Ant_S4_Avant

Hi,

I have a 2005 S4 Avant and i need to get Winter tires. What would people suggest? I was told i couldnt go down to a 17" because of the size of the brakes, but Tire Rack says i can.


What are the suggestions out there? do i get 18" winter performance and use my existing rims or can i got to a 17" painted steel wheel and 17" tires?

sakimano

I just bought 18" snow tires and mounted them on stock 18" wheels.

With Quattro, you'll be in good shape.

Stevelev

I've got 17's on my car and they clear the brakes no problem. The narrower contact patch of 17's will provide superior traction and the cost of the tires will be considerably lower than 18's thereby helping rationalize the wheel cost. I doubt there are 17" steelies available for the car but why not look at a used set of alloys or see what packages are available. Get in touch with allen@simplytire.com or bryan@independenttuning.ca as both are super to deal with.

Good luck !

sakimano

how does the height of the wheel influence the contact patch? or are you suggesting that the 17s are likely considerably slimmer than the 235 18s? I always hear people saying you should get higher profile tires on smaller wheels for winter, but I've yet to hear a good reason. I can understand the theory about contact patch, but that relates more to tire width than height...Thanks.

Stevelev

Typically the smaller wheel will have both a narrower tire as well as higher sidewall to maintain the same diameter. If looking at 235's in a 17" then never mind ...

Here's a tire calculater that helps to determine the proper size when going up or down in size to OEM: Car / SUV / Van / Light Truck Tire Calculations

Ant_S4_Avant

Thanks very much guys, i was looking to rationalize the cost so if i can go 17" then i probably will. I have a buddy that can get 17" steel in Markham for about $600 then all i need is get to tires. What do you recommend? is there much difference when you get to this size performance tire anyway? I was looking at either Dunlap or Pirelli?

sakimano

17" STEEL FOR $600??

what the fk?

get some nice alloys. There are 17" RS6 reps for $600 on Craigslist/Audiforum/Kijiji.ca

Better yet, just go buy some OEM alloys off somebody on one of those pages. There are dozens of options.

Steel wheels are fugly...why make your car look like crap for 4 months?

Ant_S4_Avant

it was just a package he put together for me $1100 all in but the tires werent the highest quality. Thanks for the advice - i had no idea i could get a set of alloys that cheap. I will definitely take your advice!

Any suggetsions on what brand i should go with for the tire?

sakimano

I'd get some used OEM A4 wheels if you want 17" or look for a set of the old B5 S4 wheels (17" also)

Audi B6 (2002-2005) A4 Sport Wheels $500
17" Audi Sport Rims and Tires - Toronto Cars & Vehicles - Kijiji Toronto

B5 (pre 2002) S4 rims (750, but that's WAY overpriced...should be about $400
Audi OEM Rims - Toronto Cars & Vehicles - Kijiji Toronto

Here is the link to AUDIZINE.com ...this is the 17" wheels section of the classifieds. TONS of great options of OEM Audi product.

If I were you I'd try to find B6 A4 Avant wheels or B5 S4 wheels...both were 17" and both look very similar to the 18" wheels that came stock on your car. It will be a nice seemless winter swap that will look great on the car.

http://www.audizine.com/classifieds/showcat.php?cat=46

Stevelev

I picked up nice 16" alloys for both my mom's car (C240) and a friend's A4 from Tire Trends for $135. each.

For selection of tires, go to Tire Rack and take a look at the options and reviews. My personal favorite is the Dunlop M3 but not sure if its replacement (D3?) is as great. I'm now on 17" Blizzak LM's (came with the car) and they are also very good winter tires.

Good luck !