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ssteigss, that's good to hear. Seems like the Ecopias might be a viable replacement for the OEM Michelins. As far as snow traction is concerned, they scored pretty well according to TireRack's internal tests...
These cars aren't KIAs so unless you're on a seriously tight budget, increase your safety and enjoyment with a tire from the Ultra High Performance All-Season category. I run the Conti DWS on two Audis and couldn't be happier.
There are pros and cons beyond price.
Sometimes Costco has tires that are a model only made and sold for/by them, which makes comparisons impossible.
And as Pete said "OEM" versus "retail" for the same tire may actually be two different tires made in two different countries! Tirerack's wonderful charts often list both, although it takes a while to grasp why "OEM" isn't the same as the retail tire.
I've heard Chevy, Ford, and Sears all advertise from time to time that they'll beat any price, and along with Costco, they often run $70-100 rebates on a set of four, on top of matching prices. (Get the price total installed, including new valve stems and anything else needed.) Costco also will do lifetime repairs on flats, a proper patch form the inside not just a plug, although they will only use "iron" wheel weights because they want to do everything uniformly, and California has banned lead wheel weights. Which also means Costco can't put proper "mag wheel" weights on the inside of alloy wheels anymore.
It can make tire shopping maddening. Personally, I stick to Goodyear or Michelin, both have been good for me. Others like Conti's, I'm just happy to stick with what has been working well for me. I'm not impressed with the stock Dunlops on the Q5, I suspect they will be the same as many OEM tires: gone by 30,000 miles.
Damfino, the car isn't allowed to sleep in the house.
Most OEM tires are special cheap tires. And Audi, Audi is a bit queer about tires in any case. You know, if you order a sport suspension, you get different wheels and tires, and the tires are really dry road summer only tires, as if wet roads or four season tires weren't a concern for anyone who wanted a "sport" suspension? (Not that a 4-season replaces snow tires, but really? They couldn't find an acceptable 4-season tire for "sport" use?)
I've had good results in the past with Continentals and thinking about going with the LX20 EcoPlus Technology. It's rated #1, treadlife warranty, and cheapest I've seen. Anyone running these on their Q5?
I've had good results in the past with Continentals and thinking about going with the LX20 EcoPlus Technology. It's rated #1, treadlife warranty, and cheapest I've seen. Anyone running these on their Q5?
Yes I am. Just got a set last month to replace the OEM Conti LX Sports that were almost down to the wear bars after 18k mi. I've only put 500 mi on the LX20s but so far I'm really happy with them. Compared to the OEMs, the ride is much smoother and quieter IMO. There is also a noticeable difference in handing, especially cornering. It feels much more planted and steady in the turns now. I'm hoping the winter performance lives up to the ratings on the tire rack survey. They apparently don't make them in the OEM size 235x55x19 so I got 255x50s. They are just a little wider, about 3/4" but the section height is almost identical @ 5". They had a $75 rebate sale going at Discount Tire so including the 4 replacement certs it was about $1,020 out the door. The first place rating on the Tire Rack survey caught my eye as well. Very pleased so far. Anything over 18k tread life will be an improvement, I'm expecting at least twice that.
I've had good results in the past with Continentals and thinking about going with the LX20 EcoPlus Technology. It's rated #1, treadlife warranty, and cheapest I've seen. Anyone running these on their Q5?
We put these on our Q5 and we couldn't be happier. Fantastic ride, quiet, and excellent grip. Highly recommended...
Damfino, the car isn't allowed to sleep in the house.
Most OEM tires are special cheap tires. And Audi, Audi is a bit queer about tires in any case. You know, if you order a sport suspension, you get different wheels and tires, and the tires are really dry road summer only tires, as if wet roads or four season tires weren't a concern for anyone who wanted a "sport" suspension? (Not that a 4-season replaces snow tires, but really? They couldn't find an acceptable 4-season tire for "sport" use?)
there's no such thing as a 4 season tire per se...
summer tires are better for dry AND wet roads
all seasons have a different tire compound for "light" snow
snow tires are for heavy winter
all season tires are in between capability in snow and performance of "summer" tires
summer tires offer the best grip and handling characteristics, so typically when a sports package is offered, it comes with summer tires
08-09-2016, 12:32 PM
