AlphaPenguin

Just replaced OEM Continental tires with a new set of Continental ControlContact Sport AS 245/40 R18 97Y XL at $180 each plus hazard warranty, Discount Tires

first.octopus

My 08 A6 Q will need new tires soon. How's the new tire performance as compared to the OEM stock? I am planning to get Michelin-Pilot® Sport A/S 3 from Costco for $217 each. This does not include the $70 discount for 4 tire purchase.

D's Avant

Highly recommend the Michelin-Pilot A/S 3's. Great tire, more summer than all-season though. Snow traction is poor compared to say a Conti DWS all-season tire.

Will be getting snows in a few days, not soon enough.

AlphaPenguin

From the first mile I could tell the difference. Quieter for sure. Less expensive than OEM. Available only from Discount Tire. Will update next week after return from icy snowy New England.

roylok

Conti DWS are excellent year around, there is a fresh few inches of snow on the ground, it's 2:23 am and I got a crazy look and a smile on my face! I need to reassure myself that DWS are great tires. Why the heck not! It's the best time to have fun no cars at all outside.

FL C6.5 Avant

Hmmmm, elective choice? weren't the pro contacts at >5/32 per CPO rules?
At least you have 97Y vs. the factory 97H.

AlphaPenguin

You are indeed correct, but two of the tires were original with production date 2710. I insisted on free replacements and then decided I didn't want to be married to the OEMs, so I used the money to purchase 2 of the new design at a lower price than the OEM and paid out of pocket for two more. The new tires have production date 3714 and thus far I'm very happy with my decision to upgrade. I know it's subjective, but the ride is so smooth it seems that they've been shaved. Snow on the ground and ice on the roads in Connecticut and the tires grip the road with complete confidence.

Travelled appx 2000 miles to CT, heavily loaded, outside temp 34-14 degrees F, avg speed including frequent stops 55mph, OTR range 70-85mph, fuel economy w/93 octane appx 26.5mpg per manual calculation

AlphaPenguin

Returned from CT. 4010 miles RT. The only weather-related issue was when I encountered black ice negotiating a tight freeway exit in CT at night, recommended speed 25mph and I was driving 40 mph. The car lurched a bit, but the tires kept it planted. In Tennessee, it was snowing and the plows and salt trucks were deployed, but otherwise uneventful driving at a moderate speed in heavy traffic.

The first thing I did upon my return was treat the car to a comprehensive wash and detail.

I love these tires!

Added: all four tires 40psi cold

On another note, even though this car is larger and heavier than my 2000 A4 Avant Quattro sport, subjectively the handling is virtually identical. The A6 simply does not feel like a large car when I'm driving it.

chrisone

I just put four new Michelin-pilot a/s 3 to replace the conti dws and I like the grip and cornering but they are a little loud from what I'm used to. no chance to test them in snow/ice conditions since this is my first winter in florida and not jersey
the conti dws always felt mushy to me had to set pressure up to 42psi all around