Got a flat today

**audi_rs** · 02-11-2018 03:38 PM

I have a 2016 Audi A6 and got a flat today somehow.
Examined the tire after installing the spare but couldn't find the damage so will have to bring it to a tire shop to get it checked.
My tires are Pirelli CINTURATO P7 ALL SEASON 255/40 R19.
If I have to replace the tire would it be ok to replace that one tire with Pirelli CINTURATO P7 ALL SEASON "PLUS"?
They have different speed ratings (100H vs 100V for the Plus) and different tread ratings (500 vs 700 for the Plus).
The "Plus" is slightly cheaper but has much better reviews.
Would it be ok to replace the damaged one (if it needs to be replaced) with the Plus or is that not a good idea? what if I replace a pair?

also do you guys know if dealers would carry this tire (non-Plus) since it's an OEM tire?

**tenspeed** · 02-11-2018 03:56 PM

Not a good idea to have one different tire. Replace both and keep them on the same axle.

Check eBay for a single OEM tire. How many miles do you have on the set?

**audi_rs** · 02-11-2018 04:08 PM

Originally Posted by tenspeed

Not a good idea to have one different tire. Replace both and keep them on the same axle.

Check eBay for a single OEM tire. How many miles do you have on the set?

I bought the car used and the car has 20k miles so I assume 20k on all tires.
The bad one was on the passenger rear so maybe I will buy 2 new ones and put them in the front?
That got me thinking should I look at other brand A/S tires that are maybe better?
Any recommendations?
How about Michelin Pilot Sport A/S 3+ or Continental Extremecontact DWS 06?
The Pirelli Cinturato P7 A/S Plus has the highest tread rating. Does that mean longer life and maybe more comfort?

**ericw.** · 02-11-2018 04:17 PM

Originally Posted by audi_rs

I bought the car used and the car has 20k miles so I assume 20k on all tires.
The bad one was on the passenger rear so maybe I will buy 2 new ones and put them in the front?
That got me thinking should I look at other brand A/S tires that are maybe better?
Any recommendations?
How about Michelin Pilot Sport A/S 3+ or Continental Extremecontact DWS 06?
The Pirelli Cinturato P7 A/S Plus has the highest tread rating. Does that mean longer life and maybe more comfort?

Continental DWS 06 are great all season tires.
You could only get away with replacing 1 tire if they're somewhat new and you get the exact same tire.

**audi_rs** · 02-11-2018 04:27 PM

Originally Posted by ericw.

Continental DWS 06 are great all season tires.
You could only get away with replacing 1 tire if they're somewhat new and you get the exact same tire.

Thanks. so replacing 2 front tires with DWS would be ok.

**A4Qwattro** · 02-11-2018 04:44 PM

Originally Posted by audi_rs

Thanks. so replacing 2 front tires with DWS would be ok.

Not so fast :). Audi recommends the maximum thread depth difference between all 4 tires on the car is 4/32". Any more than that, and you can damage the center differential. So just have the tire shop check the thread depth. If the other 3 tires have 8/32" thread depth or better (new tires are usually 11/32" or 12/32" thread depth), then just replace the 1 tire. If not, Tire rack can shave tires down to same thread depth as your other 3.

**tenspeed** · 02-11-2018 04:45 PM

I went on eBay and searched using "Pirelli CINTURATO P7 19 255". There are 25 listings for used tires. Click on the "Used" filter on the left and sort by "Lowest Price + Shipping".

https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_fro...9+255&_sacat=0

$57 shipped for this one - https://www.ebay.com/itm/Used-P255-4...YAAOSwZ3BaYHrw

**A4Qwattro** · 02-11-2018 04:47 PM

Originally Posted by tenspeed

I went on eBay and searched using "Pirelli CINTURATO P7 19 255". There are 25 listings for used tires. Click on the "Used" filter on the left and sort by "Lowest Price + Shipping".

https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_fro...9+255&_sacat=0

$57 shipped for this one - https://www.ebay.com/itm/Used-P255-4...YAAOSwZ3BaYHrw

This is a good alternative as well. The key is you need to figure out the remaining thread depth on your other 3 tires. Pickup a thread depth gauge from your local auto parts store, or have tire shop check. Then you know what used tire you can buy.

