New tyres for TDI wagon

[Passatwind]

I'm tired of only getting 30 k kms on a set of tyres. This has been the case with the original RE050As and the subsequent RE001 Potenzas. Any suggestions?

[passatpout]

Run higher pressures than the soft-as recommendations... Particularly if you're running consistent high speeds or heavy loads.

As for tyre brands, I've had the original Contis and now on Michelins.. 55,000km on the Contis, and had about 3mm tread left when replaced. Done about 40,000km on the Michelins, haven't even thought about replacing them yet.

[Diesel_vert]

You could try looking at Bridgestone's Turanza range instead of their Potenza Range, though I think you've had enough of their tyres already. Likewise with Michelin (Primacy HP instead of Pilot Sport), Pirelli (Cinturato P7 instead of P Zero), etc.

As mentioned, make sure the tyre pressures are correct, as they are different from the sedan models. For a Passat Wagon up to MY2008, they should be 2.6 bar (38 psi) all-round for normal loads, and 2.8/2.9 bar (42/44 psi) front/rear for heavy loads.

[Passatwind]

Thank you for your replies. I run 40 psi all round, most driving is shortish Canberra trips, light load and my driving is generally sedate. Suggestions to go for less sticky compunds sound like the ticket. Hope tradeoff in performance is not too drastic.

[Passatwind]

Just checked out the results of last years ADAC tyre test. Pirelli P7s are looking good. Apologies cannot post URL as using smartphone and dont know how!

[Lams]

we're on our 2nd set of Pirelli PZero Rossos - at 105000km. They're noisy as now!!!
don't know if Michelin PS3 is still on introductory offer? I got a set in 18s for 270 each, 235/45/17 for 230 each for our old Jetta

[Umai Naa!!]

The trick is to not get directionals, keep the pressures up (I run our customers' cars at 40 PSI), and to make sure your wheel alignment is spot-on.

The OEM-spec tyres always wear out fast. Turanzas are actually quite a good tyre, and offer a good compromise of grip Vs longevity.

[Passatwind]

Thanks. Do you think the Turanzas are better than the P7s?

[Diesel_vert]

The Turanza ER300 is better than the old regular "P7", but not the new "Cinturato P7".

[Passatwind]

Thanks everyone. Really helpful. Much appreciated.