LongWays

Dropping down to 18" from the stock 19" is about as far along as I've gotten so far in the process - but then it still is only August

tenspeed

Some of the A6 guys say that they are using 17" wheels. Post #12

https://www.audiworld.com/forums/sho....php?t=2831349

LongWays

Possibility, here in the PNW it's more about the wet, occasional slush and a bit of snow once in awhile.

2013REDA7

Why not 19s?
There are tire choices for winter or all season tread.

80MGB

What're y'all talkin' about?

ACHiPo289

I'm in the same place as you. I've never run winter tires before because I'd just toss on chains if I needed to get somewhere. That's not an option on the A7, so I'm definitely getting a set of winter wheels and tires.

I looked at 17s because of recommendations from folks that deal with deep snow that skinnier is better (and the tires are a lot cheaper), but decided on just dropping to 18s after convincing myself that size is the best compromise between wet handling and ice/snow traction. The jury is also out on whether 17s will fit--a couple tire shops, including Tire Rack, said no, but dealer and others said they'd fit. At the end of the day, I think 18s are best for my situation anyway.

I've pretty much decided on Hartmann wheels, and while I'd love to get a used set, I haven't had any luck so far.

For tires, I've narrowed it down to Nokian Hakkapellita R or Michelin xIce 3, both ice and snow tires rather than performance snows, since Portland hills and zero-friction ice/slush is the nastiest, slickest combination I've ever seen.


Where in the NW are you located? What tires are you considering?

ACHiPo289

I've seen a few videos of Atlanta in the ice, too

80MGB

Those of us originally from the north usually get a chuckle with the local TV stations trying to start a dash for bread and milk when they announce a 20% chance of snow 3 days out! On the other hand, when the roads ice up after a freezing rain and there is no snow to provide a bit of traction (happens about once every year or two), the hilliness of this town can really cause some scary conditions.

ACHiPo289

That's what we get to deal with in Portland a few days a year--black ice and/or freezing rain and/or snow right around freezing. There's nothing slicker. I'm very interested to see if the ice and snow tires can deal with it. A lot of people here use studs, but I really don't want the handling or noise issues when it's not bad out.

LongWays

NW Washington State. Was always pretty happy with the Michelin Alpins on the A4, just starting to figure out what's out there.