dmoney12

I have ContiPro Contacts that are pretty worn out after 20K miles. I've also read bad reviews on the Pirelli P6s. I developed a bulge in the sidewall, so I'm in the market for some new tires. I asked around the Tire/Wheel forum and here's what I came up with.

UHP A/S tires:

1. Pirelli Pzero Nero M&S
2. Bridgestone Pole Position 960s

Offer better dry traction and quicker steering response while sacrificing snow traction. They normally last around 30K miles.

HP A/S tires:

1. Bridgestone Potenza G 009
2. Michelin Pilot Exalto

Sacrifice some dry traction for better snow traction, have a more comfortable ride and will last around 40K miles.

Gary, the moderator from Tirerack also recommended the Yokohama Advan S.4., but at $189 each, is expensive. Also, I've seen owners praise the Continental Extreme Contacts, which are relatively cheap at $96, but they have a lower load rating (not sure if thats safe given the Audi's weight) and I wasn't happy with my ContiPro Contacts. Currently I'm leaning towards the Exaltos.

B7Quattro Pete

if you're looking for all-seasons plus they're low priced!

Zetetic

I just replaced some Z rated Yokohamas that were rough riding and wore out in less than 20K miles with Goodyear Eagle Responsedge "Performance Touring" tires. The ride is VERY smooth & quiet, the tracking on the freeway is stable, cornering is great (but admittedly not spectacular) and they are amazing on wet roads.

irenesbob

Can you erxplain that a bit more. If they proturde from the rims then they would offer protection for the rims, no? If you get near curbs a lot, like in the city, it is a good thing to have some tire protruding as a buffer - I feel - in case you do brush the curb slightly. The Conti's I had with my '06 A4 let the rims be the most external piece and even a slight rub amounted to damage. The Pirelli 4 Seasons that are on my '08 A4 have a heavy bead or bulge around the whole tire near the rim and that offers a buffer. I am careful parking but I worry when I have to let a parking lot attendant touch my car in NYC.

LighthouseJ

I was looking to see how much a new set of the P6's were and ended up reading reviews. According to where I read, plenty of people have had the tires fail. Bulges (or blowouts in some cases) in the sidewall are most common and the usual culprit is hitting potholes which likely rupture the sidewall and cause the bulge.

When my P6's are done, I'll look to getting something else.

paul128

I have Pilot Exalto on E36 3 series-great wet/dry traction & handling

AJN334

which causes they to pull away from the rim a bit.

janky

I'm back. I bought the Yokohama Advan S4s back in October 2007. The tire lasted about 17K. Not bad but they are really worn down at this point. I'm looking to get an M/S tire as I live in the mountains in California and we get occasional snow and I want to drive to Tahoe as well. I think I'll try the Zero Neros.