Gary@Ronal

Most of you have heard of the recall of the Bridgestone/Firestone tires--on the Explorer--BTW they are also on the F150/Expedition series in 16"!
These tires were made to Ford spec's and Ford tested them on the Explorer at the prescribed 35 psi pressures. Under wet weather testing, Ford found that the Explorer was susceptible to "Roll-Over Tendancies"---and suggested that the air pressure be lowered to 26 psi--and this helped eliminate the roll-over problem. However they created an monster of a problem, which is now evident.
Tire pressure drops in a tire over any given period of time,--that's why its important to check tire pressures--when they're cold--and periodically. As tire pressures fall, temperature builds up quite quickly, and tires can reach in excess of 170 degrees Fahrenheit--and the rubber compounds of the tire start to disintegrate at higher temperatures---as does the load carrying capacity.
Most of the failures occured at speeds in excess of 55mph--high speeds generate more temperature.

It will be interesting to see how this all pans out! Firestone recommended a higher pressure --30psi--than the Ford recommended 26psi. GM and most others, recommend a 35 psi for similar vehicles w. similar tire sizes.
It's unfortunate that this has occurred but it has brought a whole new light to air pressure and tire/vehicle safety.
As Audi drivers, especially w. 17"+ tire sizes, it is virtually impossible to SEE, visually, a difference in dangerous LOW pressure vs. the required air pressure on today's Z rated, hi performance tire--due to sidewall strength,etc. One can have 20psi in the front and 40 psi in the rear---and visually you can't tell a difference.
And you drive your vehicles a bit harder than most.
So check your air pressures regularly, 17"+ sizes should have app. 38 psi in them, cold!
Also, you might want to consider the Air Pressure sensor units, like SMARTIRE--that ALERT you to low pressure AND high temperature---while driving.
We offer these, and they are described at our website, www.ronalusa.com, Latest News section.

Remember, heat is a tire's worst enemy! Low air pressure and high speed create this scenario very quickly.
Be Safe.

CraigB

<p><a href="http://www.users.uswest.net/~craiger/a4main.htm">
<img SRC="http://www.users.uswest.net/~craiger/cwb_ottosig.jpg" BORDER=0></a>

Longwolf (Christian)

Last night I was out having a few beers with some of the guys in my Quattro club, and one of the guy's was telling me that he told his fiance to watch the tire pressure on her VW, and to make sure it didn't get low (had a slow leak in 1 tire). He decided to check up on her and see how she was doing....so he checked the tire pressure on the tires after she claimed she filled them up, and all tires were about 50psi!!!!! It seems the woman thought you filled the tire until the stick tire pressure gauge's indicator came out all the way! I gave my friend a hard time because he never showed her how to check the pressure, so how would she know?<p><img src=" http://www.quattroclubusa.org/r/florida/newlogo.jpg " border="0">

Christian J. Long
President - Quattro Club of Florida
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'00 A4 1.8tqsmxc - 17" Borbet Type Es coming!
'97 A4 1.8tqm
'87 944S - 17"

Doug Ramage

<p>Doug Ramage

PSS // Raj

really all they care about. If you want to drive fast and have optimal handling, you have to run at least 38's all around. I run 38 rear, and 40 psi in the front on my S4 wheels with 225/45/17 tires.<p>APR V.3 ECU,GIAC Tip Chip,Remus Sport Exhaust,Audi Eurosport Springs,S4 17" Avus Wheels,SmarTire System,LLTek Hex Grille,LLTek Air Induction Kit, Foliatec Red calipers,Camco Aluminum Sport Pedals,Clear Corner Mod,Fog Light Mod,S4 Wheel Well Liners,Ni

johnsa4

What do u guys recommend for 225/40/18s on a 2wd A4?????? Thanks!! Same as the 17s?? 38psi??

Chard

<p>Chard
99.5 1.8tqms Silver, APR v3, clear corner mod, polished tips, some stereo stuff...new rims and suspension stuff on the way!