bloeschberger

Hello there
Just leased a 2011 S4 Auto with sport diff off the dealers lot and will take delivery somtime within the next two weeks after returning my current ride (Caddy SUV)
I always wanted an S4 for it's understated appearance (stock model in a modest color) and superior technology. Also added the winter tire package and now I'm getting nervous about having made the right decision. It's my only car and I'm afraid of how it will hold up (especially the rims/tires and the low ground clearance) in the Calgary Winter. With ice, ruts, potholes and all that. Any words of comfort for me? Or should I look for an add-on old truck to drive on the bad days? Also, the dealer is pushing all these protection/tinting and 3m packages. I know they just send it to a third party. My question is, if that would be so beneficial, why doesn't the factory put on some tar or whatever on the under carriage to begin with?
Thanks for any words of wisdom.

flew66

I am in the same boat as you. Just got my S4 couple weeks ago and put on the winter tires today. I think the S4 has decent clearance. You just need to look out for the big icy potholes to avoid damaging the wheels. What winter package did you get? With good winter tires and Quattro, I think we can endure the Alberta winter fairly well. You just need to remind yourself that you are not driving a big SUV anymore.

Audi does not recommend any aftermarket rust proofing. Your dealer should not push for that. They are probably trying to sell you the fabic / paint protection / tinting which are basically cash grab. Having said that, the 3M is good investment that will keep the front hood free of stone chips. However, you probably can get it done cheaper somewhere else.

Clyde

No need to be nervous. We've had 2 quattros over 3 winters on the prairies and I still get amazed at how well they handle the white stuff. Of course you don't have the ground clearance of a truck or SUV so off-roading and huge drifts are not an option but under normal conditions, it's all good.

bloeschberger

Thanks for your answers. The tire package consists of The A4 18" sport package factory rims with Continental TS810S. Compared to my previous SUV tires there is not a lot of meat on those tires. But apparently 17" rims would not clear the discs on the S4, I was told. Just hope those rims/tires will hold up.

Clyde

On the 2007 A4 in my sig we never bothered with winter tires as the Continental all-seasons were great. The 2009 A3 had summer performance tires so it was a must to buy winter tires. Of course it snowed before I got them on and we did drive briefly with the smoothies, no problem.

flew66

You should not compare winter tires with truck tires as the technologies are different. Winter tires are all about softer compound and sipes. In general Performance Winter Tires does not provide as good snow grip as multi-cell compound winter tires such as Blizzak or Michelin X-Ice. Performance Winter tires provide better performance when driving on dry / wet pavement with stiffer side wall and compound. Here's an interesting tire comparison video on Youtube: YouTube - Tire Rack - Choosing Between Performance Winter and Studless Ice and Snow Winter Tires
I don't think I will need V-rated winter tires for the Alberta winter, and yet I am concerned the T/Q rated studless winter tires are too soft for dry road performance. As a result, I bought the H rated Blizzak LM-60 which is a nice compromise between performance and studless winter tires. H rated tires provide decent overall performance and also are cheaper than the V rated tires.