Any experience with Yokohama Advan S4 or Michelin PS A/S ?

[A4B07]

Hi All,

Looking to replace the OEM ContiProContacts on 2008 A4 as soon as possible.

Narrowing down to 2: Yokohama Advan s4 and Michelin Pilot sport A/S.
Anyone have experience with these 2?

Size: For A4 B7 Avant--235/ 45/ 17 or going up to 245/ 40/18.

Areas of importance:

1) Sidewall stiffness/ Crisp steering / Body Roll -cornering stability.
2) Noise
3) Comparative snow traction-- Is one worse? (Know neither is great or matches Conti- Extremes- but those sound too mushy)

A lot of people complain about Noise on Michelins as they wear - anyone have experience with this? IS this after the initial 2000-3000 miles or toward end of life (for example 20000miles)?

Also if you have any experience with either versus the OEM ContiProContacts comment would be appreciated.

Trying to make final decision before pulling trigger.
Thanks.

P.S. Chicago climate if that matters.

[Doc@tirerack]

Can't speak to the snow traction (from experience), but the Michelins are a little crisper when pushed to the limit when I drove them on our track. Michelins were a little noisier, but only if you have the windows down and the radio off. Durability for both tires should be around 30K miles, and both get louder as they get older (based on customer feedback), but not what is considered intolerable. Both would be better handling (at high speeds) compared to the Contis, but would be "firmer" and less durable. Click on the link for our test results.

http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tests/...irePageLocQty=

[Audized]

Why not Bridgestone Potenza RE960 PP?

[Doc@tirerack]

Why not Bridgestone Potenza RE960 PP?

A good option as well, all three are very close to one another.

[A4B07]

First Thanks Doc.

Firmer is good. What I do not like most about ContiPro's is the jello feeling they have when you hit any bump and the sidewall flex and the roll around the corner.

I don't mind a little firmer bounce but quick settling into line.


As far as noise- I am not concerned about initial noise- most people who use them say Michelins get very noisy as they wear- but I don't know if it is progressive or at the end of their life-hence the question to those who have lived with them over 10-15k miles.
--------

Second-- in reponse to question about why not Bridgestone RE960's-this is my thinking. Feel free to disagree, more info helps my decision-

1) weight-- same tire size is about 2 pounds heavier (effests acceleration, gas milage, and steering response (slightly), etc.)

2) Narrow tires- have to go bigger to get the same contact patch (therefore again heavier yet) as Michelin or Yoko's

3) Too many reviewer on Tirerack saying soft sidewalls-although I don't necessarily put too much into this- there are many who like it. but i have run into this with some Bridgestones before - maybe Re960's are different- Don't know. Doc might know better.

[Audized]

Second-- in reponse to question about why not Bridgestone RE960's-this is my thinking. Feel free to disagree, more info helps my decision-

1) weight-- same tire size is about 2 pounds heavier (effests acceleration, gas milage, and steering response (slightly), etc.)

2) Narrow tires- have to go bigger to get the same contact patch (therefore again heavier yet) as Michelin or Yoko's

3) Too many reviewer on Tirerack saying soft sidewalls-although I don't necessarily put too much into this- there are many who like it. but i have run into this with some Bridgestones before - maybe Re960's are different- Don't know. Doc might know better.

Like I mentioned in my PM, I have to agree on the soft sidewall of RE960's. They are stiffer than ContiPro's (my stock tires). I had a set of Michelin PS A/S prior to getting RE960's. If cornering ability is the most important to you and noise isn't a concern of yours, the Michelins by all means will be an awesome choice for you. In my experience, at roughly 13k (20k KM) it started getting noisy. I've never had the Yoko's, so I can't comment on them.

How would you define "comparative" snow traction? The Michelins could get me through the Vancouver city roads without a problem in winter, but I doubt they'll be good enough for harsh winter in Chicago. When I went up to the mountains with these Michelins, it wasn't such a nice experience. Quattro did help to a small extent, though.

BTW, if you are going to upgrade to 18" and run the new tires in winter, stick with 235 width. Narrower tires give you better snow traction. Good luck!