Meteor910

I'm about to replace my 245/45ZR18 Dunlop SP Sport 8000's with the Michelin Pilot Sport A/S on my 2001 A8L.
A question for those of you who have replaced tires on your A8/S8's ... did you have the dealer check front end alignment at the same time or not?
Thanks.

Ken
2001 Silver/Black A8L, fifth Audi

skiracer

and you've had an alignment in the last year, I wouldn't worry. If the tire size is different or its been more than a year since the last alignmnet then I would recommend getting one. Alignments are cheaper than tires ;-)

Karpedmman

I agree with Skiracer. I always have my alignment checked when I replace my tires or have my set of snows put on. Cheap insurance....

Meteor910

Thanks - I think I'll have the alignment done.

The Dunlops, SP Sport 8000, 245/45ZR18's, are the original tires. The car is two+ years old, 26,000 miles, and the alignment has never been checked. The Dunlops probably have no more than 10,000 more miles of tread on them, but wear has been very even.

The new Michelin Pilot Sport A/S's are the same size.

The Dunlops & wheels have only been off the car for a rotation a few months ago and this past spring the fronts came off for replacement of the front rotors. They have been a good tire on dry pavement and in the rain, but I cannot accept the thought of going through another winter with them as they are terrible in the snow. The block tread is like a skid pad on snow/ice.

I selected the Michelin's over the Continental ContiExtremeContact because of better dry road handling and better availability. The Conti looks to be a bit better in the snow.

Ken
2001 A8L, 5th Audi