tire question
 

Quick question. I have the factory 17" sport rims on my B6 A4 and am wondering if there would be any real issue in going up to a 245/40R17 from the regular size of 235/45R17? There is a groupbuy going on for ultra cheap of Bridgestone Blizzak LM-22's that I am thinking of getting in on. I know usually you go smaller for winter tires, but for the price I thought it might be worth it. Thanks

Re: tire question
 

I have been running LM-22 for 6 yrs, and it is a great tire as a performance winter tire. but 245/40 R17 seems a bit too wide. May I ask how much they are asking for?

Re: tire question
 

Based on my calculations, the 235/45's have a diameter of 25.3 inches and the 245/40's are 24.7 in. Ideally you should maintain a diameter within 0.5 inch. There is a 0.6 difference (increase) here so it will still work, but your speedometer reading will be off (reading slower than your actual speed).

Re: tire question
 

I'm interested in this option as tires are about $70 a piece brand new. With the diameter getting smaller, wouldn't the speedo show faster than I am actually going?

Re: tire question
 

If you're looking for better traction in snow go with the narrower contact patch of the 235's. Frankly, my B6 with 16's (215/55/16's Dunlops) was spectacular and my B7 with 235/45/17's LM22's does not have as good snow traction.

For comparison of tire sizes check out Tire Calculations

or for a great site for wheels and tires checkout: Wheel / tire size calculator / comparer

Cheers !

Re: tire question
 

damb esprite man u must be a baller to be ownen all them whips

Re: tire question
 

Well I am quite impressed with how the car performs with the Yokohama all seasons I have on it already, but thought for the price it might be worth moving into the winter tires. The only time I notice the all season lacking at all is under braking in icy conditions. Just really wanted to know if these tires would fit on my rims without any issues on them or the car.

Re: tire question
 

Yes, your speedometer will read ~2.5% faster than you're actually traveling; the distance on your odometer will also accrue that much more as well.

Is that the only tire size available, or what? You should be going to as skinny a tire as possible for Winter tires. 205/50/17 will be within 1% of stock and is safe to run if your wheel is 7.5" wide.

Even the best all-Seasons are horrible in the snow - good tires will make more of a difference than going from FWD/RWD --> AWD! Once you drive on studded Winters, you'll see why AS tires are a joke in the snow. . .

Re: tire question
 

Well I have driven on all seasons almost all my life in the snow. Driven a few vehicles in winter on snow tires and yes I do notice a difference, but nothing that I can't handle. Does anyone know the width of the factory sport 17" 5 spoke rims? I have found some sets of 225/45/17 tires that I may pick up instead if they will work on my rims. Thanks