DB22

Yes, drifting is tougher on the rears.

NABS4

I think the rationale is that understeer is more benign than oversteer, and most vehicles are prone to understeer. By fitting the more worn tires on the rear, the natural balance of the car has potentially been changed to oversteer as it would be easier for the rear of the car to "step out".

Steve'sA6

Very interesting analysis. And, contrary to what I would have thought to be the case, this article indicates that the same issue is present in all-wheel drive vehicles. Seems to be a consensus to put the newer tires on the rear, advice which I will follow.

Meanwhile, I am seriously thinking about leasing a 2016 and if so am likely to go with the sport package for even better grip and handling!

snagitseven

I'm going against the grain here and recommend replacing all four now. With only 4/32" left, the other three are going to need replacing very soon anyway. Traction below 4/32 is significantly reduced and 2/32 is the legal min in most locales.
TireRack seems to agree.
When is The Right Time to Replace Tires? - Tire Rack Team Blog | Tire Rack

uberwgn

Yeah, there's no doubt Steve will be back tire shopping again for two more tires in the not too distant future......

dwboston

I agree. I was in the same situation recently - the front tires were OK but the rears needed to be replaced (OEM Continentals with 36K miles on them). I bit the bullet and replaced all four with Michelin Premier A/S (highest rated tire in the category along with the Pirelli Cinturato on Tire Rack).

I think the OEM ContiProContact tires were junk. I bought the car with 3300 miles on it and the tires were never good in wet conditions and awful in the snow. The tire installer said two of the sidewalls split as he was taking them off the rims. Always amazes me how auto makers put crappy tires on their cars, especially ones in this category. Not a specific complaint against Audi, as BMW and Acura did the same thing.

mhemmeter

This has happened on 2 Audis we own. Measure the tread depth, call Tire Rack, order JUST ONE TIRE, and for $25 or so they will shave the new tire to the correct depth. Its worked perfectly on both cars.

snagitseven

Yup, that will work. But with only 4/10s that the OP currently has on the other three, he'll be replacing all five soon anyway instead four with that shaved tire purchase.

Steve'sA6

I have had Contis on my last 3 A6s, and have generally been pleased with them. I opted for a non-sport version of my current A6 and have enjoyed the ride quality (and lack of road noise) of these tires, without sacficing that much in handling and performance. I do agree that they are not great in the snow.

I decided to buy two new tires for one axel and wait and see as I may lease a new 2016. Audi usually implements better pricing and money factors after new models have been out for a few months, but the older tires on my car should still pass inspection by the time that happens.

dwboston

I was surprised how bad the Contis were in the snow, but they were unforgivable in the rain. Noticeable hydroplaning even when they only had 10,000 miles on them. The installer was adamant that they were the wrong tires for the car, since they were apparently the H-rated version and he thought they should be the V-rated version. He said couldn't recall having two sidewalls split like that when removing the tires.

Anyway, I'm happy with the Michelins so far. We'll see how they hold up as they get more miles on them.