rAudiguy]

I also had the option to buy pirellis from costco cheaper than the goodyears at he time.

I was under the impression Costco only sold Michelins????

[reevesroadster]

Yep, well spotted. Costco do only sell Michelins. They were cheaper than the Goodyears, but decided to go with F1's after the threads on here. Never looked back.