AUDI-TOR

My almost 3-yr-old '05 A6 4.2's original all-seasons (245/45HR17) are nearly done, so I'm thinking of replacing them before winter. The Conti's, which are XL rated, are in "grand touring" class.

1. MUST I replace them with the same or another XL rated tire and, if so, which ones should I consider (preferably in the "high peformance" class, if any)?

2. If it's safe for me to use a non-XL rated tire, I'd like to use a "high performance" all-season. In that case, which should I consider?

Thanks for any advice you can give me!!

Johnstay

I just went through all this. You will get a huge variety of answers. Most people in the All-Season category put on Bridgestone Potenza A960. You cannot go wrong with those. Some put Michelin's - some did not like them, some loved them. A few put on Pirelli's. I just shod my ride with Goodyear Eagle F1 All-Season tires. There were very few reviews on this tire but I had my reasons:

1.) Carbon fiber reinforced sidewalls.
2.) Goodyear reputation.
3.) Recommendation by a person who drove these back to back against Bridgestones.
4.) Excellent wet weather rating.
5.) Protective edge that shields the rim against curb-rash.
6.) Very square outer corners - incredibly stable driving.

They are everything I expected - the car guides like it is on rails (wet or dry).

Caution: The side walls are a bit stiff so warn the installer not to pry on your expensive rims. Use air pressure instead (and take cover!) It's exciting.

No regrets here!

John

AUDI-TOR

I'd buy the Goodyear F-1's in a heartbeat, but they don't come in 245/45 X 17. I opted for 17" OEM wheels w/all-seasons, since I only use them
4-5 months a year. My Spring thru Fall wheels are BBS 18"ers with Michelin Pilot Sport PS2's.
Both cost a fortune, but well worth it.

Are the 18" Goodyear F-1's you got XL rated?
How important is it that I stick with an XL rated tire?

Thanks for any more input you can give me.

Johnstay

I don't know what XL means in the tire world but Z is the highest speed rating you can get. And, yes, they do come in 245/45-17.

Good luck
John

AUDI-TOR

You're right!! I just didn't go far enough on Tirerack's 4 pages of all-seasons in my size.

Thanks, again.

ESN

<ul><li><a href="http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tiretech/techpage.jsp?techid=35">me thinks so</a></li></ul>

oregonbob123

If Audi says your car needs XL, you are best served not to buy anything less.

thrilla from manila

168mph max for W 186mph for y

AUDI-TOR

I spoke with Gary Stanley at Tirerak early this morning. He told me that, in a 45 profile tire, any of the UHP all-seasons on Tirerack's 4 pages
would be OK, i.e., an XL load rated tire was not necessary, since all the non-XL load rated tires could handle all the weight I might conceivably
have at any time on an '05 A6 4.2 sedan.

markcincinnati

How important is life span? Road noise, or lack thereof?