Replacement Tyres - "AO" marking

[Dr Mcr]

Hi Everyone,

It is replacement tyre time. I have Bridgestone Potenza RE050A 245/45 R17 y(95) AO fitted at moment.

I was thinking of switching to Continental ContactSport 3's, but for that size of tyr they have an "MO" marking, which some tyre sites seem to interpret as Mercedes Only.

Checking the handbook (p250), sure enough it says use tyre with an AO or RO marking as these are "specially matched"

Q1) Does this mean I won't be able to fit the Conti's to my car and I will have to choose either Bridgestone or Michelin, the only tyres carrying the AO marker in this size?

q2) Does anyone else on here pay any attention to their replacement tyres having an AO marker or is it just an audi scam? ;-)

q3) would it matter if I fitted a w rated tyre - I don't understand why I neeed tyres rated for 300km per hour - its a 2litre diesel

Many thanks in advance.


D.

[Bratty]

"MO" on the tyre means "Mercedes Original" ie. its what theyapprove and would fit at the factory to a new car, I had the same prob finding tyres this year and when I dug into it there is No Difference!!?!! The MO tyre has more stringent testing so that Merc drivers can be happy spending more cash than usual!

Not a bad Info Link http://www.tyres-pneus-online.co.uk/...gs-advice.html

Dunk

[Zafi]

Please dont tell me that there is a risk of insurers not paying out if we use tyres that are not marked AO

[Guest 2]

Please dont tell me that there is a risk of insurers not paying out if we use tyres that are not marked AO

Just don't tell them

[streetfighter-r]

There are no requirements to stick with Tyres that are recommended by Audi. This is an interesting thread to see opinions around tyre preference and why.

RE40s were awful but must admit the RE50 is not a bad tyre...I have some way to ho on my set but understanding what is best will put me in good stead for future replacements.

Is everyone replacing to premium summer/sports or going all weather as o know we don't normally change for the winter - just moan about local authorities when we get snowed in, etc!

[Dr Mcr]

There are no requirements to stick with Tyres that are recommended by Audi. This is an interesting thread to see opinions around tyre preference and why.

RE40s were awful but must admit the RE50 is not a bad tyre...I have some way to ho on my set but understanding what is best will put me in good stead for future replacements.

Is everyone replacing to premium summer/sports or going all weather as o know we don't normally change for the winter - just moan about local authorities when we get snowed in, etc!

Thanks for all the helpful advice.

Had the lack of an AO Mark confirmed by Stockport's Audi garage earlier - they said it does not matter - it is just what they fit to the car at the factory. They said they only stock Continental and dunlop but can get others.

More worryingly they said the wheels had to be fitted with y rated tyre as you can't trade down on the letters so I can't get away with w's which are slightly cheaper. The only tyres Continental make with a y rating are 99 load index rather than 95's. Will this make a difference to handling or road noise?

Had good mileage out of re050's but they really were no good in the snow. I live on the edge of the peak district. Lots of rain and lots of snow so I need a tyre that can handle these conditions well. Might consider winter tyres this year though if funds allow. Contis got a very good all round review on Auto Express which is what swayed me.

D.

[Bratty]

Dr Mcr, Conti make tyres in the correct load rating!, that you are Obliged to by In Accordance with your Vehicle handbook to have fitted (A good read when you have a minute)!, I know that it is easy to think (or want to think!) that the dealership is the "ORACLE" but they have been (maybe not yours!?!) shown many a time to be lacking in accurate and commonsense advice. Hope that you do not get ripped off!

Dunk

[Dr Mcr]

Dr Mcr, Conti make tyres in the correct load rating!, that you are Obliged to by In Accordance with your Vehicle handbook to have fitted (A good read when you have a minute)!, I know that it is easy to think (or want to think!) that the dealership is the "ORACLE" but they have been (maybe not yours!?!) shown many a time to be lacking in accurate and commonsense advice. Hope that you do not get ripped off!

Dunk

okay, getting worried again but thanks for all the helpful comments.

I'm assuming what he said about the Y rating is correct - I have to fit Y tyres rather than W to keep within specification

The load rating of the tyres I have is 95. He said you can put a higher load rating on, but not a lower one - is this correct?

I'll see if I can get a 245/45 R17 95Y Continental Contact Sport 3 but I must admit, I thought they only make three ratings at this (245/45) size R17 95W, R17 99Y, ZR17 99Y.

I think they make a contact sport 2 in a 95Y - Is there much of a difference between version 2 and version 3 (other than you might not be able to get hold of them)?

Crikey, I didn't realise buying tyres was this hard. It's harder than buying the car in the first place. Glad I've got all you guys to help me

D.

[Zafi]

I took my Winter tyres off today. I hereby declare Winter is over!

Bet I wake up to 6" of snow in the morning

[Dr Mcr]

I took my Winter tyres off today. I hereby declare Winter is over!

Bet I wake up to 6" of snow in the morning

Yay!

White over with frost this morning in Derbyshire! I salute your optimism for tomorrow