**ericw.** · 02-11-2018 04:49 PM

Originally Posted by audi_rs

Thanks. so replacing 2 front tires with DWS would be ok.

Originally Posted by A4Qwattro

Not so fast :). Audi recommends the maximum thread depth difference between all 4 tires on the car is 4/32". Any more than that, and you can damage the center differential. So just have the tire shop check the thread depth. If the other 3 tires are within 8/32" thread depth or better (new tires are usually 11/32" or 12/32" thread depth), then just replace the 1 tire. If not, Tire rack can shave tires down to same thread depth as your other 3.

Not to mention that a Continental tire in 255 is not guaranteed to be the same overall height/rolling diameter as as a Pirelli.

The delta for error is far too risky by crossing brands. Buy all 4 tires or go buy the same tire used and measure tread depth.

edit:
i don't really feel right recommending buying a single tire even. who knows if it was re-manufactured or any number of possibilities. Tires are the 1 place you can't go cheap.

**BWilson** · 02-11-2018 05:33 PM

I would buy two tires to be on the safe side. I prefer the Continentals ExtremeContacts DWS 06 over the Michelin Pilot Sports. The Michelin's are great for the summer but not a great tire if your'e going to keep them on all year.

**audi_rs** · 02-11-2018 05:39 PM

Originally Posted by ericw.

Not to mention that a Continental tire in 255 is not guaranteed to be the same overall height/rolling diameter as as a Pirelli.

The delta for error is far too risky by crossing brands. Buy all 4 tires or go buy the same tire used and measure tread depth.

edit:
i don't really feel right recommending buying a single tire even. who knows if it was re-manufactured or any number of possibilities. Tires are the 1 place you can't go cheap.

true. I'm probably going to buy 2 new ones and put them in the rear since the car has more power going to the rear ( i think?)

Originally Posted by BWilson

I would buy two tires to be on the safe side. I prefer the Continentals ExtremeContacts DWS 06 over the Michelin Pilot Sports. The Michelin's are great for the summer but not a great tire if your'e going to keep them on all year.

Those are actually high performance all seasons and mine are grand touring. Since we have a baby on the way I think I will go with Grand touring all seasons for now for less noise and more comfort.

Still wondering if putting 2 new CINTURATO P7 ALL SEASON "PLUS" in the rear would be acceptable..

**Laserrs** · 02-12-2018 11:25 AM

Getting 255/40/19 PS AS3+ installed tomorrow, $875 out the door at Costco through March 3rd I believe fyi.

**SpeakCRNA** · 02-12-2018 03:17 PM

And Costco has penny install on tires thru tomorrow I think. Just got sent an email.

**John_Kaufmann** · 03-03-2018 05:37 AM

FYI - I went to my dealership to have a damaged tire replaced. They only replaced the rears. It's normal to only replace pairs of tires as long as the are with 1/8" tread and are all the same tire.

Sent from my Moto G (5) Plus using Tapatalk

**elptxjc** · 03-03-2018 04:08 PM

I'm probably going to buy 2 new ones and put them in the rear since the car has more power going to the rear ( i think?)

Nope. Our car has a FWD-based AWD chassis, so put them at the front. That's why the engine is entirely ahead of the front axle, and also why the torque split is almost all at the front when not slipping, even in our S6s. I have Conti DWS06 all around, and prefer them over the A/S3+s, even if they cost the same, but Contis are significantly cheaper. Good luck.

**RAF_S7** · 03-03-2018 07:03 PM

Originally Posted by elptxjc

Nope. Our car has a FWD-based AWD chassis, so put them at the front. That's why the engine is entirely ahead of the front axle, and also why the torque split is almost all at the front when not slipping, even in our S6s. I have Conti DWS06 all around, and prefer them over the A/S3+s, even if they cost the same, but Contis are significantly cheaper. Good luck.

Er, no. Our Quattro S/RS cars have AWD with a 60/40 Split, with 60 rear and 40 front.