Last on tires

[Burl Vibert]

Philip Montrowe wrote:
> 
> Thank you everyone for all your great help.  I screwed up the last question
> in my previous posting however, so I'll do it right this time.
> 
> I currently have Goodyear Eagle RSA 205/55 16s on the 97 A4 2.8 Quattro.
> Some helpful suggestions have been for tires that are only available at
> 225/55 or 225/60. Can I go up to 225/60 and what is the effect or gain of
> doing so?  I don't want to change my rims.


Hi Philip

To keep the same diameter, which you do want to do, you would likely
be able to go with 225/50 as long as your rims are at least 7" wide.
225/55 and 225/60 are too tall.  The gain in going wider would be a
bit more rubber on the road which is good for traction except in the
winter slush and snow. 
 
  
> 

> Also, the rear tires have less than a 1/16th of an inch left before the
> tread warning bars are level with the tire and in the last 4 weeks or so I
> have noticed that there is a lot of what seems to be "tire" noise coming
> from the rear.  It is as noisy as it gets when you have the backseat folded
> down because you have something long in the trunk.  Is this noise caused by
> the tread warning bars or something else in the tire to alert the driver to
> the need to replace the tires.  Or is it possibly some other thing
> (doubtless costing thousands to fix).


Some tires do change sound as they wear, it's usually no big deal as
long as they are wearing evenly from side to side.  Bad wheel bearings
can also make noise which sounds like snow tires on dry pavement.

Burl Vibert
1987 5kcstq
Kingston, Ontario