P Zeros cracking on S3 Saloon

S3LOK · Mar 28, 2019

Hello,

My S3 is a year old and just done over 3000 miles. When I was on a road trip in North Wales this week I suddenly noticed cracking on all four of my tyres. The front 2 are worst and back ones not so much. So I took it to the nearest Audi dealership and the guys told me this was normal as tyres over ages do this and UV from the sun but it is nothing to worry about.

These are my first P Zeros And I’m really quite disappointed. For a premium brand as well. I have emailed Pirelli to see what they have to say.

As anyone else had this problem?

S3LOK · Mar 28, 2019

Here is some pictures of the fronts

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AlS3BE · Mar 28, 2019

Check the manufacture date on them, should have something like 1217 on the sidewall, it’s week the year of manufacture. Rubber perishes over time so it might be some old tyres on your car even though your car is only a year old.

jrumball · Mar 28, 2019

I’ve contacted Pirelli over issues with unusual wear on tyres recently. They were brilliant and arranged to have the tyres inspected after being sent some photos. I innately emailed contactcentertyres.uk@pirelli.com make sure you include the date code off the side wall.

S3LOK · Mar 28, 2019

Yes I’ve just checked my Inbox and they have replied to my email asking for more information and some pictures. So will have to wait and see.

Chris4410 · Mar 28, 2019

I wouldn't hold your breath for anything happening, I had a set wear down in less than 6k. Sent all the details to Pirelli and nothing happened, according to them there was nothing wrong with them.

AlS3BE · Mar 29, 2019

S3LOK said:
Here is some pictures of the fronts

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Just noticed your pictures. You must have posted these at the same time I posted my reply.
They don’t look like cracking/perishing rubber.
They look more like heat stress from either hard driving or under inflation. I’ve had something similar to that after using road tyres on a track.

If cracking was in the centre like this then I would be more worried.

I also read somewhere that Pirelli’s warranty doesn’t cover certain type of tyres if they have been used in low ambient temperatures as summer rubber are harder in the cold and more prone to cracking.

S3LOK · Mar 29, 2019

I don’t drive my car hard at all, sure I do put my foot down now and again but I have just come back from a 400 mile road trip.

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Chris4410 · Mar 29, 2019

My original set lasted 23k, that was why I replaced them like for like.

The car was driven any differently and the second set last just under 6k.

This clearly wasn't right, however Pirelli washed their hands off it stating nothing was wrong with the tyres and the wear was down to driving and road conditions.

Joke.

AlS3BE · Mar 29, 2019

S3LOK said:
I don’t drive my car hard at all, sure I do put my foot down now and again but I have just come back from a 400 mile road trip.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Then it could be under inflation or it’s been too cold for the summer rubber.
If it’s a road car and not tracked I doubt you could over heat them even with some sprited driving.
Here’s the Pirelli warranty link. It’s the last thing in what’s not covered.
https://www.pirelli.com/asset/index.php?idelement=79689

I know this doesn’t help your cause but it’s the nature of performance rubber. Some are worse than others for it in my experience. I’ve had this with good years and Bridgestones before. If it’s in the tread block I wouldn’t worry too much.

Audi Bairn · Mar 29, 2019

AlS3BE said:
Just noticed your pictures. You must have posted these at the same time I posted my reply.
They don’t look like cracking/perishing rubber.
They look more like heat stress from either hard driving or under inflation. I’ve had something similar to that after using road tyres on a track.

If cracking was in the centre like this then I would be more worried.
View attachment 178879

I also read somewhere that Pirelli’s warranty doesn’t cover certain type of tyres if they have been used in low ambient temperatures as summer rubber are harder in the cold and more prone to cracking.

I’ve just replaced my front two with another two P Zero last week after 23,000 miles on the original set (rears still have 2.8mm left) and had no such cracking on them. I’d be questioning it too if I was you.

Jassyo06 · Mar 29, 2019

Audi Bairn said:
I’ve just replaced my front two with another two P Zero last week after 23,000 miles on the original set (rears still have 2.8mm left) and had no such cracking on them. I’d be questioning it too if I was you.

