I've just bought an Audi A3 2.0TDI Sport 150 8V Sportback and did my first long journey in it this week. Love the car, but the tyre noise is very disappointing for a premium hatchback, much worse than my wife's Golf Mk VII. I also hadn't realised just how hard the ride is from my six mile test drive. After 135 miles I was ready to get out of the car for a break. I sold my 2006 Civic 2.2 Ctdi which was a firm ride, but this seems worse.
The car has 225/45R17 Continental SportContact 5's fitted and they have to be the noisiest tyres I have ever experienced! I checked the cold pressures after this trip and found the front tyres were at 36.5psi (book says 35psi for fronts). Not sure if that would make the ride firmer and noise worse. It's only 1.5psi above what it should be, so may not be a big factor. I have since reduced the pressures.
My car is an ex-demonstrator owned by an Audi dealership and may have been driven in a spirited fashion as the front tyres are down to 4.5mm in the centre tread at 7800 miles. I am tempted to ditch them and fit quieter front tyres. Can't really justify doing all of them as the rears have over 7mm left.
After a bit of research I am looking at Good Year Eagle F1 ASY2's. Reports seem to suggest they offer similar grip, better wear and are more comfortable and less noisy than the Contis. Rolling resistance looks similar too. I was wondering whether anyone can give me some feedback on whether fitting the Good Years to the front would prove worthwhile in terms of improving road noise levels and whether it would slightly improve ride comfort. I think I now see why people suggest buying a Sport with SE suspension!
Thanks and wishing you all a Happy Christmas.
Steve
The car has 225/45R17 Continental SportContact 5's fitted and they have to be the noisiest tyres I have ever experienced! I checked the cold pressures after this trip and found the front tyres were at 36.5psi (book says 35psi for fronts). Not sure if that would make the ride firmer and noise worse. It's only 1.5psi above what it should be, so may not be a big factor. I have since reduced the pressures.
My car is an ex-demonstrator owned by an Audi dealership and may have been driven in a spirited fashion as the front tyres are down to 4.5mm in the centre tread at 7800 miles. I am tempted to ditch them and fit quieter front tyres. Can't really justify doing all of them as the rears have over 7mm left.
After a bit of research I am looking at Good Year Eagle F1 ASY2's. Reports seem to suggest they offer similar grip, better wear and are more comfortable and less noisy than the Contis. Rolling resistance looks similar too. I was wondering whether anyone can give me some feedback on whether fitting the Good Years to the front would prove worthwhile in terms of improving road noise levels and whether it would slightly improve ride comfort. I think I now see why people suggest buying a Sport with SE suspension!
Thanks and wishing you all a Happy Christmas.
Steve