18 Inch Tires and Wheels
 

Hi, I am sure this has been talked to death already but I cannot see where. I have a 2007 A4 3.2, It came with 235 45 17 tires with 17 X 7.5 wheels. I want to change and go to 18 inch wheels to give a little more attention to the wheels. I thought 245 40 18 would work. Has anyone went to larger tires ? Any problems?

Re: 18 Inch Tires and Wheels
 

Nice car ! Going larger definitely works. 245's would work and possibly provide a bit better grip due to a wider contact patch but the OEM 18's come with 235/40/18's. If you plan on lowering your car, the wider 245's could end up rubbing on the inside of the fenders. FYI, 235's cost a bit less and will be lighter ... Here's a Tire diameter calculator for you: Car / SUV / Van / Light Truck Tire Calculations

Bear in mind that a larger wheel/tire combo is typically heavier and will have a negative affect on the performance of the car (handling, accelleration and ride). If you can afford it, definitely try to get a lighter wheel !! I went from OEM 18's with 235/40/18's (51 lbs) to forged 19" wheels with 235/35/19's (41 lbs) and the ride got better :-)

What the hell, here's a pic ...


Attachment 15935

Re: 18 Inch Tires and Wheels
 

Thanks, wanted a larger lower profile wheel , Maybe I should stay with 17 and go with a 245 40 17 wheel instead,

Re: 18 Inch Tires and Wheels
 

I assume you meant a lower profile tire ... one thing to keep in mind: when you go lower profile, the wheel gap (between top of tire and fender) becomes more pronounced and then there's a desire to lower the car. Its a slippery slide down the mod bug slope ... ;-)

Re: 18 Inch Tires and Wheels
 

Yes meant lower profile tire. And I know about the slippery slope. The car is black and I want to install chrome wheels on it for the summer. Just want to get the best look when I do. Not a whole lot else can be done to the 3.2 , but am concidering a new exhaust but really hate to take off one so new. The wheels are easy I want winters on so new chrome for summer originals for winter

Re: 18 Inch Tires and Wheels
 

You could remove the 3.2 and install the 4.2 from the S4..that'd be better.

Re: 18 Inch Tires and Wheels
 

Yes would be, but then again lots of work to a new car. The 3.2 is really pretty peppy as it is, I just want a little more rumble to it. Maybe later in life a 4.2

Re: 18 Inch Tires and Wheels
 

a 235/40 tire will have a lower profile than a 245/40...