Hello,
I have a 2009 Audi A4 3.2 Quattro Premium Plus with Goodyear Eagle LS2s which currently need to be replaced. I don't know much about tires so I am looking for recommendations on what would be best. I know I need 245/45 R17 95H though.

I am looking for all-season, but unsure of whether or not to choose grand touring, high performance, or ultra-high performance. I assume ultra high gives the best traction at expense of tread life and ride comfort, and the opposite of this for the grand touring, with high performance in the middle. I am not sure how much of tire lifetime difference there is between grand touring and UHP.

I have looked on tire rack for different ones and have mainly based my down select off of the amount of reviews, the rating, and the price (want to stay in the $500-$700 price range. I have heard to stay away from the lower priced kumho, sumitomo, etc due to riding rough.

I have made the list below of ones which would possibly interest me. If anyone has any personal experiences with any, or could recommend one, I would be very appreciative.

[Grand Touring]
---------------
Continental Purecontact (89 reviews - 9/10 - $584)
Bridgestone Potenza RE97AS (0 reviews - n/a - $640)
Continental ContiProContact (1039 reviews - 6.7/10 - $644)
Michelin Primacy MXM4 (226 reviews - 8.2/10 - $728)

[High Performance]
------------------
Bridgestone Potenza G019 Grid (828 reviews - 6.8/10 - $532)
Michelin Pilot Sport A/S 3 (0 reviews - n/a - $660)

[Ultra-High Performance]
-----------------------
Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric (48 reviews - 8.3/10 - $552)
Continental Extremecontact DWS (3276 reviews - 8.3/10 - $580)
Bridgestone Potenza RE970AS PP (202 reviews - 8/10 - $640)

Thanks!

 

The Bridgestone Potenza 970 is a fantastic tire. I would also recommend looking at the Vredestein Quatrac 3 in 235/45/17. Though the tire is narrower than the factory 245 width, it will still fit the OE wheel (assuming you're running the OE wheel), and with being a little more narrow it will be a little better than the wider 245 tires in snowy and otherwise unpleasant winter weather.

 

I have never heard of the Vredestein Quatrac 3 but I will look into it, thanks!

 

If you are looking for the best of both handling/performance and ride comfort and tread life you should check out the Bridgestone RE97AS. This is what I would consider a hybrid tire, it takes the performance and blends it with a grand touring. I also agree with the previous person, the RE-970AS is an excellent choice for a Ultra High Performance All Season. Please let me know if you have additional questions, I am always happy to help.

Best Regards,

 

i guess i was just wary of the RE97AS because of the 0 reviews on tirerack

 

This might be a bit late for you but I just replaced my Michelin Pilot Sports, not because I wanted to but because of our famous Michigan potholes. Lost my right front tire and wheel. I went with Yokohama Y580s from local tire dealer and I have to say I'm very impressed with them so far. Much better traction in snow then the Pilots ever were, if that's a requirement, and has a 60K mileage rating with a W speed rating. Have read other reviews from Audi owners and they were rated very highly.

 

Michelin Pilot Sport AS are discontinued