[V8] Oh, and another thing...

[Roger M. Woodbury]

The tires on my wife's car (and on my 20Valve Avant, too), are Bridgestone
009's, which was a brand new tire from Bridgestone when I bought them.  They
seemed to work very well on the the 100CS, but seem to be a bit squirmy on
the 20valve.

Now, after examination, they are melting on the 100CS.  While the tire rod
issue hasn't done the tread life on the right corner any good, all four
tires are reaching the end of their useful life, especially considering the
nature of winter here.  My wife doesn't think they have been especially good
in the winter here, but she is extraordinarily cautious behind the wheel,
and when I have driven the car I have thought the tires provided adequate
control in unpleasant driving conditions.

But now, with a bit more than 20,000 miles on the tire, I estimate that by
25,000 miles of service they will be ready for replacement.  This is worse
than any tire that I have ever used on an Audi Quattro, although normally, I
have found that thirty thousand is about the best that can be expected
considering that I do not use winter tires.

When we replace these tires, we will not buy G009's and likely will not buy
anything from Bridgestone, either.  I think that Bridgestone is up-pricing
their tires to the extent that there is not a lot of pricing difference
between them and Michelin...pretty expensive, it seems.

By far the best tire that I have ever used on an Audi Quattro was the
Firestone Touring Radial LH that I had (two sets) on my '89 Avant.  Quite,
comfortable, and long wearing...more than 30,000 miles...great price....and
now, no longer available.  

Roger