RS Q8 winter tires?
#141
AudiWorld Super User
The Winter Tire saga continues. So Discount Tire test fitted the 285/45 R22 Bridgestones on my RS Q8 and in Dynamic mode (lowest right height) at full turn, the outer edge of the tires rub against the inner plastic trim of the fenders. Even though these apparently are supposed to work fine for an SQ8, the tires rub on the RS Q8 so they recommended against using this size on my vehicle.
The only recommended sizes left are 285/40 R22 or 275/40 R22. They said 275/45 will not work with the weight of the vehicle.
There are very limited options in the 285/40 at Discount Tire with the Michelin X-Ice being the only ones in stock at $550 / tire vs $300 for the Bridgestones. I am leaning towards getting the Vredestein Wintrac Pro from Tire Rack for $340 each, having them shipped to me and having Discount tire mount them to the wheels they have in stock.
I will let you know how this works out.
The only recommended sizes left are 285/40 R22 or 275/40 R22. They said 275/45 will not work with the weight of the vehicle.
There are very limited options in the 285/40 at Discount Tire with the Michelin X-Ice being the only ones in stock at $550 / tire vs $300 for the Bridgestones. I am leaning towards getting the Vredestein Wintrac Pro from Tire Rack for $340 each, having them shipped to me and having Discount tire mount them to the wheels they have in stock.
I will let you know how this works out.
#142
AudiWorld Member
Howdy - so I’m looking at the 285/45r22 option for my Q8 with adjustable air suspension…. You said these rubbed on your RS at low setting; thinking my Q doesn't drop as low? My initial concern was the close proximity of the front upper suspension leaning over the top of the front tire - doesn’t seem to be much room there? Did you have any issues there?
Last edited by HDCL; 11-20-2021 at 09:35 AM.
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B7Quattro Pete (11-20-2021)
#143
AudiWorld Member
The base Q and SQ8 allow for OEM tire sizes other than 285/40 R22. There is something different about the RS Q8 brakes, wheel hubs or front fender assembly that limits tire sizes. I did not personally view where the tire was rubbing but the tech said it was the front outer edge at full steering lock. I asked about wheel spacers and he said that would actually make it worse. He said it was only off by a few millimeters and likely will not happen after the tire wears down a bit in 6 - 12 months BUT they did not recommend this size tire even though they are probably going to end up losing the tire purchase from me and had to go through the effort of test fitting the tires to the new wheels.
#144
AudiWorld Member
Just placed an order on Tire Rack for the 285/40R-22 Vredestein Wintrac Pro XL
They are out of stock with an estimated restock date of 12/1 and delivery by 12/2. I ended up not ordering the TPMS sensors from Tire Rack since they were only $4 each cheaper and did not want to deal with any hassles if for some reason they don't work with the vehicle. Discount Tire can be responsible for making sure everything is in order.
From the reviews I have read, they are great compromise between dry/wet handling (up to 70F) and winter weather. We don't get THAT much snow in Chicago where I need a Nordic Winter tire optimized for heavy snow but compromised for dry/wet conditions. Most of the reviews also mention that they are very quiet.
They are out of stock with an estimated restock date of 12/1 and delivery by 12/2. I ended up not ordering the TPMS sensors from Tire Rack since they were only $4 each cheaper and did not want to deal with any hassles if for some reason they don't work with the vehicle. Discount Tire can be responsible for making sure everything is in order.
From the reviews I have read, they are great compromise between dry/wet handling (up to 70F) and winter weather. We don't get THAT much snow in Chicago where I need a Nordic Winter tire optimized for heavy snow but compromised for dry/wet conditions. Most of the reviews also mention that they are very quiet.
#145
AudiWorld Member
Just placed an order on Tire Rack for the 285/40R-22 Vredestein Wintrac Pro XL
They are out of stock with an estimated restock date of 12/1 and delivery by 12/2. I ended up not ordering the TPMS sensors from Tire Rack since they were only $4 each cheaper and did not want to deal with any hassles if for some reason they don't work with the vehicle. Discount Tire can be responsible for making sure everything is in order.
From the reviews I have read, they are great compromise between dry/wet handling (up to 70F) and winter weather. We don't get THAT much snow in Chicago where I need a Nordic Winter tire optimized for heavy snow but compromised for dry/wet conditions. Most of the reviews also mention that they are very quiet.
They are out of stock with an estimated restock date of 12/1 and delivery by 12/2. I ended up not ordering the TPMS sensors from Tire Rack since they were only $4 each cheaper and did not want to deal with any hassles if for some reason they don't work with the vehicle. Discount Tire can be responsible for making sure everything is in order.
From the reviews I have read, they are great compromise between dry/wet handling (up to 70F) and winter weather. We don't get THAT much snow in Chicago where I need a Nordic Winter tire optimized for heavy snow but compromised for dry/wet conditions. Most of the reviews also mention that they are very quiet.
By the time I get this thing I won't need winter anything.
#148
AudiWorld Super User
Btw, I live in Maryland - Quattro and good all season tires (with good ice traction) is all I need here. I did the winter tire switch (from OEM A/S) with my Volvo’s for years, because their Haldex AWD systems sucked. I think it was still overkill around here. The latest all season tires with their trick tread patterns and exotic rubber compounds do fine in light to moderate snow and icy conditions. I understand winter tires if you’re dealing with northern winter conditions often.
Honestly I never understood summer tires on a 2+ ton SUV; regardless of horsepower, it’s still not a sports car. Of course then I go and buy a GLC 43 equipped only with summer tires on the big wheels. Those ridiculous summer Dunlop’s with crap water siping tread have been replaced by a great set of Michelin Pilot Sport A/S 4’s. Overall the rig feels and handles better and I have the confidence in the cold, rain and light snow. I wish they came in the size I need for the Q8.
Quick tip (not to patronize anyone): if you’re getting a lot of wheel slip, like in that icy garage scenario, manual shift to a higher gear such as 3rd, ease into the throttle, to reduce the rpms, torque.
#150