nancy1

Looking for some advice on my tire problem. Bought my TT new Oct 31,2008. In August 2010 took it to the dealer for scheduled pm. My husband wanted me to ask them about the tire noise. He rarely drives my car & I guess the tire noise was something that came on gradually and I wasn't really aware of. Anyway, the dealer tells me the tires are "cupping". The car had less than 10,000 miles on it. Anyway, the service rep had a vague explanation of "cupping", so went on the internet for more info. It looked to me that cupping is usually caused by a problem with the car itself. Went back to the service dept where they told me nothing wrong with the car to cause this, and this is not an unusual problem.
So, the tires are Perrelli P ZERO NERO P245/40R 18. So, does Audi sell cars equipped with crappy tires or is this normal? Gott get new tires before winter hits. Recommendations?

cheeba

So, is this all four tires exhibiting cupping?

Abnormal tire wear is by definition just that –*abnormal. Assuming that the wear is properly diagnosed, it's never going to be a 'fault' of the tire. Tires will always wear evenly across the tread given a 'normal' alignment and properly functioning suspension. The P Zero Nero has a 220UTGQ rating, and thus should not wear out in 10 000 Miles, but will be about halfway through their useful tread (depending on how you drive, of course). If you keep your tires properly inflated, and there are no issues with bearings/axles/suspension members, the issue will lie in the suspension geometry. Unless the tech put the car on the alignment rack and has a printout to show you, he's just making stuff up.

Bottom line: get an alignment done, and if the pre-alignment numbers are fine, the issue lies elsewhere.

PWWildboy

I have a set of tires that I will be replacing in the spring too because of cupping. Almost certainly an alignment issue unless you haul alot of weight that is not in the vehicle when the alignment was done. Mine came off of an S5 so I don't know what caused the cupping but it sure is noisy a low speeds.
Let us know what you learn, also which tires you go to next. I think I will go with Goodyear Asymetric IIs.

PeMiL

I have to mention that the Pirelli PZero Nero RFT's that came with my 09 TT were the loudest and worst tires I have ever had experience with. Incredibly loud. My winter replacements were a welcome quiet!! They finally wore out around 60k so I replaced them with Bridgestone summer tires as I have dedicated winter rubber and rims. Best thing I ever did. I'm not sure if it was the run flat nature of the tire it what. My new tires are not run flats just in case that was the issue

PWWildboy

When I actually replaced my tires, I put on Dunlops, OE take-offs, that were highly praised when I investigated them. I found them to have great performance and quiet ride on my A5. I have just sold the A5 but would repeat that fitment, given the opportunity.

xTxTx

Test2

DeanMassy

Almost certainly an alignment issue unless you haul alot of weight that is not in the vehicle when the alignment was done. Mine came off of an S5 so I don't know what caused the cupping but it sure is noisy a low speeds.