Review: OZ Mito/Blizzak MZ02

Just mounted the new winter wheels and thought I'd share some thoughts. The faulty valve stem (see other post) was fixed by an incredibly generous Firestone service center. He charged nothing and didn't ask where I'd bought the wheels and tires. I bought them from Tire Rack, and was quite happy until the valve stem problem. Anyway - The OZ Mito rims are actually nicer looking than I thought they'd be. My old car had Fittipaldi's made by OZ, so I expected reasonable quality. The mold-separation areas are a little rough, but at $89 per wheel I'll accept it. The finish is nice and matches my silver A4 quite well. The offset is 35, 10 less than stock wheels, and it is visible. I'm not sensitive enough to feel any difference in steering because of it. The tires are Blizzak MZ-02, 195-65-15. The streets were damp today, and the tires still have plenty of mold-release stuff, so the ASR light flashed violently when I accelerated hard, turning right from a stop. The tires are comfy, though, and didn't have nearly as dreadful a response as I expected. They hum a little at highway speed. I had hoped the center caps would be a match with the Audi sport wheels. No luck - they're very close, but no cigar. Rats! td 98 Avant STip Let it snow, let it snow, ...

I have the same wheels with Dunlop Winter M2 Sports (15") on order. Pardon my ignorance, but what exactly is the "offset", and what difference does it make. Others: Is this a good fit for the A4? Thanks.

This link toTire Rack explains offset really well. Email me if you have any other questions.

CraigB

• Tire Rack Wheel Tech (offset)