Winter tire question

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Nov 12, 2011 | 03:31 PM

MikeOC10

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Winter tire question

Is it ok to get the 20 inch sport package and put all season tires on the 20 inch rims for the winter and put the summer tires on in May or June?

Nov 13, 2011 | 05:28 AM

JerryS4

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From: Philadelphia Area

It depends on where you live

Lots of info on this topic so a search would give you much data in almost any Audi forum. Is it OK to do what you ask... sure but a few things to consider. Basically, it depends on what type of winter do you have where you drive? Lots of snow and cold temps or not so much? Do you have to get to work even on very bad days or are you a sales guy that can make his own schedule and wait for the snow plows to clear the roads? Do you like to go skiing or use snow covered back-roads?

Some basic guidelines for snow tires:

The cold temperature (sub 40F degrees) makes summer tires into hockey pucks.
Snow and ice need Winter tire's bigger grooves and micro grooves to give traction, turning and braking power.
All seasons are a compromise between summer and winter tires.
The smaller the tire width, the better the grip and penetration into snow.
The smaller the diameter of the wheel, the higher the sidewall for pothole protection. Nice for NYC or other war zone roads.
Changing tires on nice alloy wheels every 6 months will cause them to be damaged or scratched by the garage.

So if one lived in Alaska or Buffalo where snow and cold are constant, then go with 17" or 18" winter spare wheels and hard core snow tires.
In Philly, I went with 19" winter wheels and medium aggressive winter tires like Blizzaks.
If you live in a warm winter state like Florida or city like LA, you can stay with your 20" wheels and risk getting them scratched but then why not just change to 20" All Season tires permanently and just sell your summer tires?

If you can afford to drive an A7, then you likely can afford a set of appropriate winter wheels and dedicated winter tires to protect your family and A7 from accidents. If the winter wheels look great, then that is a bonus and keeps the look new every 6 months.

Nov 13, 2011 | 05:33 AM

carljones11

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Good overview.

Nov 13, 2011 | 09:44 AM

A5Owner

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I live in Northern NJ. Winters can be tough. I drive a lot. Into NYC twice per week. Would I be dumb to have the 20 inch wheels with all seasons? It's just 3 months that the weather is usually really bad. And often its just cold the roads are usually plowed quickly. Would I be asking for trouble with the sport package? Help me here, should I get the 19s non sport or go for the 20 inch and put all seasons on them? Thanks!

Nov 13, 2011 | 01:21 PM

Sammersam

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Quote:

Originally Posted by A5Owner

I live in New England and couldn't make a decision. I finally decided to go with the Pretige and 19" wheels with all seasons. I like the wheels and decided I didn't want to hassle with snow tires and changing wheels. It's been many years since I put snow tires on my car and didn't want to start now. I lease for 36 months and didn't think I wanted to make a $3,000 investment in tires and wheels. I was really hoping they would offer sport suspension with all season tires as they do on the A 6.

Nov 13, 2011 | 01:23 PM

JerryS4

AudiWorld Senior Member

Joined: Sep 2004

Posts: 788

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From: Philadelphia Area

Do what I did. Get the 20" works of art and order dedicated 19" winter wheels & tires right away.
https://www.audiworld.com/forums/sho....php?t=2811856
I plan to have my A7 for a few years and want optimum performance and safety. Heck, I will get the Stasis chip to boost power to 390 HP and get 5 sec Zero-60 acceleration but that is my priority.

If the $2K is too much for you for extra wheels & tires, then go with the 19" all seasons for the N.NJ area. You will do well either way.

On second thought, I would even go with 18" wheels for the NYC potholes with a second set of winters from Thanksgiving to Easter. Friend of mine with 18" AS tires on an Acura TL blew out a tire on Long Island potholes every year and even bent a rim or two. Tough area to drive in winter!

Last edited by JerryS4; Nov 13, 2011 at 01:30 PM.

Nov 13, 2011 | 04:03 PM

masonL

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I also live in Northern NJ. I just took delivery on the Prestige A7 with the 20" Sport Package in Daytona Gray Pearl. I ordered another set of wheels and snows for the winter and picked them up yesterday. I bought the Blizzak LM60s (255/45R18) and put them on Moda MD11 (18X8) wheels. I'll see how they perform in the snow but looks-wise, I'm happy with them. See the pictures:

http://daveandkate.net/a7/snows_4.jpg

http://daveandkate.net/a7/snows_3.jpg

http://daveandkate.net/a7/snows_2.jpg

http://daveandkate.net/a7/snows_1.jpg