EighTT

I'm filing a claim against CalTrans for 4 new tires and an alignment job. They've got a small chunk of freeway missing here in San Diego on the 163 that's hell on low profile tires.

I believe that hitting this threw my alignment out and destroyed 2 tires (down to the metal in parts, but fairly new). I'm going to ask for reimbursement for all 4 though based on the fact that Audi apparently recommends that all 4 tires be changed at the same time on quattro vehicles.

I wanted to include some documents about this with my claim, but all I could find is a random post by this person or that one on these forums. Anyone have anything "official" or nearly so? TIA!

Boston Driver

The Tire Rack's website quotes the following recommendations from Audi - As published in their vehicle owner's manual, "rolling radius of all 4 tires must remain the same" or within 4/32-inch of each other in remaining tread depth.


Maybe check your manual to see if that quote is in there???

AxeYrCat

And you can run tires with different tread depth, but they're supposed to be the same as far as tread pattern, IIRC.

EighTT

You're talking to the guy who lemoned 2 TTs w/out an attorney.

TTschwing

4/32nds is quite a bit..

JeffreyTT

These types of claims are now common, but you'll need to fully document the damage i.e. take pictures of that section of the freeway and of the damage on the car. Most Caltrans districts have a downloadable form that you fill-out and submit. They'll want either two estimates or a receipt for repair of the damages.

It may be a stretch getting all four replaced, but you're magic when it comes to this stuff!

Laguna

I'm still in awe over it. One, I can see them biting on... but two? Simply amazing.

EighTT

I fought them tooth and nail and won. They didn't want to budge, but I knew that they had no choice. The Audi rep I dealt with was a complete confrontational AH.

The second go around, they were extraordinarily nice and cooperative. They let me add all options for no extra cost and even move up to a 3.2 TTR from a 225 TTR. Really a smooth experience.

Unfortunately, the 3rd TT has been very reliable, so I guess I'm just stuck with it. However, I was able to negotiate an extra year's factory warranty on this one.

BlueChip

Yeah, it's almost 1/8"

Basttion

It's an eighth of an inch, so not really. I've never heard the 4/32nds rule, just the 4% one.