More on tires

[Larry C Leung]

Not much to add, but for your driving, I'd go for the D60's. Good wear,
semi-all-season, and not bad handling, better than the Eagles actually.
The H speed rating (sustained up to 130 MPH) doesn't seem to matter to
the lister who posted the question, and BTW, if racing don't use a tire
that is lower than the top speed of the car, as the "sustained" part of
the speed rating isn't necessarily time based. Racing heats the tires
much more than sustained speed will, so you'd be risking tire failure
with H rubber if you figure you're only at say 140 MPH for only 15
seconds or so per lap. Tire never gets to cool off during the lap,
especially if you do more than a lap or so. I would also suggest real
snows in the winter if snow is a regular possiblity, the D60s aren't too
good in snow (BTDT).

As for size, 205/55-16 is correct for the A4. You could go up to
225/50-16 without changing diameter (desirable if you want the speed to
read right AND you want the car to accelerate and brake as well as it's
already doing), the other sizes mentioned will be too large in diamter,
causing under-read speed readings (i.e. reads 50 when actually going 55)
and weaker acceleration. Since the 16 inch rims on A4s are all 7 inches
wide, either width tire is fine. The mentioned tire size calculator will 
be able to help with other potential sizes (i.e. snow tire sizes, which,
if possible, should be 195/65-15 if rims are availible)

HTH,

LL - NY 



 Sat, 04 Aug 2001 13:55:13 -0400 Burl Vibert <blur at sympatico.ca> writes:
> 
> 
> Philip Montrowe wrote:
> > 
> > For a 97 Audi A4 2.8 Quattro (16" rims).
> > 
> > I forgot to add that I live in Western Massachusetts so snow and 
> ice are an
> > issue and I don't do much "city" driving, more highway and around 
> country
> > roads and small towns.  I am fairly much an average driver and 
> almost never
> > drive above 80-85 or push it hard around corners etc.
> > 
> > The majority consensus seems to be Dunlop, either a D60 or 
> SP5000/8000/9000.
> > But I am not certain if I understand the difference between H and 
> other
> > series tires.  The D60 is an H and I believe the others are 
> bettered rated.
> > 
> > Also can I or should I put 205/55s on if I currently have Goodyear 
> Eagle RSA
> > 205/55s.
> > 
> 
> 
> If you plan on driving on these tires in the winter you shouldn't 
> use
> the Dunlop SP8000 or SP9000, these are summer only.  The SP5000 
> would
> probably be a good choice along with many others like the D60/A2.
> 
> The H, V, Z, etc. is a speed rating but it also generally means 
> that
> while the tire can take higher speeds without falling apart to do 
> this
> the construction usually makes it a little harder riding, but 
> better
> handling, especially if you go with the higher rated V, Z or W 
> speed
> ratings. 
> 
> I don't know much about sizing for A4's but if you drive in the 
> snow
> going wider isn't better. 
> 
> Burl Vibert
> 1987 5kcstq
> Kingston, Ontario
>