Quiet Tyres!

[rhysw]

Hi,

I have recently purchased a A6 Sline which is running 245 40 18 Avon ZZ3s.

On my first longer journey I could hear a drumming noise at around 35mph and 55mph. Now that I know the noise is there I can hear it even on short journeys when my car hits those speeds.

I returned the car to the dealership who checked for bearing wear but after investigating the noise said that it was caused by tyre noise and un-even wear. They commented that Avons are not a good choice for this type of car.

I am therefore need to change all 4 tyres (ouch). But I want to make sure that the tyres I buy are nice and quiet.

I have been doing a bit of reading and I am now looking at Dunlop Sport SP 2030s.

So my questions are...

a) Can you think of anything else to investigate before tyres?
b) Does anyone have a recommendation for tyres this size.

Thanks
Rhys

[Clinterous]

In my research, which was inconclusive, it seems the quieter tyres compromise on performance.

Have a look on which.co.uk for their tyre review, you need to register for though. Otherwise I saw a review on autoexpress.co.uk of tyres.

I've come across loads of reviews, where most of them contain conflicting information. The only consistency I found in the reviews was with Continental tyres, which although didn't always get top marks, usually got a mention in their summary top choices.

I've got a set of Conti Sportcontact 2 (used) in my garage waiting to be fitted - I reckon they'll last me 4 months, and if I like them I'll buy em again brand new, if not then the search will begin again.

[Undercover]

I have replaced all my tyres with Michelin Premacy HP's. They came out as very quiet/ very long lived in the Which? report mentioned. They are definitely quieter than the Pirellis they replaced. Also, they're the only ones Costco do...

[snapdragon]

Goodyear Excellence are smooth and quiet, and are original fit to New Merc S class.

[Niall76]

"but after investigating the noise said that it was caused by tyre noise and un-even wear."


I'd be getting the wheel alignment done first!

[rhysw]

Thanks for the replies.

Based on the advice here, at a couple of local dealers and at other sites I have ordered a set of Continental SportContact 3s. A local tyre fitter did a nice deal

I think these may have been the original equipment as the spare tyre is a brand new Contact3.

I'd be getting the wheel alignment done first!

I've had the wheel alignment checked by the dealer. I think I mislead you with the term "uneven wear". The dealer explained that as the car is large and front wheel drive aggressive driving can cause the outer edge of the wheel to wear unevenly. Fingers crossed though!

Thanks again.

[paul b]

Michelin Pilot Primacy's and Michelin Pilot Sport 2's have been good on my A6. Mind you it's got 235/45/17s on it.
Paul

[rhysw]

As an update to this the problem was tracked down to a faulty rear wheel bearing (the car had only done 28k miles). Unfortunately this was after I fitted a set of brand new Contact 3s and took the car to a different dealership. My advice is to avoid Cardiff Audi stick with South Hereford.

[TimmyTim]

Costco do fabulous deals on tyres! As the tyre bays are owned by Mich... I've not found anywhere that can match there prices... Great service to

[MikkiJayne]

I tried Avon ZZ3s on my A8 and it chewed them up in no time. Michelin Pilot Primacies on the other hand lasted 36K. I shall be visiting Costco tomorrow to get a price on them in 235 45 17 for my A6

Anyone got any thoughts on Dunlop SP9000s? Thats what my car has had all its life so far. They're cheap, but seem to aquaplane very easily, and I don't think they last very long.