
Q7 should be replaced with Michelin brand tires. The functions of tires are: 1. To transmit driving force, braking force, and steering force to achieve vehicle operation; 2. To support vehicle load; 3. To reduce and absorb vibrations and impacts during driving, avoiding severe vibrations that could damage automotive components. Taking the 2020 Audi Q7 as an example, it belongs to the mid-to-large SUV category, with body dimensions of: length 5067mm, width 1970mm, height 1731mm, wheelbase of 2996mm, fuel tank capacity of 85 liters, and curb weight of 2115kg. The 2020 Audi Q7 is equipped with a 2.0T turbocharged engine, with a maximum horsepower of 245PS, maximum power of 180kW, maximum torque of 370Nm, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission.

For someone like me who frequently drives long distances, prioritizing quietness and wet traction when replacing tires for the Q7 is essential. The Michelin Latitude Sport 3 is truly excellent, although it's a bit pricey at over 2,000 yuan per tire, but it feels like stepping on cotton when driving on the highway. Its special rubber compound prevents slipping on waterlogged roads, and the thickened sidewall ply also protects against curb rash. Once during a heavy rain on the highway, the braking distance was nearly two meters shorter than with the original tires—this kind of safety investment is well worth it. However, it's important to note that tires on the same axle must be replaced with the same model; mixing tires can affect the operation of the electronic differential lock.

Northern car owners prioritize all-season versatility. Here, winter temperatures drop to -20°C, and the Q7's factory-fitted Continental UC6 tires perform steadily with no slippage on icy starts. The asymmetric tread pattern quickly evacuates snow, while shoulder grooves disperse water—last week I maintained 80km/h on slushy roads with standing water. The key advantage is avoiding seasonal tire swaps like my neighbors, saving storage costs. However, biannual wheel balancing is recommended as these wide tires are prone to uneven wear when misaligned. Currently, JD.com's self-operated store offers a set of four for under ¥7,000 including installation, with ¥200 trade-in value for old tires.

If you're on a budget, try the Goodyear EfficientGrip SUV II. Last month, I replaced all four tires on my Q7 with these, mainly because of their double-layer carcass for durability—perfect for gravel roads on sites without worrying about broken cords. The honeycomb cushion layer filters out most of the vibrations on concrete roads, so my kids no longer get carsick in the back seat. Just be aware that the sidewalls are a bit soft, so don’t follow my wife’s habit of always parking by riding the curb. The whole set, including alignment, cost just over 6,000, saving me the price of a smartphone compared to Michelin. Remember to choose the 104Y load index—the Q7 weighs over two tons.

For those who love road trips, the Pirelli Scorpion AT Plus is highly recommended. Last time I went to Tibet, I specifically switched to this model. The mud tread pattern grips firmly, and I didn't slip when crossing shell craters. The three-layer carcass resists punctures—I was scraped by gravel over a dozen times in the Nujiang Gorge without any bulging. On the return trip, I discovered a pleasant surprise on the highway: the biomimetic tread pattern reduces noise well, and you only hear a slight rustling when the window is open. The only downside is that it consumes about 1 liter more fuel per 100 km compared to urban tires, and maintaining a tire pressure of 2.8 bar helps save fuel. It fits perfectly with the factory 20-inch wheels and 275/45R20 size. After changing them, I've driven 30,000 km, and the tread is still deep.

Young car owners looking to enhance handling might want to try Toyo PROXES Sport. I saw a modified Q7 using this tire at a track day last year – the asymmetric unidirectional design provides exceptional stability during cornering. The semi-slick compound heats up quickly, maintaining nearly undiminished grip even on mountain roads in 38-degree heat. The downside? You'll need to control your speed in rainy conditions, as wet performance is about 20% inferior to Michelin. The English letters printed on the sidewall look pretty cool; just remind the technician to mount them with the white lettering facing outward. However, remember to switch back to original-sized tires for annual inspections, as modified tires often fail compliance checks.


