All seasons vs. Summer tires?
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AudiWorld Newcomer
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From: Southwest
All seasons vs. Summer tires?
I am a new member to the forum. I recently ordered a 2013 A7, Quartz Grey, Nougat, PP, Innovation, 20" sport package. Trading in 535i. My biggest gripe about the BMW is their run flat tires. They need replacement every 15-18K miles and after 12K miles they start making a disturbing noise that gets worse as the tread wears. To avoid a similar problem, I am tempted to trade the summer performance tires that come with the 20" sport package for all seasons. Does anyone have experience with the 20" performance tires over 15K miles? Do they wear quickly? Recommendations? Thank you in advance!
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Joined: Jul 2001
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From: SE Massachusetts, U.S.
Welcome to Audiworld. If you live in an area where the temps routinely go below 40F degrees,summer tires become hard and will lose traction capability. In snow or ice, they can become downright dangerous.
You will have to decide whether you want to buy a second set of winter wheels and tires, a set of winter tires that will have to be mounted each season, or dispose of your summer tires and buy a set of ultra high performance all seasons.
You'll have to weigh convenience against cost while considering the options.
If you are fortunate to live in a warm all year round clime, you're good to go but expect high performance summer tires to last about 20-25k miles typically. UHP all seasons like the Birdgestone 970AS or the Continental DWS, good choices for all seasons, will usually last to around 40k miles or so. Winter tires will not last as long but are only used for a season.
You will have to decide whether you want to buy a second set of winter wheels and tires, a set of winter tires that will have to be mounted each season, or dispose of your summer tires and buy a set of ultra high performance all seasons.
You'll have to weigh convenience against cost while considering the options.
If you are fortunate to live in a warm all year round clime, you're good to go but expect high performance summer tires to last about 20-25k miles typically. UHP all seasons like the Birdgestone 970AS or the Continental DWS, good choices for all seasons, will usually last to around 40k miles or so. Winter tires will not last as long but are only used for a season.
AudiWorld Member
Joined: Oct 2009
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From: Lake Geneva, Wisconsin
My A7 came with Pirelli P Zero summer tires. I swap the tires and wheels out for winter. I've got about 15,000 miles on the Pirellis now and they're well worn and becoming increasingly noisy as they wear. I'll probably replace them with a new set of summer tires in the spring. Some A7s come with Yokohama Advans - can't comment on those.
AudiWorld Super User
Joined: Dec 2011
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From: Honeoye New York USA
You might get some bargains if you shop in December. It's a slow time of year, sellers want to make room for the new tires coming in and they would rather sell them then count them for end of the year inventory.
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AudiWorld Newcomer
Joined: Oct 2012
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From: Southwest
Thank you for the suggestions. I am leaning on having my dealer swap out the performance tires before delivery to the all seasons. (Dealer said he would do it without a problem).
Super Moderator
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 13,980
Likes: 124
From: SE Massachusetts, U.S.
Just be sure the all seasons you get are Ultra High Performance a/s tires and not some touring class of tire. For example, Continental DWS, Bridgestone RE970AS or Michelin Pilot Sport A/S.
Check out Tirerack.com for reviews and ratings.
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