Asgor

As the current set of ContiTouringContact installed on my 04 is dying a ghastly (and very noisy) death - but I guess having had these tires on for the last 27000 miles I shouldn't complain too much, even though I am afraid that I can't really recommend them - I am contemplating soon replacing the tires with a fresh set from TireRack (maybe the Kumhos that most seem to praise).

I'd like the dealer to do the tire swap (they are competitively priced against the other shops in my area and they have road-force balance) and I am also tossing around the idea of having an alignment done. Mind you: my current tires have worn evenly, inner and outer edge - well, I guess I should say that the inner and outer edges have been devastated by the weight of the allroad while the center has fared much better. And I ran them at 38psi their entire life.

What seems to be the consensus? Is an alignment necessary even though no visible evidence of uneven tire wear exists? Could the crushed edges on all four tires (again, the wear is perfectly even) be related to a bad alignment? I am not so much concerned about the cost of the alignment (that, too, is a pretty competitive $120 at the dealer), but I am nearly certain that the tie rod ends will be frozen, which in turn will require replacement, which will require something else, etc - you know how these little projects can snowball...

Your opinions would be greatly appreciated.

Screen Name:12345

I don't think so, I would not do.

paulroad

if your tires wore like you stated, then you did not have enough air in them. Out edge wearing uniformly is underinflation.

Sure the sacrafice can be a firmer ride, but the tires would last a bit longer as they would give you even wear accross the tread.

2000 A6 2.7t 6m

Maybe try to negotiate something similar with your dealer. If no alignment needed, no charge, if out of alightment, you will pay.

trg

Might want to up your tire pressure a bit; I get even wear across the tread in the 40-42 range.