A6 Tire replacement decision

[Twotonicnite]

Was looking for any experience others have had to inform my choice for new summer tires (20"). I have a dedicated winter setup on now, so snow/ice performance isn't really a priority. Road noise / comfort is, and I don't really need a pure performance summer tire for the A6. The factory Pirelli A/S were quiet, but downright nervy in the rain after 20K miles, so I want to try something different. Looking at 2 options right now:

Michelin Pilot Sport All Season 4
Continental ExtremeContact DWS06+

I've had great luck with both brands on my other Audis, and other cars. Anyone have any feedback on road noise / comfort for either of these?

[Audibot]

I have both for my A6--the Michelins on the factory 20s that came with the car and the Contis on the aftermarket 20s I picked up. I drive spiritedly and tend not to drive in snow (thankfully can work remote in those cases).

To me, the Michelins definitely have less sidewall flex, which means I can corner better and at higher speeds. They do at least as well in rain and better in dry than the Contis. They also have more wheel protection than the Contis do. Noise-wise, they feel about the same? Contis might be a bit quieter on new/fresh pavement. Comfort is about the same, but probably the Contis have a slight edge for me because they are 265/35 vs 255/35, so a bit more meat on them.

Prior to these sets of wheels, I had Michelin Pilot Sport A/S 3+s. They sold me. I had to travel from ~Baltimore to WV and back for work (about 4 hours each way, up/down some good inclines). The tires were near end of life (maybe 3-4/32), and I had ZERO handling in the wet weather at 80-90 mph going up and downhill. Phenomenal tires. Will be missed.

A 3rd and 4th option you can consider would be Vredestein Hypertracs and Bridgestone RE980AS+. I briefly ran the former (they have a 100 day trial period) and the only reason I didn't stick with them was I had noticed my TDI's fuel economy dropped a bit, so I went with the Michelins. Which didn't seem to help there either. But they felt nearly as good as the Michelins in the dry and wet weather and cornering I put them through, as well as being quiet. Never tried the Bridgestones but read good things.

[Twotonicnite]

Thanks for your advice Audibot. Interestingly, I put Vredestein Wintracs on both the A6 and Q5 before this Winter, and couldn't be happier with them for the rain / snow performance, and the road noise / comfort level. I too had a dip in fuel economy with them - about 50 miles a tank. I would consider the Hypertracs for Summer but unfortunately they're no longer available at TIre Rack or Discount Tire (both local for me). I'll look into the Bridgestones, but right now I'm leaning towards the Michelins this time around. Thanks again.

[randomdude85]

I have the MICHELIN PRIMACY MXM4 and they're pretty quiet but the braking performance isn't great I was originally going to get Pirelli Pzero All Season Plus Elect but now I can't find them in 255/40R20. From my research on TireRack it seems like DWS 06 Plus is the next best option in terms of performance and comfort.

[Biggu]

I was just in your shoes not long ago and I went Michelin Pilot Sport All Season 4. I still have not installed them but should be doing it this week.

[funclub@caseyha]

I've driven on both and would suggest the Pilot Sport 4s with the * BMW star compound if you can get them in the size wheel /width you want to run. The compound and performance is even better than the original pilot sport 4 s, Michelin worked with bmw for a few years after the original release of the PS4S to really dial in the performance

[Audibot]

So I got thrown off by your selection for "summer" tires being all seasons. If you're looking for an actual summer tire, Michelins that funclub shared above, or Conti ExtremeContact Sport 02s are good too. I have the latter on my RS and no complaints yet.

[LINDW4LL]

I second everything Audibot mentioned having run both of these sets. I would go with the Michelins - the AS4s have a noticeably sharper handling feel and better dry grip than the DWS06 while still being phenomenal in the wet.

You might also consider the Pilot Sport 4S being that these won't see snow or freezing temps.

[LegoManiac]

Prior to the A6, we had a B9 A4 and I went from Continental ExtremeContact DWS06 to Michelin Pilot Sport AS4.

I couldn't notice a difference in handling, but felt that the Michelins had more road noise.

