Has anyone else gotten more tire chirp and sliding as their tires age? Maybe a dumb questions but this is the first AWD car I have had and this was definitely not the case when I first got the car (which came with a new set).

I've had the car 16 months and put on (cringe) about 30k miles. I used to try and get it to dance a little when I first had it but nothing; now it's hit or miss. Never really off the line just when turning. Actually did a pretty decent slide two weeks ago that I didn't think would happen but looked cool. Granted it was raining so the coefficient of friction was decreased.

Thanks

PS-I understand physics enough to ask this type of question but I am curious from an AWD car owners stand have you noticed more degradation in handling over time vs other vehicles you have owned (front, rear).

 

Are you sure its chirping and not squeaking. If it is squeaking when turning then your tires might need more air

 

Tire wear will definitely affect grip depending on your tire and its expected life expectancy.

I believe what you are experiencing is the fact that this car isn't always AWD, as its heavily RWD Bias'd with Torque Vectoring AWD. You might be pushing a bit harder as you get comfortable with how it handles.

I personally daily with traction control off. However, I was able to get my rear 285 performance tires to kick out a bit on turns, especially from a slow speed from higher RPM's. Although, I have definitely noticed rain makes it extremely easy.

 

the AWD is not a constant 50/50 power distribution its only that when it detects slippage or if you put on the snow mode I believe its something like a 30/70 or 20/80 they say it helps with the MPG

 

Cool, thanks everyone for the help. I think I will tone it down and make sure I don't expect the car to be superman come winter time. I do like the RWD bias though.

 

Tires has a lot to do with it. I also cannot explain the chirp using paddle shifters if you hit it just a right time near or at redline. Very rare to happen but it also used to never happen.

With my issue I wonder if a motor or transmission mount is damaged? It's gotten very jerky lately. Possibly need to do a trans drain and fill and do the trans software update?

 

Also, remember to rotate your tires... the rears do wear a lot faster, even on the AWD.

 

Your tires may be dry rotting (look at the date code). Tires start drying out after 3 years and lose grip.

That aside:
Tires get ADDITIONAL contact surface area as tread goes down.

You're probably just more comfortable with how to put power down in this car as a seasoned driver. Being able to extract more from it, the tires are now chirping.

 

08STLX, what tires are you running? If they are All Seasons they have harder compounds to extend tread life and generally don't grip that well, and as time goes on (like others have mentioned) that grip tends to decrease. The best All Seasons like Continental DWS and Michelin Pilot A/S will have much better grip vs. most All Seasons though.