I just don't get it mate my rear tyres really need changing at 14500 miles

S3LOK · Mar 29, 2019

PIRELLI have replied and they are going to send an engineer out to look at them. Check the tyres and they were made in 4717, so about 2 year old.

Phutters · Mar 29, 2019

S3LOK said:
PIRELLI have replied and they are going to send an engineer out to look at them. Check the tyres and they were made in 4717, so about 2 year old.

Not even as old as that - they're only just over 16 months old. Week 47 is round about the third week in November.

.

Audi Bairn · Mar 29, 2019

jassyo06 said:
I just don't get it mate my rear tyres really need changing at 14500 miles

Despite enjoying ‘spirited’ driving, I’m notoriously light on tyres and brakes mate, always have been.
The service showed that my pads were only 25% worn on the front and 35% worn on the rear (or maybe the other way round?).

AlS3BE · Mar 29, 2019

Audi Bairn said:
Despite enjoying ‘spirited’ driving, I’m notoriously light on tyres and brakes mate, always have been.
The service showed that my pads were only 25% worn on the front and 35% worn on the rear (or maybe the other way round?).

You not using the loud pedal enough :wink:

Jassy, you might be using it too much :wink:

Jassyo06 · Mar 29, 2019

AlS3BE said:
You not using the loud pedal enough

Jassy, you might be using it too much

Strange thing is mate l never have, all my commute is mainly on the M8 from Hamilton to Bathgate,just to mention l had Conti 5 's on a RCZ that had similar cracking of the rubber and never had any untoward issues with them and they lasted 23k miles...l would'nt lose any sleep over this issue

Jassyo06 · Mar 29, 2019

There was a thread on the plonker side of this forum...ie the RS3 side and some of them had similar issues.....and the tone was "of course this should'nt happen on A RS car What".... but they complain about most things.....

S3LOK · Apr 16, 2019

Update...

Pirelli are replacing all 4 tyres.

At there Pirelli Performance Centre in Burton-on-Trent. Very impressive machinery and great service.

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AlS3BE · Apr 16, 2019

S3LOK said:
Update...

Pirelli are replacing all 4 tyres.

At there Pirelli Performance Centre in Burton-on-Trent. Very impressive machinery and great service.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Great result and looks like a good day out too.

S3LOK · Apr 16, 2019

AlS3BE said:
Great result and looks like a good day out too.

Yes, the guy even showed me around the place, its was very impressive place and very professional team. Got a lot of advice from them, also they told me that my tyre pressure (PSI) was under the recommended manufacture on all 4 tyres, so that mite be the cause of the problem.

Got to say first class service and Great customer service from sending the first e-mail to their field Engineer visit and to there fitting centre. Even told me that I can come in anytime and have my wheel alignment checked and done free of charge. A good day out!

Thank You very much Pirelli!!!

Car as done 3200 miles and a year old

T-800 · Apr 17, 2019

jassyo06 said:
There was a thread on the plonker side of this forum...ie the RS3 side and some of them had similar issues.....and the tone was "of course this should'nt happen on A RS car What".... but they complain about most things.....

Yep and something I’ve never had issue with personally.
Swapped my Pirelli recently for Goodyear Eagle Supersport and the Pirelli looked fine with even wear.

I’d given up bothering coming on here because of all the RS / Dealer bashing its sad when all they do is moan all the time.

I think some of them decide to buy an RS but not enjoy it and instead moan about it on here.

Jassyo06 · Apr 17, 2019

T-800 said:
Yep and something I’ve never had issue with personally.
Swapped my Pirelli recently for Goodyear Eagle Supersport and the Pirelli looked fine with even wear.

I’d given up bothering coming on here because of all the RS / Dealer bashing its sad when all they do is moan all the time.

I think some of them decide to buy an RS but not enjoy it and instead moan about it on here.

Welcome back mate ... Lol stick around the slightly less moaning side ie here lol

msdmjb · Apr 17, 2019

^^ how are the eagle supersports? very tempted myself.

T-800 · Apr 17, 2019

msdmjb said:
^^ how are the eagle supersports? very tempted myself.

They are great.

Car feels more planted and the ride is also a lot less crashy than before

The road noise is no worse than the Pirelli’s either.

