Must-have summer tyre is?

[markp306]

I will post in the A5 section too for 'other cabrio's', but there is more member interaction here.

Although I still have a lot of tread to see me through the summer, I've been trying to do my homework on which summer tyre can cope best with our 4 typically wet seasons and a heavy FWD Audi? I've concluded it's not my OEM 18 inch Dunlop sport max. Even the wife can spin away from the lights, if in the slightest hurry, so that's proof enough. ;)

Now, the dunlop is quite ok in the dry but I cannot put 280 lb/ft down very well at the first drop of rain and a dab on the pedal. We get too many wet days here to stick with this setup. (I notice it doesn't have much of a tread design).

Has anyone with torquey FWD been getting on well with Michelin sport 3 over the wet winter?
Anyone driving a 204PS TDI without issue?

[Guest 2]

And the size of said tyre is ..... ?

[markp306]

And the size of said tyre is ..... ?

245/40R18 cant remember the speed/load and the wife is out in it. Y93 maybe? I'll check...

[Bold]

I have Goodyear eagle f1 asymetric2 in that size on my a4 can't fault them seems to be equal grip in both wet and dry and also have rim protectors so less chance of kerbing

[b206]

To be honest you can spin up any tyre - too much power/torque on a FWD.

I've just replaced the boots on my Avant with Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 2's - not that impressed! Definitely not as positive as the Contact Sports - constantly having to make adjustments, grip is crap as well.

245/40/18 - reinforced/extra load.

[markp306]

Ok so it's actually 245/40ZR18 93Y

The real solution here is definitely quattro but there aren't so many options with the cabriolet.

I've attached a pic - see what I mean about the minimal tread?

[zollaf]

i swear by my avon zv5's. cheaper than most and don't last as long as some but stick to the road like glue even in standing water.

[Guest 2]

Everyone has their own preferences, me for example swear by Michelin, ok they're a bit dearer but they lasted nearly 40k on my A6 quattro and Audi told me you're lucky to get 15-20k out of a set on a heavy quattro car.

[Embisix]

I know you already have Sport Maxxes fitted, but you should check out the Sport Maxx RT (Race Technology). I've have these on my B8 and had them on my B6 before that.

Admittedly both are quattro's, but they really are very good boots and get great reviews on tyre tests. Good value too....

[theskyfox]

255/35/19's over here. Found the factory-supplied Pirelli p-zeros to be ditchfinders that lasted all of 6000 miles :(. Since been using Continental contact 3's....had 10,000 miles and counting. Will be replacing them with Contact 5's when they are next due. If I could, I would put Michelins..but I really can't justify the additional £100 per tyre expense just for the brand name. Conti's seem to give a good balance between lifespan and cost.

-Andrew

[TheNeilJ]

Personally I stick to Michelin's myself they seem to last for a lot longer than tyres I've had in the past both Toyo's and Continental's and they provide a good amount of grip in both wet and dry conditions. If you want a quick comparison of fuel efficiency, wet grip, and noise rating for your tyres look here: Car Tyres - MPV Tyres - People Carrier Tyres - 18" R18" - 245/40/18, 245/40R18 <span class=blue>OE Audi</span> (http://www.camskill.co.uk/m61b0s7856p0/Car_Tyres_-_MPV_Tyres_-_People_Carrier_Tyres_-_18_inch_R18_inch_-_245_40_18_245_40R18_OE_Audi) - this is also where I buy my tyres from and I'm not affiliated with them in any way, just incase you were wondering.


If I could, I would put Michelins..but I really can't justify the additional £100 per tyre expense just for the brand name.

Where are you buying your tyres!? Looking at the size of tyres you (and I) need on the site I've linked above there is only a £21.80 difference between the Sport Contact 3's and Pilot Sport 2's and only £6.50 between Sport Contact 5's and Pilot Sport 3's.

Cheers Neil.

[theskyfox]

Cheers Neil, I'll check it out. If the difference really is only that small then it'll be Michelins next time round!

-Andrew

[SattyA4]

TyreLeader have great prices, Google it

[junchen]

I'm on Goodyear eagle f1a2. Splendid tyres, and extremely good in the wet.

[Longdog]

I've just had four continental sport contact 3s fitted at my local Audi dealer, they knocked £5 off per tyre from the cheapest quote that I could find which was from Asda tyres. I payed £185 per tyre fitted for 255/35 R19 which I was very happy with.

[cma]

Got Toyo Sports T1S on my 18" Sline rims. Stick like **** to a blanket in the dry. Wet is good and positive too, but as they are soft I don't think I'll be getting 40k out of them

(They were fitted by the Audi dealer before I bought the car)

[apache24uk]

Got Kumho's on my 255 35 19, only had them for a week, so far seem good. Previous set were Barum - also good

[glendog74]

Michelin Pilot Super Sports are excellent - particularly in the wet when compared to their predecessor the Pilot Sport 2

[AGW82]

I've just brought 4 Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 2's they are getting fitted this weekend. Never had Goodyear before but these seem to have great all round reviews..