bertkin

I have a 2015 S4 with the 19" V-spoke design wheels with 255/35 summer tires (the wheels that come with the high gloss package). I want to get a set of winter wheels/tires but there are so many options out there to choose from. Audi offers a set of winter wheels/tires, but only in 18". I think I want 19" wheels. Any recommendations?

Waaazooo

19" winter tires will limit your selection and will be more expensive (in some cases). Typically, you want thinner and taller winter wheels to protect from pot holes.

I would suggest an 18x8 with a 235/45-18 if you want good traction in snow/slush. Maybe a blizzak or other snow "not all season" tire.

All-seasons are good tired but still tend to get really hard when they are cold (>40 degrees) you can google snow tire advantages and read articles by tire rack and the highway safety commission.

If you can afford it, snow tires from thanks giving to Easter is the the best way. If not, then find a good all-season (conti dws) as a close second options

togatown

This.

If you live anywhere you need an All-Season, then get a dedicated set of 18"'s with real snows. You will be amazed at what the Quattro will go through with them on.

WilliCO

In this conversation, I think it's important to establish the driving conditions a person expects. A guy who contends with 9 inches of unplowed 20 times a season in Buffalo, a guy who drives tended highways every day in Chicago, and a guy who lives in a hilly neighborhood at elevation in Colorado each have their own requirements.

Personally, I think all-seasons have improved dramatically, even in the last 5 years, and in my opinion are adequate on an AWD car for most light-duty winter driving needs. If your needs aren't light duty, you usually know who you are and a set of snows is the call.

In any case - what we all need more of in the winter is patience, no sudden changes of direction, a little more stopping distance, and less distraction on the slippery roads. Those things win 80% of the battle.

bertkin

Thanks for the info! A set of dedicated snows seems like it would be a good investment.

eric strauss

... a couple of thoughts to keep in mind. If real snow is your confrontation, severe service snow tires (with the mountain and snowflake) are just fabulous and they have been engineered for great performance if the temperature is below 40-50 degrees F. 18' size is the way to go.

You can have your summer tires on the OEM wheels. I get about 10-12K out of my summer tires on both the S4, S5 and RS5 (less if I don't rotate). SO, you are going to go through a fair number of tire sets in your car's life. The only real extra cost here is the set of winter wheels.

When I lived in New England and I would buy new cars, I usually used the OEM wheels's as my winter set, and go aftermarket for my summer combo. For example, I would get the S4 with OEM 18's, put on a summer combo in 19" and swap out the OEM 18" tires for snow tires.

However, I am in the land of endless summer in LA, so I can't really justify a second set of tires an wheels, so get my +1 sizing from Audi OEM.

Happy Motoring

Eric

PhilNotHill

We have 19" Spoke wheels on RS5. 2015 std wheel. Put on Mich Pilot Super Sports all weather radials. They work great summer and winter in the Colorado mountains. We live at 8000 ft.

GRMick

In the winter here in West Michigan (80+ inches of snow per year), I use Nokian Hakka R2's mounted on Hartmann wheels...Superb traction in ice and snow. Highly recommended.

bludool

more choices in 18" and will be better for the car. Also much less money.

RaudiUte

I am running a set of 18" Michelin Pilot Alpin PA4's in the winter here in Utah. Performance was quite good on dry roads and they got me through 6" of wet snow just fine as well.