Winter wheel set for my 09 A3 - 2.0
Audi Forum - Posts like an A1
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 12
From: Montreal
Re: Winter wheel set for my 09 A3 - 2.0
Thanks for all the reply guys 
How do you check if your car has tpms ? I didn't even know I had that and I'm under the impression that I do not. And even if I have it, can I install wheels without the sensors and the car will just display an alarm but I can still drive?
My friend who tracks his Porsche 997 has it and when he switches to his track wheels he needs to drive slowly for a couple of minutes and the system turns itself off.
How do you check if your car has tpms ? I didn't even know I had that and I'm under the impression that I do not. And even if I have it, can I install wheels without the sensors and the car will just display an alarm but I can still drive?
My friend who tracks his Porsche 997 has it and when he switches to his track wheels he needs to drive slowly for a couple of minutes and the system turns itself off.
Guest
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 5
From: Winnipeg, MB
Re: Winter wheel set for my 09 A3 - 2.0
Your post made me a little unsure, so I called the dealer to check... they couldn't tell me one way or the other if the '09 A3 has TPMS, but they thought it could be ordered as an option. However, they did say you could confirm by looking at the valve stems: if the stems are flexible (like you expect a valve stem to be), then there's no TPMS; if they're rigid, then there is.
For what it's worth, after a quick search of the forums, apparently the Canadian '09 A4 doesn't have it standard.
For what it's worth, after a quick search of the forums, apparently the Canadian '09 A4 doesn't have it standard.
Audi Forum - Posts like an A1
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 12
From: Montreal
Re: Winter wheel set for my 09 A3 - 2.0
Thanks for that I'll check tonight if they are rigid or not. But I suspect I do not have it.
I guess your last sentence is a typo and you meant A3 instead of A4?
I'll check tonight if they are rigid or not. But I suspect I do not have it.I guess your last sentence is a typo and you meant A3 instead of A4?
Guest
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 5
From: Winnipeg, MB
Re: Winter wheel set for my 09 A3 - 2.0
I guess your last sentence is a typo and you meant A3 instead of A4?
Regardless, I'm starting to think that I probably shelled out $200 that I didn't need to...
Thread Starter
Audi Forum - Posts like an A1
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 9
From: mississauga
Re: Winter wheel set for my 09 A3 - 2.0
Truthfully, I don't really know a whole lot about tires, so I chose the Dunlop's because they were consistenly highly rated on several tire websites. It was important to me to get a decent set of winter tires because here in Winter-peg, they might be on your car for 6 months. I'm not sure if you'd be compromising a lot to go with cheaper brand tires, but I'd imagine (as with most things), you get what you pay for. I asked around before I purchased, and it seems like it's tough to come out of buying a set of winters / extra rims for less than ~$1,200.
I agree, for $1,399, I might go for the alloys too. Check to see if the TPMS sensors are included in that price, since the poster at my dealer specifically stated they weren't. From tirerack.com, the sensors were $47 / wheel, and I'd be surprised if they're that cheap from a dealer.
I agree, for $1,399, I might go for the alloys too. Check to see if the TPMS sensors are included in that price, since the poster at my dealer specifically stated they weren't. From tirerack.com, the sensors were $47 / wheel, and I'd be surprised if they're that cheap from a dealer.
Audi Forum - Posts like an A1
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 1
From: Canada
Re: Winter wheel set for my 09 A3 - 2.0
I have a nice set of mags and winter tires for a 2008 A3 for sale in the montreal area. Less than 5000 km. Comes with free winter carpets ( I sold the car ) 680$ see them on lespac.com
#20338618
#20338618
Thread Starter
Audi Forum - Posts like an A1
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 9
From: mississauga
Re: Winter wheel set for my 09 A3 - 2.0
ended up going tiretrends.ca and picking up a set of winter steelies and General Tire Arctic Altimax tires.. (reviews were glowing across many sites).
Looking forward to installing them soon.
Steered away from alloys for the winter for two reasons:
- theft risk
- less cushioning with a 17" rim vs 16" steelie, with the potholes around here...
Looking forward to installing them soon.
Steered away from alloys for the winter for two reasons:
- theft risk
- less cushioning with a 17" rim vs 16" steelie, with the potholes around here...
Audi Forum - Posts like an A1
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 1
From: Ottawa, ON
Re: Winter wheel set for my 09 A3 - 2.0
I bought 16" alloy wheels and Michelin X-Ice tires from Tirerack.com, had them mounted and balanced and shipped to a Tirerack-recommended garage in the US, just over the border. I arranged an appointment, drove down, had them installed (20 minutes)...total cost, $1,170.00 tires + wheels + shipping + installation + tax at Canada Customs. Doesn't include the gas for the return trip Ottawa-Ogdensburg or the bridge toll.
