Audi 'Recommended' tyres / lost wheel nut

[_tones]

So, I took my car to get a wheel balanced as I had a puncture repair done and since, the steering wheel wobbled at higher speeds. Noticed, that the tread on the tyre was low so just ended up changing the front 2 tyres. I was hoping to wait to get it done with service in a few months but looking at the tyres, it was worth just getting them changed.

I ended up getting a couple of Pirelli P7 XL's and had the wheels aligned in the process. The difference the new tyres + tracking make to the handling of the car is amazing. The steering wheel is pretty much straight again and the car handles really well. Apparently these tyres are recommended by Audi but I already had Pirellis on the car so just replaced the front with the same brand.

Although, the down side is when I had the pucture repaired, the mechanic didn't put the locking bolt back onto the car as it was missing when I went to change the tyres. My fault for not checking...

2 Questions,

Are the P7's the best tyres for the car? So far, feels good. It's a 1.8TFSI so won't be used as a track car, just 'general' driving... :o

Do audi supply individual bolts or do I need to get a whole new set? I have the key, just need a bolt. Is Audi the best place to get a new set or can anyone recommend another supplier?

[theskyfox]

So, I took my car to get a wheel balanced as I had a puncture repair done and since, the steering wheel wobbled at higher speeds. Noticed, that the tread on the tyre was low so just ended up changing the front 2 tyres. I was hoping to wait to get it done with service in a few months but looking at the tyres, it was worth just getting them changed.

I ended up getting a couple of Pirelli P7 XL's and had the wheels aligned in the process. The difference the new tyres + tracking make to the handling of the car is amazing. The steering wheel is pretty much straight again and the car handles really well. Apparently these tyres are recommended by Audi but I already had Pirellis on the car so just replaced the front with the same brand.

Although, the down side is when I had the pucture repaired, the mechanic didn't put the locking bolt back onto the car as it was missing when I went to change the tyres. My fault for not checking...

2 Questions,

Are the P7's the best tyres for the car? So far, feels good. It's a 1.8TFSI so won't be used as a track car, just 'general' driving... :o

Do audi supply individual bolts or do I need to get a whole new set? I have the key, just need a bolt. Is Audi the best place to get a new set or can anyone recommend another supplier?

Hi,

Yeah its amazing the difference it can make once the wheels are properly aligned. You should find the tread wear more evenly now too. Unfortunately, asking which tyres are "best" for the car is incredibly subjective - personally I like Continentals as I've found Pirellis wear too quickly for my driving style. Some people here love Pirellis, Bridgestones, Dunlops and of course Michelins. As long as you stick with a good brand of tyre you can't go wrong - just be sure to always install them in axle pairs.

Is it possible for you to go back and ask the mechanic if he has the wheel nut? Hes probably got it in a box in the side. Unfortunately they are usually made as individual sets, otherwise any would-be theif would just go buy the nut set to steal your wheels. You'll have to buy a new set of four...which then leaves you with a choice of carrying two locking wheel bolts in the car or replacing all four on the car.

-Andrew

[_tones]

Hi,

Yeah its amazing the difference it can make once the wheels are properly aligned. You should find the tread wear more evenly now too. Unfortunately, asking which tyres are "best" for the car is incredibly subjective - personally I like Continentals as I've found Pirellis wear too quickly for my driving style. Some people here love Pirellis, Bridgestones, Dunlops and of course Michelins. As long as you stick with a good brand of tyre you can't go wrong - just be sure to always install them in axle pairs.

Is it possible for you to go back and ask the mechanic if he has the wheel nut? Hes probably got it in a box in the side. Unfortunately they are usually made as individual sets, otherwise any would-be theif would just go buy the nut set to steal your wheels. You'll have to buy a new set of four...which then leaves you with a choice of carrying two locking wheel bolts in the car or replacing all four on the car.

-Andrew

I went back to the mechanic but no trace of the wheel nut. It was weeks ago. I suppose it is logical every locking nut set is unique but it is just the effort and hassle in replacing all four... I got caught up with work today and forgot to ring Audi to get a price for a new set. I'll change all four at once rather than carry around two locking nuts.

I knew I had to get new tyres but was surprised the difference this can make along with alignment. Not sure how Audi and Merc can charge close to £200 when most garages charge around £40. I've had the front two replaced together as always do fronts or backs in one pair. The back two will need the same treatment in a few months. The only thing is the fronts are on XL's now (97Y) and the back on standard (93Y) so fronts need a fair few more PSI's than the back. I would have considered changing brands if all 4 needed replacing at the same time. The Pirellis P7's are Audi recommended but not sure what led them to that conclusion. My old car had Goodyear Eagle F1's and they were great tyres too.