Crazy to downsize wheels?
02-10-2018, 12:28 PM
#1
AudiWorld Member
Thread Starter
Crazy to downsize wheels?
In the interest of reducing road noise, is it completely absurd to want to downsize from the 20's? With the dual pane glass, literally the only sound I hear going down the interstate are the tires.
Has anyone tried different wheel sizes? Maybe started smaller and then worked up?
Thanks in advance for your opinions!
Edit: I have the Pirelli tires, so maybe that is making my life worse too?
Has anyone tried different wheel sizes? Maybe started smaller and then worked up?
Thanks in advance for your opinions!
Edit: I have the Pirelli tires, so maybe that is making my life worse too?
Last edited by mtnboydl; 02-10-2018 at 12:31 PM.
02-10-2018, 03:23 PM
#2
AudiWorld Super User
I would get new tires as the more conventional step. Pirellis, you mean "howlers"? Hint...
If you want to reduce road noise further, it is the width that matters, not the rim size. The next step down that will hold the diameter to the right result is a 245/45-20 and those still fit a D4 9" wheel. You will probably take a bit of a hit on emergency stopping distance and on handling, though quality of tire is also important. You can find a fair number of choices in that size, a lot more than the 265 Audi orphans.
If you want to reduce road noise further, it is the width that matters, not the rim size. The next step down that will hold the diameter to the right result is a 245/45-20 and those still fit a D4 9" wheel. You will probably take a bit of a hit on emergency stopping distance and on handling, though quality of tire is also important. You can find a fair number of choices in that size, a lot more than the 265 Audi orphans.
02-10-2018, 03:40 PM
#3
AudiWorld Member
Thread Starter
I would get new tires as the more conventional step. Pirellis, you mean "howlers"? Hint...
If you want to reduce road noise further, it is the width that matters, not the rim size. The next step down that will hold the diameter to the right result is a 245/45-20 and those still fit a D4 9" wheel. You will probably take a bit of a hit on emergency stopping distance and on handling, though quality of tire is also important. You can find a fair number of choices in that size, a lot more than the 265 Audi orphans.
If you want to reduce road noise further, it is the width that matters, not the rim size. The next step down that will hold the diameter to the right result is a 245/45-20 and those still fit a D4 9" wheel. You will probably take a bit of a hit on emergency stopping distance and on handling, though quality of tire is also important. You can find a fair number of choices in that size, a lot more than the 265 Audi orphans.
Sounds good. I've seen your posts on the other sizes and would probably make that change at least.
Any specific alternatives to Pirelli you recommend?
02-10-2018, 05:20 PM
#4
AudiWorld Super User
02-10-2018, 10:17 PM
#6
AudiWorld Super User
Conti DWS-06 is what I run over winter on the S8. A common board choice in A/S, especially if some light snow use is a plus. They have it in both 245 and 275. Michelin A/S 3+, but only found in the 245 size.
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02-15-2018, 11:25 AM
#8
AudiWorld Senior Member
50's on an 18" rim would be ideal. At least with comfort and rough roads. My 245/45/19's ride OK but not that great. Of course if you are coming from a 40 or 35 I'm sure the 45 sidewall feels better.
02-15-2018, 11:40 AM
#9
AudiWorld Member
Thread Starter
I think like MP4.2 said, my best first step is changing the tires before the wheels. My biggest complaint is road noise at speed rather than bumps on the road, although I know sidewall contributes to both.
I think the 245 P7's might be in my future
