raceme_stl

It looks like I will be getting an A5 in a few days.

I know I will be getting Audi Care as it offers a way to save on future maintenance costs.

But do you all advise getting a Tire and Wheel protection plan for the A5? I will have the 18" tires, not the 19"
or 20". If I were getting a bimmer with run flats, it would be a no brainer.

Also I am wondering what this kind of protection plan costs?

Any help would be appreciated.

uberwgn

How are the roads where the car will be driven? What's your previous experience been with damaged wheels and tires?

mike1174

Skip it, I got it, bent a rim, but the tire was ok, they gave me a hard time because in the policy it says the tire must be damaged as well. Go figure.

snagitseven

More often than not, I've had a few bent rims from potholes or wheel rashes from curbs where the tire was fine. If the policy actually requires the tire must also be damaged, it's probably not a good investment.

raceme_stl

Thanks.

I had Tire and Wheel coverage on my 2009 A4. Checking my records it cost me $449 for 5 years.

Per my records, I had 1 tire replaced, and 3 occasions where a tire was repaired.

Assuming a cost of $300 for a tire and $30 per repair, I nearly broke even.

So I think I've answered my own question. If Tire and Wheel coverage is more than about $450, there is no advantage
to getting it. Plus chances are that the cost of these plans have increased greatly in the last few years. At least that is what I am seeing reported on BMW forums.

Andrewaw

If available, go to discount tire or something like that. They will insure tires for VERY cheap, even if you did not buy from them. I have done this for last three cars and had very good luck. much cheaper than doing through dealer.

Misrdrs5

I had a 2008 BMW 335i Cab with 20in. Wheels and Runflats.
I went through 10 tires in 3 years. You heard me right 10!
The big joke is I never had to rotate the tires because they were always new. Thank God I had tire insurance.
Having said that, problems with wheels and tires usually start on any size over 18"
It all depends on the roads you drive and how careful you are.
Get your next set of tires from Costco. They include a road hazard warranty that is second to none.
I ran into a curb once and cut the sidewall. They gave me a new tire with no charge to mount and balance.
You can't beet Costco's policies.

raceme_stl

I bought replacement tires for the Audi A4 at the four year mark: Michelin Pilots, better than the original tires at
a better price than going thru dealer.

One positive about Costco is that they fill tires with nitrogen so tires give a smoother ride for a longer period of time.
The Costco folks are also good about checking tires and adding nitrogen as needed.

lmariorod

I'd skip it. Many frown about anything ebay. But here is a listing where you can get a decent deal. And there are many similar if you research your wheel type and size.

I got four of these scissor 19" with near new Conti's for a very, very low price.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/FOUR-AUDI-A5-S5-19-2008-2009-2010-2011-2012-2013-FACTORY-OEM-RIM-WHEELS-58827-/221399498959?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Wheels&hash=item338c7040cf&vxp=mtr#viTabs_0

snagitseven

I've read conflicting info about the supposed benefits of 100% nitrogen vs. regular air at 78% nitrogen and while one could argue that 100% nitrogen could maintain a tire's air pressure longer, I've not seen any evidence anywhere to support a smoother ride.