A6 Quattro tire replacement question

[legendlife]

My first post, and I am really glad to find this great place to share the Audi experience with other fans.

I just bought an A6 Quattro, and found that there is a problem with the rear right tire: the outer rim is seriously worn, almost to the bottom of the tread. The front two tires look like well worn with good life left, and the rear left tire looks brand new (odd!). Later I found the previous owner must have changed the rear left tire with the spare recently, because currently the spare tire shows the same wear pattern as the rear right. So, my question is: may I just buy a new tire (same as the existing tires) to replace the rear right tire? should I put the new tires on the front or the rear (since the car is AWD)? Thanks for any suggestions!

[Doc@tirerack]

I'd have a shop measure the remaining tread depth on three you want to keep, and have the new one shaved down to match the other three. Then get your alignment checked.

[VMRWheels]

I would do what Doc recommend. Make sure you get it aligned asap after you get the new tire on!

-Charles@VMRWheels
www.vmrwheels.com

[legendlife]

Thanks, Doc and VMRWheels. By the way, should I put the newer pair on the front or rear? This is an AWD and I don't know which position bears more wear.

[Doc@tirerack]

We recommend installing new tires on the rear axle, primarily because the new tires will have slightly more traction (primarily in wet). We'd rather have a little understeer in an emergency situation than oversteer !