Just got back from a trip from NYC to Boston in all kinds of weather, and the SP 5000s held up great. I didn't notice a significant loss in performance compared to my old SP 8000Es (although I didn't push any envelopes), and the traction inspired confidence. (I was in dry, wet and light snowy conditions, and there was probably a bit of ice here and there.) Cornering seemed precise, and I didn't notice any of the "squishyness" or soft sidewalls that some people have mentioned. They did sound maybe fractionally less quiet than the SP 8000Es, but almost imperceptibly so.

A question about correct tire pressure:

The inside of my fuel tank door indicates that 36 psi is appropriate for my A4 2.8Q. However, the installer said he checked with both Audi and Tirerack, and was told that for the break-in period (100 miles) the pressure should be 32.5 psi, and that thereafter you can increase it to 34 (which, under normal conditions, will rise to about 36 after you've been driving for a few miles). (I note that every time I've taken my car to the dealership for servicing they have reset the pressure at around 32 psi.) I know this issue has come up a few times, but I haven't heard anything definitive, despite how important it is. So here's the question: what is the appropriate tire pressure for standard 16 inch tires on an Audi A4 2.8Q? I know there is a range depending on how you like to drive, but what's the standard pressure?

Thanks.

 

Glad you bought the SP5000s and liked them Kirk.

 

Thanks for the very sound advice -- I'm glad I wasn't running SP8000Es this past weekend.