SQ5 Winter Tire Setup
 

I have read numerooooous posts about winter tire setup on the SQ5 but still sitting on the fence.

One of the main options appears to be the recommended Audi setup with the 19" OEM Audi rim with 235/55/19 rubber. It appears this package is about $3,900.

One dealer here is selling a 18" setup that they tested last winter and worked without spacers. 18" replica wheels (made in China) with 235/60/18 Pirelli rubber for about $2,000.

The third option I am prob most considering is a 19" Hartmann rim, model HS5-209-GS , with 235/55/19 rubber. That seems to cost in the neighborhood of $2,700 depending on rubber choice.

My questions for anyone are:

1) What are your thoughts on 18" vs 19" vs 20" for winter setup on the SQ5? Is there a "sweetspot" for size?

2) Are the Hartmann's a big step down in quality from the OEM rims?

3) Does anyone have a preference for winter rubber? Pirelli, Continential?

4) What are you currently running in winter, and does it require spacers? What is exact rubber size specs?

Thank you!

Re: SQ5 Winter Tire Setup
 

Don't buy winter rim/tire from dealer. Buy aftermarket replica rims save yourself lots of money. Winter rim and tires will scratch and get damage within days of you putting it on.

On My Q5 I had 18" setup that was perfect cost me under 1300 all in with tires. If you're in Toronto DM me.

Re: SQ5 Winter Tire Setup
 

For my setup I put my regular tires on some OZ rims, and then some studded Nokians from Kal Tire on the OEM rims. There really isn't any winter tire out there better than a studded Nokian.

I prefer a smaller diameter simply because it will save your rims if you happen to slide into a curb, or hit a pot hole that has opened up due to frost.

Re: SQ5 Winter Tire Setup
 

Hi , I have bought 19 '' Q5 OEM REPLICA wheels from canadawheels.ca
Great price and free shipping (they are located in ontario)

and bought 4 Blizzak DM-V1...

Cant wait to try my SQ in the snow with that setup !

Re: SQ5 Winter Tire Setup
 

We run a set of OEM 18" with Blizzak DMV1 and it is a beast in the winter. I would suggest the 18" because the tires tend to get better bite in the snow with a larger sidewall, plus the tires are cheaper than 19's.

I would suggest looking at Kijiji for someone selling OEM Touareg/Cayenne/Q5/Q7 rims and then throw some fresh rubber on there. Would be a lot cheaper than getting a wheel package from somewhere and OEM is better than aftermarket, as a general rule for rims.

My 2 cents...

Re: SQ5 Winter Tire Setup
 

Hi guys,

Newbie here.. I have a 2014 SQ5 349bhp gas version. I am looking at winter tires. I have found these for sale: 235/55R19 Michelin X-Ice Latitude on Momo ‘Revenge’ Italian Performance Wheel

Will these fit my car? Seeing as the disc is also slightly bigger at the front.

Kind regards,

Harry

Re: SQ5 Winter Tire Setup
 

Go to a reputable tire shop and see what they suggest. Good aftermarket rims should be OK, but avoid ones that require plastic spacers if at all possible (they never fit perfectly, and eventually they will crack or you might lose one). Agree with the comment about 18" getting better bite than 19" but if you're on 20" summers, a 2" step down might disappoint you. Consider whether you drive in the city (mostly wet/ice) or country (deeper snow). Buy replica rims of a certain style, that way they will always be in production. My dad spent a bunch of money on 4 aftermarket rims, hit a pothole, damaged one rim (about 2 years after buying them) and could not find a replacement/match.

Re: SQ5 Winter Tire Setup
 

I put on a set of 17 inch with Bridgestone from the previous Gen Q5. The wheels cleared the brake callipers (barely) but the car is very wobbly. The set was used for three seasons so I was hoping to save some money and continue to use it. However, I have now placed an order at my local shop for Michelin X-ice on Replika wheels (18 inch) and it will cost me ~1900 all in. (235 60R 18).

Note that Costco sells replica wheels as well and the cost for available options is as follows:
18 inch replica wheel (silver), 160 each
Pirelli scorpion winter 107H XL 257.99 each

I think they charge 11 bucks per wheel for installation.