Touareg Advice Please

BenEadir

Hi all,

I recently purchased a 2005 R5 2.5TDi Auto and have a few questions I'd appreciate some knowledgeable input on:-

1. What tyres would people recommend I change to when the time comes? I do about 20,000 KM's a year 40% within the M50, 40% on motorways and 20% on 'proper' old fashioned country roads i.e. the sort with grass growing down the middle!! I've currently got 235/65/17's and don't want to change rims so what would be the best in this size range? I used to have Falkens on a BMW 5 Series and thought they were very good. These 235/55/17's look good to me http://www.camskill.co.uk/products.p...56b0s2186p9078 but dropping from 65 to 55 might not be such a good idea comfort or performance wise on a Touareg? Would these be a better choice http://ssl.delti.com/cgi-bin/rshop.p...rt=P&dsco=124? for €108 or do I really need to push the boat out for these http://ssl.delti.com/cgi-bin/rshop.p...ort=P&dsco=124 at €183 a piece?? I don't skimp on tyres as they are all that's keeping me (and more importantly my family) on the road but I don't want to spend an extra €300 unless there is a significant improvement in performance and/or durability.

2. Where can I get a set of sliding roof bars? I was thinking dismantlers in the Dublin area would be the best place to start but VW changed the roof system at some stage so I don't know exactly what to ask for!! My car has two parallel tracks running lenghtwise along the roof of the car so I'd like to get the official VW style which clip together into a single bar at the rear of the car when not in use. Like these http://www.ecstuning.com/Volkswagen-...Sale/ES414200/

3. I have one of those space saving spare tyres in the boot. It's just dawned on me that it's not much use without some wayto pump it up and the empty space in the photo below to the left of the tyre is where the 'pump' should be??? I thought it was a space for a fire extingusher so wasn't too bothered but if it's where the 'pump' should be can someone confirm that?

Missing Compressor.jpg

Thanks in advance for the help.

Ben

101sean

Hi Ben

Have a look at this thread, there's a very good tyre comparison link on there, see what you like and see if Camskill or someone local do them. http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2056169203

As you can see, BF Goodrich are highly thought of and do more road biased treads as do Cooper and General Grabber. You are right not to skimp on tyres on something like that but while Michelin are very good, they also know how to charge.

I wouldn't go lower profile than what you have, especially for the county roads.

Can't help with the roof bars, suspect you'll have to go to a UK breaker for them.

Is the tyre stored deflated? If you do need a pump and don't want an original one, get a decent one like a T-Max or similar. The poxy little pumps sold by Halfords and the like are no good for bigger tyres. http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/T-max-12v-high-output-Air-Compressor-/220728569423?pt=UK_Campervan_Caravan_Accessories&hash=item336472ae4f

BenEadir

Thanks Sean, the tyre picker is excellent and the pumps sounds good also. Much appreciated.

Ben