madden604

Hi all !

My car is a 2013 A6 quattro with automatic trans, someone offered me a great deal on 4 used tyres. Although the set has 2 tyres with 5mm tread and 2 with 6mm tread. The tyres are Continental SportContact 5 255/35/20, although not sure that's relevant.

Question is, is 1mm difference pose a problem for the car? I know there really shouldn't be a difference in tread but I assume 1mm should be ok.

Assuming it is ok, I'm wondering if I should actually place the 6mm in the rear and 5mm in the front.

I would appreciate comments and feedback as soon as possible. If I am to buy them I have to give my decision by tomorrow morning at the latest.

uberwgn

The side to side variance is quoted at 1/8" (3.17mm).


Welcome aboard, Madden !

madden604

Hi uberwgn, thanks.. although i have to say I don't understand the side to side part. Just to be sure, 2 tires have a tread that is 5mm, I would put those at the front of the car. Then the 2 other tires have 6mm tread, which I would put on the rears wheels.

Are you saying that Audi allows a variance of front to back wheels of up to 3mm? That sounds like a very large difference.

Can you please elaborate so I clearly understand.. I don;t want to make a mistake and cause issues with the drivetrain or with handling as I drive long distances frequently across Germany

uberwgn

The printed spec I see says side to side (not front to back) is 1/8". I haven't seen anything that gives a front to back tolerance but there could be something in the Owner's Manual on it.


Personally, I'd put the better tires on the rear. These cars seem to be hard on the rear tires....at least ours are.

madden604

I'm pretty sure the manual will state equal tires are needed all around. I doubt the owners manual would say its okay for any difference in circumference between the rear and front tires. Stating that would open them up for lawsuits anytime someone's drivetrain broke down etc.

As per the side to side, that sounds like a reference to tires being sometimes worn on the outside from cornering and that wear being on to some minimal degree

snagitseven

Audi specifies a maximum of 4/32" difference in tread depth on all four tires for Quattro. A variance of 1 mm (1/32 in) will not make any noticeable difference no matter where they are mounted (they must be all the same brand, model and size).

madden604

Thanks snagitseven,

That supporting what uberwgn wrote convinces me totally