What tires are you running on your TT?

Plan_Man · 01-23-2010, 11:23 AM

After a soggy trip down to Carmel yesterday morning, it is apparent that I need rubber sooner than I thought. I hate these Contis all the moreso after yesterday. I'm not quite to the wear markers, yet the hydroplaning I experienced yesterday was truly unnerving.

My beloved Goodyear F1 DS-G3s are discontinued, though I can still get a set, but I'd like to know who's running what, and where, and how you feel about the performance, wear and comfort (prioritized in that order).

Anyone? Bueller?...

laitsabr · 01-23-2010, 09:32 PM

I am a fan of Michelin Pilot Sports A/S Plus tires.

Had them on my Crossfire SRT6 roadster (245/40-18 + 275/35-19) and have them also on the wife's E500 wagon. Love them for the excellent wet/dry grip, pretty good wear (45k warranty) and much reduced noise.

Observations based on comparisons with GoodYear F1 A/S and Michelin MX4 A/S (of course almost any tire is better than the MX4...).

My TT currently runs on Bridgestone Potenza RE960AS 245/40-18. I am finding less grip and more noise compared with the PS A/S Plus. When it is time to change, I will definitely be switching out of the RE960AS.

Just my $0.02.

JimInSF · 01-24-2010, 02:57 AM

Did either of you guys get the Dunlop SP Sport Maxx GTs that now come stock on the TT-S 19s? How do they compare?

Plan_Man · 01-24-2010, 10:23 AM

The Continentals are also OEM on the TTS 19" rims, which is how I ended up with them (defintely not by choice). Depends on what's in stock at the factory at the time of your assembly.

I'd be curious to hear about the Dunlops as well. I've never purchased any Dunlop product.

Thankfully I don't have any reason to run all season tires here. I can get away with summer tires all year long. During the rainy season, a great rain tire is a considerable confidence tool and maintains the fun factor. That's where the GS-D3s really excel, but without sacrificing dry handling, in my experience. And the treadwear is significantly better the Potenza RE050s I had once. Only drawback I've found is that the sidewall is a little soft, which is countered by a couple of extra psi, though I know more than a few people who run as high as 7 lbs extra.

Yes indeed, the Michelin MX4 is horrific.

I have acquaintances who swear by Falkens. Never tried them myself...

laitsabr · 01-24-2010, 07:55 PM

Same for me, the Potenza came with the 18" option (would have been different if the previous owner had chosen the run-flat option I think).
Never tried the Dunlops, but remember my in-laws' Lexus 430 coming with Dunlop SP Sport (cannot remember the number). Good wear and quiet, but the Lexus cabin is pretty well dampened anyway.
If you choose the Dunlops, do let us know how they are. I should be facing the same need in 10-15k miles.
Requiring All Seasons sort of limits the choice, but I would rather not have to switch back and forth...

TTRob · 01-25-2010, 02:42 AM

These....

http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires....r=Base%20Model

Ben_A · 01-26-2010, 05:40 PM

Tires are very subjective, and it REALLY depends on how you use them.

My 2009 TT-s came OEM with 19x9 rims and 255 x 35 r19 Michelin Pilot Sport PS2 (runflats). I track my car, so I go through tires like nobody's business. The guys at my local Discount Tires know me by name.

PS2 handle well in the dry, can't be beat in the rain, have great turn in on the street and are quietest tires I've run on my TTS. The sidewalls are soft and give a comparatively comfortable ride. These tires do not hold up well on the track because of the soft sidewalls. As long as you don't plan to track your car, my recommendation is definitely the PS2.

I have also run Bridgestone REO11 on my TTS. I was looking for a "non run flat" to replace the OEM PS2. I thought "non run flat" would handle better and be quieter. Run flat technology has come a long way, and the benefits of a non run flat are marginal at best. The REO11 handles very similarly to the PS2 on the street. Close, but not quite as good wet grip. I think there is a tiny bit more road noise from RE011 than PS2, but not much. REO11 is an great street tire. REO11 lasts longer and performs better better on the track than PS2. Even though RE011 is not a run flat, sidewall wear on the track is not an issue. If you are going to run on the street and occasionally on the track, this is a great tire.

