Stevelev

Good points made here. One more thing to add - Pay attention to the load rating - it is not a good idea to go with a tire that is rated lower than what is recommended for your car !

fansq5

Thank you all for the help. It concluded my concerns. I have decided not to take that S4 set. Any idea where I can buy winter package for Q5? The audi dealer pkg is $2395 plus taxes - $2700 for 17" set.

jupi

I would recommend SimplyTire if you're in GTA area. Speak to Allen, he's very knowledgeable and helpful. []Simply Tire - Your cars destination for Wheels and Tires
I've got my winter package from him just before Christmas and couldn't be happier.
Tires: Michelin Latitude Alpine
Wheels: Audi replica wheel (18'')
Total package and installation cost: $1600 + Tax

I've considered many options as to the wheel/tire configuration and it's my strong belief that a replica wheel is the way to go. Here are the reasons:
1. Exact match of the center bore diameter - no need for spacing rings that could break, compress and get misaligned or lost.
2. Lug bolt seat is the same as OEM wheels - no need to use different bolts for each set of tires
3. Comparably priced if not cheaper than any other aftermarket wheel.
4. Looks great (I've got Audi emblem on mine, so they look authentic)
5. Michelin tires are slightly better from noise and wear perspective than Bridgestones, so I went with them, but AFAIK they're difficult to come by this time of the year.

In the end it's a matter of preference of course. Good luck with your search.

warcity

iTrader: (1)

I too have a place I'm GTA PM me. 1600 tax and 18 rims all in.

GT475

Got similar package here.

235/60R18 XL Michelin latitude
RR15 replika rims
bolts

All for 1610$ + tax
Bad thing is that the tax went up by 1% since January 1st in Quebec (from 7.5% to 8.5%)

Set is ready for installation.

I just need the car now which should be this Wednesday/Thursday at the latest.

Marc G

jupi

I was in the same boat myself, got my car morning of December 23rd (dealer delivered to my door) and put snow tires 3 hours later, didn't even have time to take pictures of the car with stock wheels.
By the way, when I put the snow tires on, the decorative wheel covers (five-point-star shaped) did not fit because of the wheel locks that are no longer optional for Audi. I had to file one of the points 1/4' so they fit the wheel. Something to watch out for.

fansq5

Should I go 18" for winter tires or 17"? Audi dealer recommends minus calcaulation which is 17" for winter tires. They argue smaller tires will give better control in winter but I just don't get the point. For 17", you'll need a higher height-width ratio (235/65R17) as opposed to 235/60R18 for 18'. That is trying to maintain the overal diameter. The width of the tires are the same for 17" and 18". So the two conbinations do not give you any difference (except slightly smaller diameter with 17"). Can any pro help clarifying on this?

Thanks.

warcity

iTrader: (1)

Depending on your point of view both 17 and 18 have their advantages. From an appearance perspective IMO 17" will look too small on the "Q5". Most folks on this forum have 18".

Stevelev

Downsizing typically provides both a narrower tread and taller sidewall. Without the superiior traction of a narrower contact patch, maintaining the same width on a smaller wheel/ tire combo will only save money (is that a bad thing?). No question that 17's won't look as good but IMO, traction and saving $'s for winter trumps looks. You can use tirerack's website to get an idea of looks. My GF's sister runs 17's on her Q and I personally think it looks fine ....