Tire sizes

[Zipper]

Hi Folks,

Not sure whether this question was asked earlier, but i couldn't find it. My B5's front tires are worn out due to bad tie rods. I replaced the rods and am about to change tires now. I was planing on getting new ones, but one of my friends have two used tires with the same size. So I was thinking whether I should just put them on the front. But I heard some stuff about changing only two tires in a quattro could damage the drivetrain, specially the transmission. Is this true?

Also, does it matter if the speed ratings of the front tires are different from the rear ones?

Appreciate your help. Thanks!

[Doc@tirerack]

We would encourage matching the same tires as those you are keeping, as different tread patterns (an speed ratings in your case) can cause handling issues when roads are wet. As I understand it, Audi recommends no more than 3/32" difference in tire diameter across all four tires to prevent long term differential problems.