Bells · Apr 17, 2019

I know there’s various older threads on it but would you people say that P Zeros are better than Michelin Pilot Super Sports?

My Continentals that came with my car don’t seem to have much life left in them after 13k miles so looking at alternatives at the moment :readit:

S3LOK · Apr 17, 2019

Can’t comment on the Michelin never had them, but I heard good things about the Pilot Sports. If I was to replace my Pirelli it would be them.

I’ve had Continentals on my previous 3 cars and were great. This is the first time I had P-Zero Pirelli’s and I found them to be very good. Look great too and the best rim protectors I’ve ever seen so far on tires. Apart from the problem I had with them, but them again Pirelli customer service on replacing have been excellent!

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Bells · Apr 17, 2019

S3LOK said:
Can’t comment on the Michelin never had them, but I heard good things about the Pilot Sports. If I was to replace my Pirelli it would be them.

I’ve had Continentals on my previous 3 cars and were great. This is the first time I had P-Zero Pirelli’s and I found them to be very good. Look great too and the best rim protectors I’ve ever seen so far on tires. Apart from the problem I had with them, but them again Pirelli customer service on replacing have been excellent!

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Thanks that’s good to hear, to be honest I don’t think the Continentals are too bad but I’m just surprised how quickly they’ve worn, I don’t drive the car hard a lot and they’ve only done just under 13k miles which seems a little low to me, especially as all 4 are close to being changed.

Ron240 · Apr 17, 2019

S3LOK said:
they told me that my tyre pressure (PSI) was under the recommended manufacture on all 4 tyres, so that mite be the cause of the problem.

First of all this was an amazing result you got.

Regarding the tyre pressures did he mean under what Audi state as the correct pressures or simply what you were running them at.....because if it was the latter then that would be entirely down to you so I cant imagine anybody would be willing to help.
I would be very interested to find out exactly what was wrong with these tyres that prompted Pirelli to replace all 4.
You would think it would need to be a serious safety concern for them to take this course of action.

Jassyo06 · Apr 17, 2019

Bells said:
I know there’s various older threads on it but would you people say that P Zeros are better than Michelin Pilot Super Sports?

My Continentals that came with my car don’t seem to have much life left in them after 13k miles so looking at alternatives at the moment

My Mrs wee fiesta has pilot 4s on her car and they're now being replaced after 13500 miles so worse wear than pzeros

S3LOK · Apr 17, 2019

Bells said:
Thanks that’s good to hear, to be honest I don’t think the Continentals are too bad but I’m just surprised how quickly they’ve worn, I don’t drive the car hard a lot and they’ve only done just under 13k miles which seems a little low to me, especially as all 4 are close to being changed.

My father as Continentals on his Merc from new and he done 14k miles and as about 4mm left, so I would say that about right.

Ron240 said:
First of all this was an amazing result you got.
Regarding the tyre pressures did he mean under what Audi state as the correct pressures or simply what you were running them at.....because if it was the latter then that would be entirely down to you so I cant imagine anybody would be willing to help.
I would be very interested to find out exactly what was wrong with these tyres that prompted Pirelli to replace all 4.
You would think it would need to be a serious safety concern for them to take this course of action.

If there was a serious safety concern, when the engineer came to inspect it at my home he would of told me not to drive it? I never messed around with the tyre pressure from picking up the car from 1 day, Like I said the car is only 1 year old and done 3200 miles and I don't drive it hard so I wouldn't check the tyre pressure and they looked fine to me. The engineer just said that the rear's were 3 PSI under and front were 2 PSI under. I took it to Audi and my local tire shop and they told me it was due to the age of the tires, which I never believed. Pirelli never really give me a answer to why all 4 tires were cracking like that, just give me some tips on how to keep the new ones.

Ron240 · Apr 17, 2019

S3LOK said:
If there was a serious safety concern, when the engineer came to inspect it at my home he would of told me not to drive it? I never messed around with the tyre pressure from picking up the car from 1 day, Like I said the car is only 1 year old and done 3200 miles and I don't drive it hard so I wouldn't check the tyre pressure and they looked fine to me. The engineer just said that the rear's were 3 PSI under and front were 2 PSI under. I took it to Audi and my local tire shop and they told me it was due to the age of the tires, which I never believed. Pirelli never really give me a answer to why all 4 tires were cracking like that, just give me some tips on how to keep the new ones.