I am currently running a set on Yokohama AD08s on my TTS. I have about 1000 miles and one track event on the AD08. Street grip and road noise is the same as the RE011. I think rain grip is about the same as well. These tires really come alive on the track. AD08 seem to have the best track manners of the three tires I have run on my TTS. The AD08 outer tread blocks support quick turn in (like the PS2), but wear much longer. This may be my new favorite tire for tracking the TTS.

If you want maximum performance, maximum rain grip, maximum comfort, the convenience of runflat, but seldom if ever plan to track your car - get Michelin PS2s.

If you want a good street/track tire - get Bridgestone RE011.

If you want a good street tire that works great on the track - get Yokohama AD08.

Your mileage may vary

JimInSF · 01-26-2010, 07:53 PM

Great reply Ben! When you say "track," are you talking AutoX or literally racetrack (question being whether the PS2s are being killed by high racetrack speeds/temps)?

qtroCUB · 01-27-2010, 04:26 PM

I have the Conti Extreme Contact DWS also and have put 6000 miles so far...

Dry: Decent so far have not had that dry of weather to test them with though. They have tramlined for me a few times but nothing like the on my previous '01 TT.

Wet: Rain has been great so far. Never had a problem with hydroplaning with accidentally hitting a few puddles at highway speeds. Minimal to zero loss of grip while playfully cornering on damp roads.

Snow/Slush/Ice: Awesome. Went when I wanted it to, turned when I wanted it to. No issues at all.

They are a lil mushy as compared to the OEM sport contacts but that is to be expected from an A/S tire.

Ben_A · 01-27-2010, 05:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JimInSF

Great reply Ben! When you say "track," are you talking AutoX or literally racetrack (question being whether the PS2s are being killed by high racetrack speeds/temps)?

Race track.

Texas World Speedway in College Station is my favorite track.

I also enjoy Texas Motor Speedway in Fort Worth, MotorSports Ranch in Cresson Texas, and Harris Hill in San Marcos Texas.

01-24-2010, 10:23 AM	#4
Plan_Man AudiWorld Member Garage is empty, add now Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Carmel, CA USA Posts: 319	The Continentals are also OEM on the TTS 19" rims, which is how I ended up with them (defintely not by choice). Depends on what's in stock at the factory at the time of your assembly. I'd be curious to hear about the Dunlops as well. I've never purchased any Dunlop product. Thankfully I don't have any reason to run all season tires here. I can get away with summer tires all year long. During the rainy season, a great rain tire is a considerable confidence tool and maintains the fun factor. That's where the GS-D3s really excel, but without sacrificing dry handling, in my experience. And the treadwear is significantly better the Potenza RE050s I had once. Only drawback I've found is that the sidewall is a little soft, which is countered by a couple of extra psi, though I know more than a few people who run as high as 7 lbs extra. Yes indeed, the Michelin MX4 is horrific. I have acquaintances who swear by Falkens. Never tried them myself... __________________ "Whaddya mean 'don't go there'? I live* there..."* "Understeer is when you see the tree, oversteer is when you hear* it..." (Walter Röhrl, former German RWC)* '09 TTS Prestige, APR Stage I