[Biggu]

So I finally got my Michelin Pilot Sport AS4 on last night and my first initial impression is they are kinda loud and not what I would have expected from a tire of this caliber. I do know from researching online and the reviews mentioned there is a semi hum but not that noticeable. Not sure if im just more sensitive to the noise but its almost at the unacceptable range for me.

[Twotonicnite]

Thank you all for the excellent feedback. Now I'm leaning toward a pure Summer tire, Continental ExtremeContact Sport 02, which is available through Discount Tire & Tire Rack (both local), and the price makes the Contis extremely attractive. Seems like the only drawback is tread lifespan compared to the A/S. One of the best things about the A6 is how serene the ride is, and being the work car, I commute 80m round trip with it. Road noise/ comfort, and wet traction/handling are a priority with this choice. I have the modified S5 for the real fun in the dry.

[LegoManiac]

So I finally got my Michelin Pilot Sport AS4 on last night and my first initial impression is they are kinda loud and not what I would have expected from a tire of this caliber. I do know from researching online and the reviews mentioned there is a semi hum but not that noticeable. Not sure if im just more sensitive to the noise but its almost at the unacceptable range for me.

My impression as well. My wife noticed it too. I regretted not just going with replacement Continentials.

[Durwin@TAG]

As a vendor that sells both, The Michelin pilot sport 4 S are the favorite, and the Continental DWS 06 are a close second. Best bang for buck are the Continentals, but if you have a little extra to spare, get the Pilot Sport 4 S in the BMW spec.

[JWebb_C7_Comp]

As a vendor that sells both, The Michelin pilot sport 4 S are the favorite, and the Continental DWS 06 are a close second. Best bang for buck are the Continentals, but if you have a little extra to spare, get the Pilot Sport 4 S in the BMW spec.

The Conti DWS06 were on my RS7 when I purchased it. And, we put a set on My wife's 650i. I had selected the Michelin 4s for summer only on our A6. And we have all season version on our Q7. I think they're all great. I like the Michelin Pilot Sport 4S for "aggressive" driving and avoiding hydroplaning on heavy rain better than all the others. And, the A6 feels like its glued in hard corners. But, if choosing between them and the Conti's I'd like go for what's on sale. One thing about those tires is I feel I can get away with a few miles driving on snow or 35* rainy days whereas, with the Michelins, I wont drive them in those temps and I most certainly won't let my kids near the car without winter rubber in those conditions. Instead, i switch to dedicated winters (Vredestein at this time). Same winter tires on our Honda. The kids mostly use that car and though I was crazy for demanding they have snow tires rather than all seasons. But after seeing cars slide by when they stopped easily both were sold on winter gear where conditions call for it.

[Biggu]

So for what its worth. I cant handle the tires any longer. Tire rack is going to warranty them out under Michelin's satisfaction guarantee. Now I just need to find new tires again...

[randomdude85]

So for what its worth. I cant handle the tires any longer. Tire rack is going to warranty them out under Michelin's satisfaction guarantee. Now I just need to find new tires again...

was it just the noise that was the issue and are you going to try the Conti DWS06s?

[Biggu]

I love everything about the tire with the exception of the noise. At ~$430 a tire, there should not be that much tire noise. I get that going to a larger tire and less side wall there should be an increase but it honestly sounds like a tire that is very cupped / off road tire to me. Id look at the DWS06's but they dont offer them in 21" so im limited in my options. I dont really want to go P4s since I dont really need a tire at that caliber but it may be my only real option.

[funclub@caseyha]

If you don't like the PAS4 the I'm pretty you're going to hate the PS4S even more. I run both, all season in winter and PS4S the rest of the time and the all seasons definely run smoother and with less road noise than the PS4S, at least imo

[Twotonicnite]

So I ended up going with the Conti ExtremeContact Sport 02s, installed today. The Conti rebate offer sealed the deal. So far, I'm happy with the road noise / ride quality, and they are definitely grippy. Definitely quieter than the PS4s on my S5 (or maybe just quieter A6 cabin?). However, the Michelins have a way more attractive sidewall. We are expecting some heavy rain here over the holiday weekend, so I will have an opportunity to see how they fair in the wet. Appreciate everyone's feedback on this!