I am not having a go at you mate....like I said I think it's amazing of Pirelli to replace all 4 tyres for you.

What I am saying is that it's entirely down to the user to make sure their tyres are inflated to the correct pressures......and there is no warranty that will cover damage which has resulted from under or over inflation.
If I understand you correctly you are saying you did not check your tyre pressures in a full year of ownership.
There has presumably been something wrong with these tyres for Pirelli to take the quick decision to replace all 4.....but like you said they have not shared this information with you.
Its all good news for you though, but you should get into the habit of physically checking your tyre pressures once a month with a visual check in between times. It doesn't matter how you have driven the car because tyres can naturally lose air through time.

Once again, an excellent result for you....well done.

T-800 · Apr 17, 2019

Ron240 said:
I am not having a go at you mate....like I said I think it's amazing of Pirelli to replace all 4 tyres for you.
What I am saying is that it's entirely down to the user to make sure their tyres are inflated to the correct pressures......and there is no warranty that will cover damage which has resulted from under or over inflation.
If I understand you correctly you are saying you did not check your tyre pressures in a full year of ownership.
There has presumably been something wrong with these tyres for Pirelli to take the quick decision to replace all 4.....but like you said they have not shared this information with you.
Its all good news for you though, but you should get into the habit of physically checking your tyre pressures once a month with a visual check in between times. It doesn't matter how you have driven the car because tyres can naturally lose air through time.

Once again, an excellent result for you....well done.

good common sense that last part.

I’ll never understand why people never check Tyres/Pressures /Oil & coolant etc regular.

S3LOK · Apr 17, 2019

Ron240 said:
I am not having a go at you mate....like I said I think it's amazing of Pirelli to replace all 4 tyres for you.
What I am saying is that it's entirely down to the user to make sure their tyres are inflated to the correct pressures......and there is no warranty that will cover damage which has resulted from under or over inflation.
If I understand you correctly you are saying you did not check your tyre pressures in a full year of ownership.
There has presumably been something wrong with these tyres for Pirelli to take the quick decision to replace all 4.....but like you said they have not shared this information with you.
Its all good news for you though, but you should get into the habit of physically checking your tyre pressures once a month with a visual check in between times. It doesn't matter how you have driven the car because tyres can naturally lose air through time.

Once again, an excellent result for you....well done.

None offence taken mate

All I was saying was, I would of thought they would of told me not to drive the car if there was a really safety concern. After they agreed to replace them I still had to wait almost 2 weeks for them to get them instock as they had to be ship them from the factory in Italy.

Will definitely check the tyre pressure more often now, Thank for the advice :icon thumright:

Dave_808 · Apr 17, 2019

Out of interest, what psi do folks inflate 19s to on the S3?

I've heard a few different psi figures banded around.

Bells · Apr 17, 2019

Dave_808 said:
Out of interest, what psi do folks inflate 19s to on the S3?

I've heard a few different psi figures banded around.

I just go off what’s quoted on the inside of the door for 19’s can’t remember what it is off the top of my head

Flying Scotsman · Apr 17, 2019

For 19"......39F 36R psi for up to 3 people no luggage....44 psi F and R for fully loaded car

davc · Apr 17, 2019

Flying Scotsman said:
For 19"......39F 36R psi for up to 3 people no luggage....44 psi F and R for fully loaded car

They've obviously revised the figures since 2015, because on my car it's 42F/39R for 3 passengers.

simonali · Apr 17, 2019

Pfft. Just before I got rid of my Clio 197 I had to fit its fourth set of front tyres at 28,000 miles or so because the third set were on the wear markers!

Ron240 · Apr 18, 2019

simonali said:
Pfft. Just before I got rid of my Clio 197 I had to fit its fourth set of front tyres at 28,000 miles or so because the third set were on the wear markers!

9000 miles from a set of fronts.....well I can tell you that would have been totally unachievable on my Civic FK8. I never kept it long enough but I reckoned around 6000 miles and the fronts would have been done.
Oh and that was driving relatively gently.

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