Originally Posted By: CapriRacer
Originally Posted By: notalk
Thanks. I forgot about the weight increase. So, here's what we have; going from a 225/45/19 front to 245/40/19 front with a 2 lb/tire weight increase and from a 245/40/19 rear to a 275/35/19 rear with a 1 lb/tire weight increase.
My only fear is warranty denial from any suspension/brake problems (everything else stock) which might come up. I guess the bottom line is how much I trust or distrust the manufacturer. I'll probably ask the dealer and the tire manufacturer (OEM is same as plus zero).
1) I get the feeling you've checked the rim widths and they are adequate.
2) I don't get the feeling you've checked if there is enough clearance - and rubbing tires can result in some pretty dangerous situations. Be aware that the worst condition is fully compressed AND fully turned - AND - tires flex under handling manuevers so there needs to be extra clearance to account for that!
3) You can count on being denied warranty on the suspension and brakes. It isn't a matter of trust - it's a matter of what the original was. Change the vehicle in some way and the warranty is void. You may not like it - or may think it is unfair - but warranty is a contract and you will be breaking the contract.
Asking the tire manufacturer is wasting your time. They don't administer the vehicle warranty - only the tire warranty.
The vehicle dealer administrates the vehicle warranty, but the factory has the final say! The vehicle dealer MIGHT do a warranty on the vehicle, but they run the risk of having their claim denied and then they will not be paid for the work.
Thanks CapriRacer. Yes, the wheel is more than adequate. And, clearance will not be a problem.
To Audi Junkie, no this is not a huge increase. It is, effectively a very small increase, hence fitting on the same rims and rim widths. In fact, due to the way the manufacturer measures these tire the actual width increase is about 6-8 mm. And, putting more rubber on the road should help handling, although reducing the sidewall width should reduce ride quality.
CapriRacer, yes I was afraid that a manufacturer with a long history of denying warranty claims would use anything to deny warranty coverage. I was going to ask the tire manufacturer if the size difference was substantial enough to add stress to the suspension/brake components or if the size difference was negligible enough to not add any stress. Who knows, I might get lucky and get a response that in the tire manufacturer's opinion no additional stresses would result from the plus zero tires.
Thanks for your help. Sometimes we just need someone to tell us our gut instincts are really right.
