OEM v non OEM tyres

[Booth11]

Just had a new tyre fitted due to puncture.   Asked for same tyre as existing to be fitted - Continental ContiSportContact 5p.

Though the new Conti tyre is correct size, speed rating, load index etc, I noticed a difference.  Closer inspection shows that tyre is not marked R02 as are the originals.  I am aware this is the car manufacturers code for Audi approved tyres and specifically R02 relates to Audi Quattro, RS4, RS6, RS8.  Also new tyre does not have the raised rim protector edge as per the oem version.

So looks like I've got non specific version of the tyre.  I've read that certain marked tyre versions such as R02s should not be mixed with non marked ones as they cannot retain conformity, especially when on same axle.

Is there really any difference?   Should I be looking to get this replaced with the specific version of tyre?

[mwad gti]

It may just be the newer version of what you had ?

[Booth11]

It may just be the newer version of what you had ?

Well I've looked at various online tyre suppliers and you can still buy both R02 marked versions and non coded versions of said tyre (marked ones are approx £20 more).  I know that car manufacturers buy tyres in bulk and have them stamped/marked, but my concern is the info I've read (on Audi forums) that you shouldn't mix the two.

[dubber36]

I think that you are worrying un-necessarily. Just think how many cars are running round with a mix of Ling Longs and Japsui Ditchfinders.

Having different tyres annoys the hell out of me. In fact my Passat (bought used) has different types of Continental tyres on it. I'm just swapping them all round so that they will all wear out and need replacing together. To my mind, there is nothing all all wrong with the way that the car performs or it's dynamic integrity, it's just my OCD that likes all my tyres to be the same.

[Booth11]

I think that you are worrying un-necessarily. Just think how many cars are running round with a mix of Ling Longs and Japsui Ditchfinders.

Having different tyres annoys the hell out of me. In fact my Passat (bought used) has different types of Continental tyres on it. I'm just swapping them all round so that they will all wear out and need replacing together. To my mind, there is nothing all all wrong with the way that the car performs or it's dynamic integrity, it's just my OCD that likes all my tyres to be the same.

    

You're probably right Dubber, and as long as they're safe that's the main thing and car feels fine.  That said, the fact they look slightly different (no raised rim on new one), really irritates me!  Not that rim protectors have stopped me kerbing it 

[Diamond Hell]

There's a chance there might be a slight difference in rotational size between the two.

This would only cause detectable issues on a 4WD car.

[dubber36]

There's a chance there might be a slight difference in rotational size between the two.

This would only cause detectable issues on a 4WD car.

Or cars that have TPMS that use the wheel speed sensors. A press of the Reset button would sort that out.

[Booth11]

Thanks lads 

No TPMS so that's not an issue.  If I had it I probably wouldnt have needed a new tyre!

[Pinky 1959]

I have just put two tyres on the Tiguan yesterday after having two punctures at the weekend at the Merrick  Rally , partly my fault as they were needing changed before it and my going a bit too fast through the forest , I got Dunlops again as that's wot was on it .
Booth 11 why don't yopu contact the makers and ask if there is any difference in the two tyres .