ptran127

Hey guys, I'm shopping for new winter tires to replace the A/S on my B8.5. Two issues I can't seem to find a good conclusive answer for...

1) Tire Size - I'm keeping my 18" wheels, but I don't know whether I should/need to go with smaller tire width and/or more sidewall, or keep the same A/S 245/40x18 config that I have now. Keep in mind that I'm in Boston; we get some big snowstorms, and our city roads suck. I was thinking 235/40-45/18. I asked Audi and they told me that's a no-no and to keep the standard config

2) High Performance vs Studless - Bearing in mind that I live in the NE and Boston roads can be filled with potholes hiding under a layer of snow, I was looking into more aggressive snow tires, like the Michelin XI3. But I also don't want to lose out on dry grip and handling if there is no snow. I don't punish my car, but I also don't drive like a grandma.

Cost isn't an issue, but time is. This would be my first winter set. I want to get it right the first time!

Halp!

GRMick

Narrower tires go through snow better, but provide less traction in wet and dry conditions. If narrower tires are desired, 225/45/18 would keep the outside circumference almost identical to the 245/40/18 OEM size.


I went around on the same issues as you...dry & wet performance versus snow/ice traction. In the end, it came down to the Michelin Pilot Alpine 4 (better dry/wet) versus Nokian Hakkapeliitta R2's (better snow/ice).

I ended up keeping 19 inch diameter and ordered the Nokian tire because i had a lot of experience with them before. IMO, they are absolutely fantastic in the snow and ice, and much more than acceptable in dry and wet performance.

I have not used the Micheline Pilot Alpine 4's so i am really interested to hear from others how they perform. Michelin XICExi2, Bridgestone Blizzak LM25, Bridgestone Blizzak WS60 were all tried and, by far, the Nokians were superior in my experience.

My 2 cents, I'd keep the 245/40/18 size and put on a set of Nokian Hakkapeliitta R2's

slasher016

I went with the Michelin Pilot Alpine PA4 and they are fantastic. They perform very admirably in the snow, and very acceptably in the dry. They truly are a nice blend of "winter performance" and while still being dedicated winter tires. It was a light snow year last year for us, but I had no issues at all in the snow. My biggest annoyance was other people not getting out of the way.

MVR 155

I just picked up my new winter tire set up (not installed on car yet). I opted to go with the Blizzak LM-60 in size: 235/45/18, this tire is 1/4 inch taller and offers considerably more sidewall than my factory 19's do. Obviously this setup is skinnier so it will cut the snow better. The Chicagoland area can get quickly covered with pot holes. Snow/winter tires will always be a compromise from a handling standpoint. I mounted the tires on 18" titanium reps to retain a factory look.

GRMick

Man--i know what you mean. Switched to dedicated winter tires about 15 years ago and the difference in traction, and most importantly braking, is tremendous. Having someone in front with crappy all season tires doing 15MPH with a inch of snow because they have no traction is frustrating!

Thanks for the info on the Michelins...The PA4's get great reviews, I just hadn't seen much about the real world snow and ice performance since they are relatively new.

My beautiful wife, daughter, son and I have all used the Nokian Hakka R1's the last two years. Other than light tread squirm when it gets above 60F, and a bit slower turn-in, I was pleasantly surprised with the dry and wet performance. The Hakka r2's are new in the US and supposed to have improved these issues with even more ice traction.

I get my winter tires and wheels mounted in two weeks...time will tell.

GUEST123

Like MVR 155, I went with a 235/45-18. However, I have the Michelin PA3 Alpins. I have zero complaints. The ride is comfortable, quiet and great in snow. I also like having the extra sidewall for protection against potholes ...

drew2.7T

conditions, also dry highway. I have my 3rd set and nothing beats them for performance and a very good snow.

Eastono

Hi there,

I have a 2014 Audi A4 Quattro 2.0T Premium Plus that I want to purchase a winter tire set for. Right now I am running 18in stock rims with 245/40/R18 all seasons. I found a winter set on Marketplace that is 225/55R17 Hankooks mounted on 17in Sport edition rims. Wondering if the fitment would work and if this is a good purchase. I attached images below, any advice would be greatly appreciated!

Thank you

SMac770

To answer the question requires all the details.
245/40r18 on 18x8.0 et47, ok
225/55r17 on 17x?.? et??, what's the width and offset of the winter wheels?
This assumes the prospective winter wheels are 5x112 lug pattern and 66.6 (might see it 66.5 or 66.56) center bore.

The Audi OE 17" winter for the B8.5 sedan is 17x7.0 et46 with 225/50r17 tires. So your prospect will be slightly larger diameter overall due to the taller sidewall, meaning the car will be going slightly faster and slightly further than the speedometer and odometer are reflecting (though who's to say it's even spot on now). But how much different?

https://www.wheel-size.com/calc/ is a good page to stick in your bookmarks.