SteelWarHorse3.0TDi

Well, I have been using Goodyear Eagle F1 (wear rating 220). I've put 31,000 km on them and they are in need of replacement. My "driving style" is calm... the only time I ever put the boot down is in on the motorway, no hard cornering - I love the relaxed drive this car offers and keep suspension in Comfort mode.

I do have the issue of outer edge wear. I kept it under control by running max pressure (3.4 bar front/rear) so it only became noticeable after about 20,000 km. Recently I noticed that after the 30,000 km service the stealership had dropped the pressure to 2.4 bar and this resulted in considerable scuffing and wear on the front outer edges even after only 1000 km.

So in my experience, with GY Eagle F1, run 'em at 3.2-3.4 bar all tyres and they'll last around 30,000 km with my driving style.

996CAB

Surprising the number of Q7 owners with tire wear issues. I have had my Q7 from new - since May 07 - and last weekend noticed small cuts of 'blisters' on all four tires akin to a tire left out in the sun for years.

Anyway, went to see my tire chap who has done tire changes on all our cars to date and he was pleased to report that the tires still had life in them after 25k miles. His views were that I could easily get another 5k out of them however safety dictates that I have to change them now.

Another point he made was on my tire loading - I currently have Hancock which are rated at 102W load. I am getting Kumho 106W XL load. His view is that our cars should be on the highest load we can buy and also ensure we get XL (extra load) marked tires because the Q7 weighs a lot.

General and Kumho tires were his recommendation. I think the key point here is the load bearing of the tires you choose should really be 106 or higher. XL gives you re-enforced sidewalls.

996CAB

Ahh, PSI wise, I am now running 47 all round - seems to aid tire ware, ride is just fine still though.

Jusforfun

You have cut back your mileage by over 4.5k'kms per year.

I am also on the Eagle F1s. While I think they are noisey at least they are very suitable for the odd high speed dash. I have had them up to 210 kmh and quite often 180 kmh with confidence.
I recently had a trailer tire blow itself to bits doing a mere 60kmh (40mph), it served to remind me... use the right tire for the right job!
I say never buy cheap tires for this beast.