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Replacement Tires 255/55/18

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RonOC

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Discussion starter · #1 ·
I own 2004 V8 with original 255/55/18 Conti and I am looking for replacement soon (I have 25k so far). I have been reading all postings, researching google, tirerack etc., and the info and options are mind boggling. I am a “street” driver, with somewhat aggressive driving style. I would need decent tires. I am converging on:

1. Goodyear Fortera Triple Tred, with 60k warrantee
2. Continental Cross Contact UHP – Cheap at $115 at TireRack
3. Also, considering Michelin Diamaris at Costco, but a bit expensive at $250 installed.

Another question: can I upgrade to 255/60/18 with my OEM whets, to get bigger looking tires?

Appreciate any feedback/advice…

Ron in Orange County/CA
:-s
 
#2 ·
RonOC said:
I own 2004 V8 with original 255/55/18 Conti and I am looking for replacement soon (I have 25k so far). I have been reading all postings, researching google, tirerack etc., and the info and options are mind boggling. I am a “street” driver, with somewhat aggressive driving style. I would need decent tires. I am converging on:

1. Goodyear Fortera Triple Tred, with 60k warrantee
2. Continental Cross Contact UHP – Cheap at $115 at TireRack
3. Also, considering Michelin Diamaris at Costco, but a bit expensive at $250 installed.

Another question: can I upgrade to 255/60/18 with my OEM whets, to get bigger looking tires?

Appreciate any feedback/advice…

Ron in Orange County/CA
:-s
Click to expand...
Of the 3 tire choices listed, the Goodyears look like a good choice for an all-season tire.

If all your driving is done out of the snow, then the Continental Cross Contact UHP's look good, but make sure you get the variant rated 109V XL, NOT the ones rated only 105W (not stout enough for the Touareg).

I would not change tire size to 255/60-18 because it will hinder your performance (larger diameter - in this case a little over 30" in diameter - tire is bad for acceleration and braking) and will create a difference in diameter between your 4 full-size tires and your inflate-a-spare. This difference in diameter may or may not be significant - depending on how far and under what conditions you use the spare - but it is better to avoid it.

In general, VAG recommends tires between 28.7" and 29.5" in diameter. Load rating should be 106 or above and speed rating should be a minimum of H (130 mph) for V6's and V (149 mph) for V8's. Further, V8 tires should be XL rated.

HTH
 
#5 ·
I had Forteras on a previous ride...no issues. It has a very chunky looking sidewall...which might be helpful in mud or snow conditions you're unlikely to see very often.

Be sure to stay with the speed and weight specs of OEM. The rest is choice/price. Postings here led me to the Nokian WR. Pricey (per your comment on Michelin), but smooth. A big upgrade over the OEM Pirellis they replaced.
 
#6 ·
I have the same dilemma, but with much less choice here in Aus. Based upon a recommendation from a friend with a Cayenne Turbo I have decided to put Coopers Zeon XST's on mine. 255/55R18 RE is the replacement size for the Pirelli Rossi's I currently have.

The other alternative in the Coopers range is the HT PLUS also available in the 255/55R18 RE size. Both a good high performance alternative.
 
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#7 ·
Treggie, did you get the Coopers and if so have you had time to test them out? I am considering these...
 
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#8 ·
tires

BFGoodrich g-Force T/A KDW-2 (KDW for Key feature: Dry and Wet traction.

I bought these not too long ago. They have good reviews and are very affordable about $130 each. You can order them through sams.
I like them a lot. Do not know about winter yet

Update March 2007 Once they wear they became very loud. I took them back (read my new story on this)
 
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Discussion starter · #9 ·
I installed my new tires few weeks ago (Continental Cross Contact UHP). They look good and the drvie feels very secure. So far so good. :joy:

I will have to wait for the rain to check the wet performance. I will keep you guys posted.

:wave:
 
#11 ·
I went with the Nitto Terra Grapplers. Had them on for about 500 miles right now. Don't notice anymore noise than the contis and they look really good. Much more aggressive. Ride feels a lot more comfortable, but I noticed that they aren't as sporty as the contis, i.e. going around a corner at high speed, but it's a give and take. I've been riding them in the snow and they much much better than the Contis. $160 each from discounttiredirect.com.
 
#12 ·
I have the Diamaris in the 255/55/18. Great tire on the road and light off road(read gravel, dirt..not mud) Very quiet and excellent handiling. Only drawback is they are not good in more than a few inches of snow. If you will not be doing snow/offraod then they are great. If you are then I would rec a different tire. My treg sat in the garage here in NJ beacause it slid around on the sleet/snow we got on 2/14. I wound up taking my 3 series BMW coupe to work as it has snows on it and faired much better than the truck on that day. The Michelins have plenty of tread but just not enough bite for snow.
Just my $.02
 
#14 ·
Has anyone tried the General Grabber AT2? They do not show at tire rack but I did see them on the General website. I was just wondering if anyone has tried these as an alternative to the Nitto Terra Grappler.
 
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#15 ·
There is numerous feedback on this thread already. I used it to get the Michelin Lattitudes last fall. They are new and specifically designed for what you're going to do with them. They're responsive and very quiet. My new '07 has Pirellis on it i just found out today. I'm going to look back myself to what members we're saying about those tires...
 
#18 ·
NOKIAN TYERS

65K miles and more to go. This tire has proven it self. A temp. A traction rated 109V extra load. Look them up. I am referencing the NOKIAN tyre
 
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