Scott

On Mon, 23 Aug 2004 00:36:58 +0200, "JP Roberts" <1234@yahoo.com>
wrote:

>While I agree with most of what's been said, I always enjoy driving my A4
>1.8TQ better with the newest tyres at the front. This way, the car is very
>responsive, more precise and gains some precious oversteer that is precisely
>what I want to get on the dry
>...
> [wet/slippery] it is still preferable to
>have the newest ones at the front because the deeper thread will delay
>aquaplanning a bit further.

I have always believed the above to be true. However I now have a Audi
A4 3.0 Quattro sport manual tranny and have changed my mind.
I have been driving the last 3 months with new tires up front and 2/3
worn tires on the rear. When it does get wet the handling is very
twitchy and non-progressive on sweepers.

After a couple of close calls I have replaced the rears.
Note, I have no problem with oversteer, and am able to use it to my
advantage on wet/snowy roads, but the oversteer with worn tires on the
rear was just too unpredictable.

I still prefer the newer tires on the front for my front-wheel-drive
vehicles and have driven them that way in all sorts of conditions.

Scott