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Looking for advice on sizing snows for a 2017 A8L 3.0 purchased late '17. Still had my older A8 with snows on 17" rims last winter so I never got around to purchasing but would like to before the snow flies. Had a detailed discussion with a rep at Tirerack this evening, and without hesitation, he pushed for the 18" rims, and Blizzak LM32's. Live in Northern NJ and am not a high mileage driver, fortunate to live 3 miles from my office, but at times have to be able to get to or from the airport or another work location 45 minutes away. Any thoughts on 18' vs 19" rims? Blizzak's seem to be rated highly but am open to other suggestions. Thanks in advance!
I think the 18" would probably look proportionately incorrect.
Any snow tire is better than an all season so you can't loose. Blizzaks typically score best on Tire Rack comparisons. A Bridgestone engineer told be that the Magic of the Blizzak is in the first 20% of the treadlife, after that it turns into the same tire as a Firestone Winterforce (still a good snow). I have the Yokahama Iceguard which I believe is one of the lower scoring snow tires in the Tire Rack tests and they've never left me wanting or needing more.
Appreciate your input. Have heard good things about Blizzaks and Tirerack pushed them heavily. For the wheel tire package going 19" is fairly steep compared to 18", but I tend to keep my cars for at least 6-8 years if not longer so not that big a deal. Regarding your comment on proportions, this was a concern; on one hand, a 2" reduction in rim/ increase in sidewall does seem to be large. On the other, the D2 I just move don from came with 18" summer tires and I mounted snows on 17" wheels and neither seemed out of proportion. I'm pretty good at avoiding potholes and am not typically driving a lot in snow, No. NJ we get a few storms a year. So if I can ask, did you get the Yyokohamas in 255.45R19? Tirerack was suggesting the Pirelli Sotozeros, I moved away from Pirelli a long time ago in favor of Michelin, and the occasional Conti.
Appreciate your input. Have heard good things about Blizzaks and Tirerack pushed them heavily. For the wheel tire package going 19" is fairly steep compared to 18", but I tend to keep my cars for at least 6-8 years if not longer so not that big a deal. Regarding your comment on proportions, this was a concern; on one hand, a 2" reduction in rim/ increase in sidewall does seem to be large. On the other, the D2 I just move don from came with 18" summer tires and I mounted snows on 17" wheels and neither seemed out of proportion. I'm pretty good at avoiding potholes and am not typically driving a lot in snow, No. NJ we get a few storms a year. So if I can ask, did you get the Yyokohamas in 255.45R19? Tirerack was suggesting the Pirelli Sotozeros, I moved away from Pirelli a long time ago in favor of Michelin, and the occasional Conti.
I went with the default Tire Rack size which I believe is a 255/45/19.
The other thing to consider with sizing is that the snow tire tread blocks with all their sipes aren't very stiff and lend themselves to a squishy feeling. Increasing the sidewall height will only exaggerate the squish.
19" work, but 20" look better with great snow performance in Minnesota. Rims are Zenetti Venice with 25 offset. Tires are Dunlop Winter Sport 3D 265/40/R20. Total package was around $2,300 installed.
2k on tires, like new, paid 1200, sell 600, no cheapskates! Email me at blueskymobility@gmail. I live in Portland Maine, two hours north of Boston. These are regarded as the best snow tires period!
09-19-2018, 07:56 PM
Snow tire advice, 18" or 19" for '17 3.0
