Hi folks
Tyres matters have been posted before, but reading the old threads, there has been more emphasis on performance/speed issues than the day to day car and the durability of the tyres.

Can someone give me their advice: I need atrye that isnt on the car for high speeds, is reasonably priced (<R1000 tyre?) and will last abiove 20 000 km????

I have Perelli's currently and will have repalce two by May I guess (not a Quattro car, so luckiy there), so thought to ask: those who have experince with an A4 1.8T (1999 face lift model 205/55/16) and who have downgraded their tyres to Goodyears/Dunlop/Firestone etc (still V rated), I have been quoted R840 a tyre instead of R1300 for the higher "sport" tyre. I was also quoted R700 a tyre for Firestone imports (Bridgestones), but again question quality - you pay for what you get! Myth or fact when speed isnt my issue - I seldom go over 140km/h as the speeding fines arent worth it at the end of the day, and the potholes we have in the Eastern Cape are well known - its been known to swallow up donkeys, let alone rims! We dont have the wonderful N1/N2 to have fun on.

So I am looking for a safe tyre (primary i guess, cant place a price on that), but also a tyre that is durable, that isnt going to cost an arm and a leg.

Thanks
John

A4 1999 1.8T Sorantin Blue

The std Michellin Primacy tyres that come on the A3 1.8T is a overall good tyre......VERY long lasting!! Mine is now on 70 000km and still look like it will be able to do another 20 000km (and I do not drive slow )!!

Handling is good but they do sometimes squeel when taking fast corners. Unfortunately they will cost more than a R1000 a tyre but I think it is worth it in the long run.

Audi A3 1.8T
ex "BroSpeed" RXi

Have to second that.. I drive hard... 65000 on my micheline primcy.. probally need to be changed before winter...

trade in you unsed spare for discount....

Thanks chaps, much appreciated. With 60k-70k cant argue at all with that, worth the outlay. Why buy 2 sets of tyres in the long run, when one will do which costs only a small % more. Makes total sence.
Thanks again
john

A4 1999 1.8T Sorantin Blue

Have look at the Toyo TPT - it has a tread wear rating of 400 (overseas guaranteed for 70,000 km) and has very good user reviews on www.1010tires.com. A collegue has them on his Merc C200 and it cost him R700 per tyre (195/60/16 I think).

John

My car is the same spec as yours, and I have been using Bridgestone Turanza (205/55/16) tyres. Highly recommended.
I like the thread pattern, and also get good mileage. At present about 60 000km's, and looks good for at least another 10 000km's
Advice: regular alignment checks and rotate, helps extend life.

Andy

Hey John I will get the tyre comparison in TopCar magazine of 5-6 months back and post it here. It was on that size specificaly 205/55/16 and if I recall the best is Michelin Pilot Sport 2 but then they are pricey. I recal the Bridgestones (Turanza I think it was) only did in 10th out of 11 places overall. The best for less is the Toyo Proxies TS1 nice mix of grip and handling with prices at around R900 last I checked for that size.
I have ContiSport Contact II and even though they are factory fittment equipment far from beign the best but than again they cost under a R1000 too.
Choices choices just don't chose a tyre because you like the pattern it proves and means nothing.
Ahh and I forgot stay away from Firestone's even Barum is better then them.
Speaking of tires in the States the popular performance choice was Falken any one know of a local availability????

thanks Gandalf and Andy. Stragely, the spare is a Bridgestone and they quoted me R740 last year. So maybe the <R1000 figure may just happen after all.
Thanks again to all for the advice.

Andy, just had the 120k service, was dreading it, but still being under the FWP, it was fine. All extra was the front discs replaced, with the rear still some milage to go. Most likely by the 135k service.
But did see the 140kw 1.8T 2003/2004 model with the S-line finish, even in black it was a stunner. But at R292 000, brought me back to reality and will just have to enjoy many more km's with my ol chor.

Tahnks again guys
John

A4 1999 1.8T Sorantin Blue

@Vesco - the Toyo Proxes T1S has been replaced by the T1R. The T1S's (have them on my S2 and had them on the S6) handle very well and is buy far the best bang for the buck in performance tyres. They are noisy however - the T1R's are supposed to be as good in the handling stakes but are less noisy - I think the T1R costs the same as the T1S. I don't think the T1S/R are what John is looking for - the tread wear rating is 280 which implies that they will last 280/400 = 70% as long as the Toyo TPT and other long distance tyres.

This is always a difficult compromise - better handling tyres by their nature don't last as long, but for me handling is everything. Even if you don't drive "fast", if somebody does something stupid in front of you while travelling at 140 km/h, you need all the grip from those 4 small patches of rubber on the road.

Gandalf, if my memory serves me right, you corectly once said its the size of a A4 page between you and the road - scary stuff. Grip is all NB = safety. And its 99% of the time the other twits on the raod that makes your life a misery.
Have a great weekend all.
John

A4 1999 1.8T Sorantin Blue

@John - agreed! I think what I am saying is that I would go for the Toyo T1R @ R950. It might only last 49,000 km if you get 70,000 km on long distance tyres, but in terms of safety, it is a worthwhile compromise for me.

BTW, my S2 had Turanza's and Primacies (yes different tyres front and rear on a quattro ?????) when I got it and compared to the T1S's they handled terribly.