Tyre Wear

[Norretal]

I realise it dependant on a number of things but what mileage would you expect to get out of a set of tyres, provided they'd been inflated to the correct pressure at all times and were restricted to everyday commuting (very little motorway mileage) on A and B roads?

The reason I ask is that I've had to replace the front pair on the wife's A4 after two years and 12k miles. They're a decent make (Continental) and 235/45/17 but I'm sure I've had at least twice that mileage out of front tyres on my A8? Having been given a lift by her tonight I'm guessing it's down to her driving style but I'm just curious as to what mileage you folks have typically seen.

Cheers

Ron

[Adrian E]

Have you got heavy shoulder wear on the A4? The Contis on the A6 bus are wearing on the nearside front, but the rest of the tread is still pretty good.

I've not found the Contis to last as well as the Michelin Pilot Sports that were on it before - they did over 16k miles with lots of town work.

Did a set of Goodyear F1s in 10k when we first had it - they just didn't suit the car and wore them out in no time....

[Norretal]

The wear is pretty even across the tyres Adrian so I'm not concerned that it's tracking or over/under inflation, I just thought 12k seemed poor but looking at your feedback it's about expected for them, thanks.

My mate had an A4 cabriolet until recently and used to speak of "Washington Syndrome" which was because his route too and from work involved driving through Washington and negotiating lots of roundabouts. He always wore the shoulders of his tyres, nothing he could do about it, he just came to expect it.

My missus and I have very different driving styles which is the reason I reckon I get loads more miles out of tyres. She accelerates and brakes hard just because she can, whereas I always try to use engine braking and anticipation more, it comes from riding a motorbike I reckon. When I mention her driving style she responds with "Well you drive fast!" and I respond with "Aah but I drive smoothly"........in my head of course, because after all I want to complete the journey

[Goran]

Have a look at some of the tyre review sites. Not all makes wear the same. For example I found Michelin Super Sports wear much better than Dunlop 9000's or Falkens, I'm getting close to 20k from the Michelins.

[tintin]

I also reckon I get at least 20k from my Michelin PS2/3/PSS. Difficult to tell exactly as I swap wheels and tyres quite a bit, bit I've only bought 2 New Michelins in the last two years, so I think that's about right.

[HPsauce]

It's a long time since I even thought about how many miles tyres last, which I think is because it hasn't been a problem for literally decades. If I go back far enough I can remember performance tyres that sometimes lasted only about 3,000 miles.

I buy decent brands and don't let them wear down too far - nowhere near the wear indicator bars - but still get at least 20,000 miles. And for some time now both my cars have summer and winter tyres which I think prolongs their life as well as obviously reducing the annual mileage on each set.

As I think has been discussed in another thread, on D2's at least the front and rear tyres wear differently so a changeround evens that out. That happens on mine as part of the summer/winter cycle though, if I remember to manage it properly.

[Norretal]

Thanks for the input and opinions guys, much appreciated. I was just interested in what was found to be decent mileage for modern tyres. I got a shock when I saw they were worn because it seemed like only recently they were renewed, though looking at my records I saw it was 23 months and 12k miles, mainly on local roads. I've had my D2 almost 9 years and only bought two sets of tyres so the 40k miles I've done in that time would suggest I get 20k a set too but I'm more particular about swapping them round on my own car.

I wash the wife's car regularly, make sure it's road legal but never give it the attention mine gets, as for caring about the cost of the tyres, I don't pay for them

[Norretal]

Just out of interest, all four were replaced two years ago and the rears have 4.5mm left on them against the new tyres 8mm. This would suggest she'll need a set of four in June 2016.....

[HPsauce]

At 4.5mm I'd be planning replacement fairly soon, I don't go below 3mm unless I'm careless.

[Norretal]

Originally Posted by HPsauce

At 4.5mm I'd be planning replacement fairly soon.

You haven't seen the insurance policy I've take out on her......