[A4] 'Baby' needs new shoes, was Re: Tire Size Debate

[Stephen Kormilo]

Thanks for the feedback, Richard. I thought that Bridgestone had a 
30-day 'trial' period. Maybe time to take them up on the offer?

I was leaning towards the RE960AS's as opposed to the G009's. In fact I 
had almost made up my mind until getting some prices yesterday. I now 
have to decide between the Bridgestaone RE960AS's and the Michelin Pilot 
Exaltos. Previous price quotes had put the Exaltos significantly higher 
in price than the RE960's, but they are now slightly less expensive. 
Actually, $Cdn5 more per set of 4, but they come with a MIRB for a $50 
Esso gas certificate. Tirerack performance ratings for the Exaltos are 
slightly better than the RE960's.

OTOH, the Exaltos appear to have been around for quite a while. Are they 
likely to be discontinued soon? Maybe why the price has dropped? I am 
slightly concerned about possibly having the same replacement dilemma 
Richard just had.

 From an earlier post, Brian seems to like the Exaltos quite a bit.

Any other opinions out there?

Stephen Kormilo
Nanoose Bay, BC

2002 Audi A4 3.0 - Silver
Departed:
1998.5 Audi A4 2.8 - Silver
1985 Mazda Rx7 GSL-SE - Black

email: stephen at kormilo.ca

Richard Hurt wrote:
> Well. it's really a mixed bag at the moment.  I think I like the
> tires, however I'm now hearing a small roar from the rear axle
> somewhere.  I would like to think it's the tires and not a wheel
> bearing going out but I can't be sure.  I guess the only way to be
> sure is to wait for it to get worse.  :/
> 
> Anyway, the car seems to be really skittery with the G009 tires.  I
> don't really know how to explain it or even if I'm imagining it, but
> it almost seems to have a mind of it's own and I have to work to keep
> it in the lane.  Again, is this just me?  We have had quite a bit of
> gusty wind lately, but I did see that someone else reported the same
> experience with these tires on the TireRack boards.  In general the
> tires are very responsive - maybe too much so.
> 
> And the final worry is the guy at the tire store said that I might
> have the alignment checked.  Of course he does that and would gladly
> take a look, for $79.  :)  Now I don't really have a problem with
> checking the alignment and I normally trust this guy but I don't think
> they have the equipment for a Quattro system.  At least they didn't
> about a year ago when I had the alignment checked the last time.
> Also, I looked at my old tires and while they were worn a bit more on
> the inside, it wasn't horrible and as a performance vehicle I expect a
> little odd wear.
> 
> So, do I like the tires and would I buy them again?  I'm not sure at
> this point that I can answer the question satisfactorily.  I think
> there are some other things going on with my baby (and with my mind)
> that are clouding my judgement.  Also, I haven't had a chance to do
> much spirited driving with them so I don't really know how the handle
> at the limit.
> 
> Sorry to be so vague.  Feedback on any and all of my problems is welcome.  :)
> 
> Later...
>   Richard
> 
> On 3/21/07, Stephen Kormilo <stephen at kormilo.ca> wrote:
>> Richard,
>>
>> Now that you have had a chance to drive on your new Bridgestone G009s
>> for a while, how are you liking them?
>>
>> I have to make a tire buying decision soon.
>>
>> Stephen Kormilo
>> Nanoose Bay, BC
>>
>> 2002 Audi A4 3.0 - Silver
>> Departed:
>> 1998.5 Audi A4 2.8 - Silver
>> 1985 Mazda Rx7 GSL-SE - Black
>>
>> email: stephen at kormilo.ca