Tyre choice and locking wheel nuts

[Nick Jones]

My 4.2 Q Sport came with "good" tyres...... in that they have plenty of tread.....

It does make odd noises though and I wondered if I might have a wheelbearing or two on the way out (but impossible to tell which two!)

Then I read this
http://www.tyrereviews.co.uk/Tyre/Triangle/TR968_2.htm
that'll be it then! Haven't driven in the wet yet.......

The other issue is that they are 245/40 18 when they out really to be 245/45 (though the spare , which is a Bridgestone Potenza is also 40 section). Is a common change? Obviously it will shorten the gearing a little.

Any recommendations for good value tyres that work on an A8 gratefully received!

Of course, before I can do anything about this I have another problem to solve. It has locking wheel nuts. I have the key. But while I was just able to crack off the two fronts, which were done up to about the right torque, the rears.... are done up with a rattler gun or by a big man in a bad mood. I did manage to shift the ordinary bolts with a big breaker bar and some cussing, but the lockers..... not at prayer The key is somewhat chewed and prefers to just disengage.

Seems to be an OE Audi one - can new ones be bought?

Cheers

Nick