Trowe

I have 245 45 R17 all seasons on my 2010 A4. If I go to snows can I simply put the same size on the existing rims or do I have to get different rims with a different size snow tire on them?
Thanks

flew66

First of all.. it is winter tires not snow tires...
It is your personal choice to buy separate wheels or re-use the existing wheels, there are pros and cons. If you plan to keep your A4 for more than 4 years, it would make sense to buy separate wheels as $ for mounting / balancing adds up over the years. Your original wheels are also prone to damage due to frequent tires installation.
Go to Tirerack.com or 1010tires.com to check your option.

WpgAvant

Yes you can run the same size (245/45 R17) or, 225/50 R17. Slightly narrower tread and in theory would give you better traction in slippery conditions.

But, as flew66 say's, pick up a dedicated set of rims for your winter set-up.

Louis Yong

I have 4 brand new Mitchellin 17" tires on my A4 right now. Do I need to change them to all 4 snow tires for the Vancouver winter driving?
My A4 is only a front wheel drive, not the all wheel drive version.
Please advise.
Thanks!

Loo

Louis Yong

For winter driving in Vancouver what brand of tires do you recommend? What size?
Thanks again!

Loo

midrange

HI Loo,

All season tires are good to about 6-8 degrees. After that, the tires compound starts to go hard, leaving you with not that great of traction. A winter tire obviously can stay softer in the colder weather making much better traction.

Everyone has there own opinion on winter tires.. I like to stay away from Goodyear as i find their compound to not be as soft as say michelin. But to save money, believe it or not, the motomaster winter tires are amazing in the snow i find. Its all what you want to spend really.

I also recommend having a summer and winter set of rims. Steel rims for winter is the best choice as you will not lose your PSI. Aluminum rims expand and retract so much in the cold making your tires leak around the seal so steel rims is the way to go.

As far as BC winters. Winter is winter and nothing is ever wrong with winter tires. Soon it will be mandatory in most provinces (already is in Quebec) to have winter tires.

Hope this helps.

WpgAvant

Winter tires should always be put on all wheels. Running two on the back or front is never recommended.

Louis Yong

Ok thanks that's help a lot!
I will look up motomaster on line....
Cheers!

Loo