Tyre choice

[lengster1]

Thanks guys,price is not really an issue on the michelins then given that they do more miles,but yeh its alot to lay out for two tyres and will take the shine off anyones day,mines got very good ps2 rears and 3+mm on the fronts but the inner and outer edges look shot is this typical on all brands of tyre? Also do we need extra load versions on other brands (i presume so) like the 96y on michelins.Im tempted by the vredstein and goodyear,my mate works for the local vredstien dealer and will beat any quote so may be reasonable! Keep the info coming guys

[rs4v8]

A wee word of caution if you're only replacing two. I was led to believe that it can hurt the 4wd transmission if the tyres at both ends are different i.e. their circumference is different to a large degree. I have the Audi maintenance contract on my RS4. The Pirellis on the front of my car were goosed and the rears really weren't too bad at all. Much to my surprise Audi agreed to change all four when questioned by the fitter when he phoned them for approval.

I may well be completely wrong here, but could it also be the case that two tyres from different brands, but of supposedly the same size, be a different circumference? From experience some tyres which are meant to be the same size definately seem to sit wider on the same rim?

[P_G]

Thanks guys,price is not really an issue on the michelins then given that they do more miles,

Only issue is that they cost double the Goodyears and 60% more than Vredesteins so as much as they may do the same miles with equal performance you could have two set of Goodyears that do the same if not a little better.

[P_G]

A wee word of caution if you're only replacing two. I was led to believe that it can hurt the 4wd transmission if the tyres at both ends are different i.e. their circumference is different to a large degree. I have the Audi maintenance contract on my RS4. The Pirellis on the front of my car were goosed and the rears really weren't too bad at all. Much to my surprise Audi agreed to change all four when questioned by the fitter when he phoned them for approval.

I may well be completely wrong here, but could it also be the case that two tyres from different brands, but of supposedly the same size, be a different circumference? From experience some tyres which are meant to be the same size definately seem to sit wider on the same rim?

I usually change all 4 anyway but TBH so long the two are on the same axle and the others on the other axle have 4-5mm+ then you should be OK changing two to the same profile. However having 255's on the front and 275's on the rear for example would not work as well.

[PetrolDave]

However having 255's on the front and 275's on the rear for example would not work as well.

Profile isn't the issue, it's the rolling circumference.

If that's more than 2-3% different then you'll be applying permanent strain to the centre Torsen diff which over time can cause failure.

[P_G]

Granted however having 255/35 and 275/30's would not e a good idea is what I was trying to say.

[rs4v8]

So a 2-3% difference in rolling circumference could be within the realms of different brands / supposedly (but not) the same size then?

[pad125]

Not sure if it's been mentioned but Michelin PS2's now do a tyre specifically for RS4's, make sure you are quoted and get the 'RO1' version

[rjkflyer]

What's the difference between the RO1 and other versions?

So, for 275/30s I assume Michelin don't do RO1 versions

[pad125]

I'm told the R01 has a different compound specifically suited to the RS4, there's also a 'special' tyre available for the M3 as well. Could just be the tyre manufacterers way of bumping up the list price

[scaghead]

bloodyhell they cant bump the price up much more surely

[Revolution]

We've tried numerous tyres over the years on demo cars with some interesting results, were currently running on Goodyears' and must say they are pretty awesome in wet and dry.

On recent trip to the 'ring they coped easily with the track absolutely soaked for 2 days and they are the best tyres I've driven on in the wet.

My choice would be:
1 - Goodyears Eagle F1 Asymmetric
2 - Conti CS3's
3 - Yokohama Advan Sport

Not tried Michy's, so couldnt comment sorry.

You need to change both tyres on the same axle (i.e. a pair) as a minimum but suggest all 4 change especially if your changing brands.

We do plenty of mail-order tyres too if you ever need our services in the future.

Regards
Glenn
Revolution

[Iain_S4]

Going back to the issue of having the same make/size/type of tyre on the same axle but with different amounts of wear. Putting to one side any issues of wet weather grip, safety etc and just considering the mechanical issues, I have also had the understanding that the tyres should have a similar degree of wear to avoid putting undue stress on the diffs. Usually I replace all 4 tyres at once so it is not a problem.

However, recently when my car was being serviced and repaired the Audi dealer noted that there were nails in one of the front tyres. The offending tyre was replaced at the dealer - no comments were made by them about replacing as a pair. The other front tyre is worn to 4mm. At the dealer prices I elected to let them replace just the one and then look to replace the other front or remaining 3 elsewhere.

Point is the Audi dealer never raised it as an issue (some might say not a surprise) nor does it say anything in the owners manual that the tyres should have similar wear, only same size/type. Where is it documented that it is an issue.

Still need to sort out my tyres and just this morning the missus wrecked one of the tyres on her A6 by driving on it when it was flat - same spec 255/35 Ultrac Sessanta as fits the RS4. Still had 7mm of tread left on it

[Revolution]

4mm is around half wear from new and should be okay, anything lower than 3mm you should think about changing as pairs.

I've asked a couple of manufacturers technical depts in the past and no really hard set rules. Continental are pushing for the 3mm rule to be enforced but Goodyear werent that concerned as they think there tyres are good right down until the wear indicators.

Wouldnt go anywhere near the tread wear indicators in an RS4 as you'll be sacrificing a lot of grip and safety in my opinion.

Keep the worn set for track days..........


Glenn
Revolution

[Petrolthreads]

I nearly always run Pirelli in the past but the advice I got was that the Goodyears would give bettergrip and last much longer (which was always a problem with Pzeros on my M3).

My experience so far is very favorable, although after 3 attempts they still can't seem to balance the sodding things.