Jeffscherer

I've just about decided on Michelin pilot sport A/S 18 inch for replacement of my oem continentals ( I got about 29,000 miles on the original tires. ) Any one with experience on these Michelin tires or any other recommendations? I don't want to change to winter tires if possible and we do have snow here in Wisconsin. thanks.

Ringmeister

They are fine for light snow but for anything more than a few inches you should consider winter tires. I have Blizzaks LM22 tires for the winter months here in Ohio.

D3AeighT

The M Pilot SPort A/S was my 19" replacement choice but they did not meet AUDI's "load factor" per corner and they would not install them.

greenie

facing a tire change. We have snow as well here in Pa. and I, like Ringmeister, swap out my present tires for Blizzak LN-22s for winter driving(A wonderful tire).

rexwilson

I love my Pilot Sport A/S's, and made it through the winter of '05 in Boston, one of the snowiest on record. I've never tried winter tires, so can't compare, but all in all, I didn't feel challenged in the snow with the PS A/S's.
(05 SWB, 18")

Ringmeister

having a set of 18in winter shoes makes sense. If you are already running 18in wheels, you may be able to get away with the Pilot Sport A/S as a year round tire. Some PS A/S have lower load factors than the OEM spec and may be considered undesirable by Audi.

The OEM load factor for 255/45-18 is 99.
The Pilot Sport A/S load factor for this size is 99. No problems here.

The OEM load factor for 255/40-19 is 100.
The Pilot Sport A/S load factor for this size is 96.

The OEM load factor for 275/35-20 is 102.
The Pilot Sport A/S load factor for this size is 98. This tire size is actually spec'd as an option for the W12 which has greater acceleration and braking capabilities than the 4.2L D3.

When you use tires that have a lower load rating than the OEM spec, you should carefully consider your driving style and maximum weight you will be carrying. If you are buying A/S tires like the Pilot Sport, hopefully you are not treating them as if they were Max Performance Summer tires.

Jeffscherer

My tire size is 255/45R18 and it looks like the load factor should be OK. I'm checking with my dealer to see if they have any other recommendations for 18 inch wheels.

drgolfnut

The ride seems pretty good. Haven't had a chance to try them in snow b/c I put them in the garage after 200 miles. I decided to use my 19s for winter wheels and get 20s (courtesy of AtlasD3) for the summer time. The set is Flik Artic in silver (18x8.5) with 255/45/18.