First a little background. I have a 2000 1.8T Sedan and we have ordered a 2002 Avant for my wife. When we placed the order we didn't order the sports package. The main reason being that this is a "family vehicle" (he-he), and I was concerned about handling in incliment weather on the z-rated tires. Fortunately, we live in Alabama so snow is not a big issue, but we are from Indiana and still make several trips up north each year. I recently saw the photos of the Avant at the LA show posted below, and I really like the wheels (and in general would like to get the sports package). So, I'm trying to find out some information. I know that the z-rated tires could not be used in the winter, but how do they do in rain? Secondly, I would probably replace the z-rated rubber with some all-season rated tires (if not initially, when it came late fall). Will the car handle well (from a safty perspective) similarly with the 17" wheels and all season tires as with the 16" wheels and all season tires. While I would like the sports package, I can't justify sacrificing safety in the rain of my family. Any experience or insight would be appreciated.

there are many high perf. tires which handle very well in the rain. Bridgestone S03, Michelin Pilot Sports, and many others.

The main issue with summer tires is that they suck in the snow. They also lose some of the grip in extremely low temps as the soft rubber compounds begin to harden.

As far as 17" vs. 16", 17" will show better responsiveness/handling due to lower sidewall, regardless whether they're summer tires or all-seasons. Main reason why people get smaller rims for winter is that many roads become worse during winter months with many hidden potholes. When you hit one of those with a 17" rim, the risk of damaging the rim is higher than if you hit the same pothole with a 16" or 15" rim.

Another reason for a smaller rim is that you can put a narrower tire on it. This is beneficial if you drive through deep snow. Narrower tire cuts through snow better.

There's no safety difference between 16 and 17... in fact 17"s will give you better steering response/feel.

The "ideal" solution is to have a set of 16" all season plus tires like the Nokian NRW (true all seasons) for your trips up north and a set of good looking 17" or 18" wheels with some REAL performance tires so you can really enjoy your avant to the fullest :)

BTW Max Performance or Ultra High Performance tires will do great on dry AND wet.

Hope this helps :)

MAX
800-489-5353 ext 203
MAX@edgeracing.com

Performance "Z" rated tires are designed to enhance your driving experience by not sacrificing dry or wet traction levels to go through the snow. So the safety in the rain issue should not be a concern. There are several "Z" rated all season tires that are pretty good in the snow, most notably, The Sport 5000 which exceptional in the snow and rain for an all-season tire.

Luke