01-26-2010, 05:40 PM	#7
Ben_A Audiworld Junior Member 2009 Audi TT Join Date: Mar 2008 Posts: 37	Tires are very subjective, and it REALLY depends on how you use them. My 2009 TT-s came OEM with 19x9 rims and 255 x 35 r19 Michelin Pilot Sport PS2 (runflats). I track my car, so I go through tires like nobody's business. The guys at my local Discount Tires know me by name. PS2 handle well in the dry, can't be beat in the rain, have great turn in on the street and are quietest tires I've run on my TTS. The sidewalls are soft and give a comparatively comfortable ride. These tires do not hold up well on the track because of the soft sidewalls. As long as you don't plan to track your car, my recommendation is definitely the PS2. I have also run Bridgestone REO11 on my TTS. I was looking for a "non run flat" to replace the OEM PS2. I thought "non run flat" would handle better and be quieter. Run flat technology has come a long way, and the benefits of a non run flat are marginal at best. The REO11 handles very similarly to the PS2 on the street. Close, but not quite as good wet grip. I think there is a tiny bit more road noise from RE011 than PS2, but not much. REO11 is an great street tire. REO11 lasts longer and performs better better on the track than PS2. Even though RE011 is not a run flat, sidewall wear on the track is not an issue. If you are going to run on the street and occasionally on the track, this is a great tire. I am currently running a set on Yokohama AD08s on my TTS. I have about 1000 miles and one track event on the AD08. Street grip and road noise is the same as the RE011. I think rain grip is about the same as well. These tires really come alive on the track. AD08 seem to have the best track manners of the three tires I have run on my TTS. The AD08 outer tread blocks support quick turn in (like the PS2), but wear much longer. This may be my new favorite tire for tracking the TTS. If you want maximum performance, maximum rain grip, maximum comfort, the convenience of runflat, but seldom if ever plan to track your car - get Michelin PS2s. If you want a good street/track tire - get Bridgestone RE011. If you want a good street tire that works great on the track - get Yokohama AD08. Your mileage may vary __________________ 2009 TTS TT-RS Brakes

01-27-2010, 04:26 PM	#9
qtroCUB AudiWorld Senior Member Garage is empty, add now Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Oly Wa Posts: 675	I have the Conti Extreme Contact DWS also and have put 6000 miles so far... Dry: Decent so far have not had that dry of weather to test them with though. They have tramlined for me a few times but nothing like the on my previous '01 TT. Wet: Rain has been great so far. Never had a problem with hydroplaning with accidentally hitting a few puddles at highway speeds. Minimal to zero loss of grip while playfully cornering on damp roads. Snow/Slush/Ice: Awesome. Went when I wanted it to, turned when I wanted it to. No issues at all. They are a lil mushy as compared to the OEM sport contacts but that is to be expected from an A/S tire. __________________ Current: 09 TTSC Sprint Blue: Prestige, Baseball, 19" Split Fives Previous: 01 TTCQ 225 Desert Green 96 A4Q 2.8 Pearl White

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01-23-2010, 09:32 PM	#2
laitsabr Audiworld Junior Member Garage is empty, add now Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Woodinville, WA Posts: 15	I am a fan of Michelin Pilot Sports A/S Plus tires. Had them on my Crossfire SRT6 roadster (245/40-18 + 275/35-19) and have them also on the wife's E500 wagon. Love them for the excellent wet/dry grip, pretty good wear (45k warranty) and much reduced noise. Observations based on comparisons with GoodYear F1 A/S and Michelin MX4 A/S (of course almost any tire is better than the MX4...). My TT currently runs on Bridgestone Potenza RE960AS 245/40-18. I am finding less grip and more noise compared with the PS A/S Plus. When it is time to change, I will definitely be switching out of the RE960AS. Just my $0.02.

01-24-2010, 02:57 AM	#3
JimInSF AudiWorld Member Garage is empty, add now Join Date: Jan 2010 Posts: 203	Did either of you guys get the Dunlop SP Sport Maxx GTs that now come stock on the TT-S 19s? How do they compare?

01-24-2010, 07:55 PM	#5
laitsabr Audiworld Junior Member Garage is empty, add now Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Woodinville, WA Posts: 15	Same for me, the Potenza came with the 18" option (would have been different if the previous owner had chosen the run-flat option I think). Never tried the Dunlops, but remember my in-laws' Lexus 430 coming with Dunlop SP Sport (cannot remember the number). Good wear and quiet, but the Lexus cabin is pretty well dampened anyway. If you choose the Dunlops, do let us know how they are. I should be facing the same need in 10-15k miles. Requiring All Seasons sort of limits the choice, but I would rather not have to switch back and forth...

01-25-2010, 02:42 AM	#6
TTRob Audiworld Junior Member 2008 Audi TT Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: PA Posts: 22	These.... http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires....r=Base%20Model

01-26-2010, 07:53 PM	#8
JimInSF AudiWorld Member Garage is empty, add now Join Date: Jan 2010 Posts: 203	Great reply Ben! When you say "track," are you talking AutoX or literally racetrack (question being whether the PS2s are being killed by high racetrack speeds/temps)?

01-27-2010, 05:55 PM
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