General vehicle thread

[Jer]

I'd be getting an alignment as well.

Tough to tell from the angle of the photo but I don't see any obvious cupping or uneven wear that would indicate that an alignment adjustment is in order. I do see an uneven surface wear which leads me to believe that the tire pressure wasn't optimal for large portions of the tire's life. I'd Google the "chalk test" to find the proper pressure and then check frequently to maintain that as we get a lot of fluctuations here in Colorado due to large temperature swings. I do see how the inner portion may have wore slightly less than the outer portion of the tread that is until you get to the shoulder which appears to have wore very similar side to side. The angle of the single photo isn't the best indicator though and I'm not a tire or alignment expert so take everything I said with a grain of salt. An alignment wouldn't be the worst thing probably if it's within the budget.

[Aloha_Shooter]

On an unrelated topic, I try to use synthetic oil in my van and shoot for 5,000 mile oil changes. I realized I've never actually checked to see if the engine is leaking or burning oil between changes. This time around I was getting late on my oil change and was getting a bit nervous. Turns out I shouldn't have been because not only was the oil level just right, but I don't think I've EVER seen oil this clean at an oil change, and this was at 6,400 miles.

FWIW, Porsche recommends annual oil changes using Mobile One synthetic. That's assuming 12,000-15,000 miles per year; I do around 10,000. Those who are especially antsy about it (like those who track their cars regularly) may change their oil twice a year or every 5000 miles. Oils in general but especially synthetics are miles and miles away from what we grew up on when we changed the oil every 2500-3500 miles. The local Porsche dealership charges me just over $200 for an oil change; I could do it myself for $50 or so but I'd have to clear up space in the garage, run the used oil someplace for recycling, and take time out of my weekend to do it. In addition, the dealership gives me a loaner (usually a recent model Macan or Cayenne) and does a lot to support the local club so I'm okay with spending the money there once a year.

[brutal]

Tough to tell from the angle of the photo but I don't see any obvious cupping or uneven wear that would indicate that an alignment adjustment is in order. I do see an uneven surface wear which leads me to believe that the tire pressure wasn't optimal for large portions of the tire's life. I'd Google the "chalk test" to find the proper pressure and then check frequently to maintain that as we get a lot of fluctuations here in Colorado due to large temperature swings. I do see how the inner portion may have wore slightly less than the outer portion of the tread that is until you get to the shoulder which appears to have wore very similar side to side. The angle of the single photo isn't the best indicator though and I'm not a tire or alignment expert so take everything I said with a grain of salt. An alignment wouldn't be the worst thing probably if it's within the budget.

Yea, I suppose it depends upon the car and driving style. If those are front, there's some aggressive cornering going on there. ;-)

[Spdu4ia]

Those are rears on an awd car and it was aligned about 1500 miles ago. The Pzeros just dont last Ive got 10000 miles on this set. Thats about the best wear I can get on them . They are picky and I wont be buying that kind again.

[Irving]

FWIW, Porsche recommends annual oil changes using Mobile One synthetic. That's assuming 12,000-15,000 miles per year; I do around 10,000. Those who are especially antsy about it (like those who track their cars regularly) may change their oil twice a year or every 5000 miles. Oils in general but especially synthetics are miles and miles away from what we grew up on when we changed the oil every 2500-3500 miles. The local Porsche dealership charges me just over $200 for an oil change; I could do it myself for $50 or so but I'd have to clear up space in the garage, run the used oil someplace for recycling, and take time out of my weekend to do it. In addition, the dealership gives me a loaner (usually a recent model Macan or Cayenne) and does a lot to support the local club so I'm okay with spending the money there once a year.

I've also heard of I think Mercedes calling for 10-15k between changes, but have never owned one so can't verify. I'm looking forward to less frequent oil changes. When I first started driving a lot and doing 3k changes, I was changing the oil once a month.

[brutal]

Those are rears on an awd car and it was aligned about 1500 miles ago. The Pzeros just dont last Ive got 10000 miles on this set. Thats about the best wear I can get on them . They are picky and I wont be buying that kind again.

I had P-Zeros summers on my A6 for about 2 seasons. They tramline like sh*t and I got less than about 10K out of them.

Ran Dunlop Derezza's for 5 seasons before I wore them out and they stick like glue. Harsh ride after some miles. Moving to Pilot Sport 4S for my new (larger) wheels. My son is a Master Audi Tech and swears by them.

[BushMasterBoy]

I bought some Hankook tires for my daily driver from Wally World online for $75 . They were highly recommended on some forums. I was sceptical at first, but 10k miles later they seen to be holding their own. Lot of hiway driving on US 50 along the Arkansas river.

[Erni]

I had P-Zeros summers on my A6 for about 2 seasons. They tramline like sh*t and I got less than about 10K out of them.

Ran Dunlop Derezza's for 5 seasons before I wore them out and they stick like glue. Harsh ride after some miles. Moving to Pilot Sport 4S for my new (larger) wheels. My son is a Master Audi Tech and swears by them.

@brutal. Can your son recomend a non dealer shop to program some keys for the A4 B8? My sons car came with one fob, and the $400 dealer cost is a bit shocking.

[brutal]

@brutal. Can your son recomend a non dealer shop to program some keys for the A4 B8? My sons car came with one fob, and the $400 dealer cost is a bit shocking.

Um, son is in TX but I have a local Audi tech/shop here in Parker, friend of my son's that he played football and wrenched on VW's with in HS. As I understand it, there's two apps required to do them. VagCom and VagTacho. Not sure if he does the keys but one would expect so.

Call Hardey. https://hardeysmotorwerks.com/ (303) 840-7664

Tell him Russ sent you. If he doesn't do them or isn't convenient, he may also recommend someone up north for you.

[Erni]

Um, son is in TX but I have a local Audi tech/shop here in Parker, friend of my son's that he played football and wrenched on VW's with in HS. As I understand it, there's two apps required to do them. VagCom and VagTacho. Not sure if he does the keys but one would expect so.

Call Hardey. https://hardeysmotorwerks.com/ (303) 840-7664

Tell him Russ sent you. If he doesn't do them or isn't convenient, he may also recommend someone up north for you.

Thank you.