Does the Q7 require tires with the XL load rating or is SL sufficient?
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From: Chicagoland
Does the Q7 require tires with the XL load rating or is SL sufficient?
The OEM tires on my 20" wheels are XL (i.e. extra load), labeled as 110 which corresponds to a maximum load of 2337lbs, but many of the possible 275/45 replacement tires are SL (i.e. standard load), for example rated at 106 which corresponds to a maximum load of 2094lbs. I'm referring to all-season tires here but I guess the question would pertain to summers or snows too.
The manual says to refer to the stick on the door jam, which of course just lists the specs of the OEM tires, it doesn't explicitly state that these are the minimum specs. I don't tow anything with the Q7, but I do load it down pretty good on road trips so I don't want to skimp on tires and have a potential safety issue.
Tirerack lists both XL and SL tires for the Q7 and of course the prices vary widely. A couple of the SL tires are rated very highly (even higher than some of the XL tires!) and they're much cheaper too. But again, I know the Q7 is a beast so if it needs the XL then I'll get those.
Any input from those in the know?
The manual says to refer to the stick on the door jam, which of course just lists the specs of the OEM tires, it doesn't explicitly state that these are the minimum specs. I don't tow anything with the Q7, but I do load it down pretty good on road trips so I don't want to skimp on tires and have a potential safety issue.
Tirerack lists both XL and SL tires for the Q7 and of course the prices vary widely. A couple of the SL tires are rated very highly (even higher than some of the XL tires!) and they're much cheaper too. But again, I know the Q7 is a beast so if it needs the XL then I'll get those.
Any input from those in the know?
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Re: Does the Q7 require tires with the XL load rating or is SL sufficient?
I was advised by my SA a couple of weeks ago to replace with the same Conti's (~$1,600/set at the deaalership) or only with wheels of similar (or better) designation. I began to feel steering wheel vibrations at ~21K miles and upon inspection, my wheels were worn although they still looked like they had another 5+K miles to go. I opted to replace the Conti's with Michelin Lattitude Touring HP from CostCo for ~$1500/set, balanced and installed. They have a 110 XL rating and the drive/ride has been very good so far, even when I had a "full house" of passengers.
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From: Chicagoland
Yeah, I'm having second thoughts about it. I can hardly believe though...
...how little discussion there is of tire alternatives on the Q7 forum. For me, I'm looking for 20" all seasons right now, and knowing that the OEM Conti's stink and the Michelins are really expensive, I was looking at the Yokohama Parada Spec-X or Sumitomo HTR Sport but can't find much for reviews on these tires here on Audiworld. Oh well, guess I'll just have to give one of them a shot since I picked up a chunk of metal today and the tires needed to be replaced anyway.
Thanks for the reply.
Thanks for the reply.
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Been using the Toyo Proxes S/T on mine...
I have used Toyo Proxes S/T on my Q7 for the last 25k miles and been happy with them. They have a lot of tread left and have been great. I used the same tire on our previous Touareg with positive results as well. For what it is worth they are the 109V rated tires recommended and have been great. For what it is worth they were about $800 installed.<ul><li><a href="http://www.toyo.com/docs/tires/tires.asp?lpid=35&name=Proxes%20S/Tâ„¢&category=lgt-suv-truck">Toyo Proxes S/T</a></li></ul>
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I didn't know any better - not a lot of info on tire replacements for 20"
available. It beats the dealer porice for the older Conti's. Based on my research, these Michelins were highly rated tires. I feel the wheels are safe (especially for winter) and as far as ride quality and handling goes, I am satisfied so far... (knock on wood)...
Ed
Ed
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Couple things to take into account
Not only the weight of the Q7 at an ambient temperature that the tire was tested but also take into account the added stress that warmer climates will put on a tire, especially at Q7 speeds... This added stress will weaken the sidewall faster than what the manufacturer had designed for.
Also the extreme stress of emergency manuvers needs to be taken into account when determining the proper weight load tire. A 5000lb Q7 under hard breaking takes on alot of extra weight that is transfered to the tire. Consider a hard braking manuvor with a hard left turn thrown in to avoid the crazy Toyota that just pulled out in front of you. This is not a time to find out if a step down in sidewall weight load will be enough to do the job.
I personally wouldn't take the risk. Our Q is getting new Dunlop shoes as we speak, another set of the OEM 21".
Also the extreme stress of emergency manuvers needs to be taken into account when determining the proper weight load tire. A 5000lb Q7 under hard breaking takes on alot of extra weight that is transfered to the tire. Consider a hard braking manuvor with a hard left turn thrown in to avoid the crazy Toyota that just pulled out in front of you. This is not a time to find out if a step down in sidewall weight load will be enough to do the job.
I personally wouldn't take the risk. Our Q is getting new Dunlop shoes as we speak, another set of the OEM 21".
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