dadc4s

I’m getting a new Q5 2.0T. It comes with the 19’s and all seasons but I live in the great lakes area and want snow tires. I am looking at a tire/wheel combo at Tire Rack but can’t decide between 17 and 18 inch packages. The 17’s are cheaper, they have a higher tire sidewall (better pothole protection) but how much handling/braking and dry weather performance am I giving up by using the 17s vs. the 18s? Any insight forum members might have will be much appreciated. Cheers.

Coolieman1220

I went to 18's. I have stock 20" s-line rims. 18's are a good compromise. 17 may be too much compromise.

BlackSVT

So, general consensus seems to be that smaller diameter, higher aspect ratio, and narrower is best for snow. That being said, I'd consider both the 17 and 18 as higher aspect ratio tires assuming the same rolling circumference. Personally, if the cost difference isn't dramatic, I'd probably decide based on looks and wheel availability. Winter is painful enough in the Midwest without having to look at something you hate for ~6 months of the year. 17s are going to look a little out of place IMO

Just so you aren't surprised, if you get straight up snows (which are amazing in snow/ice BTW), handling in the dry is going to suck whether it's a 17 or 18" setup compared to a warmer weather tire. I've had winter wheels/tires on 5 different cars now (haven't on the Q5 yet), and there just is no way around it that I've found.

rdA4WtQ5

When the roads go bad in the early spring having 17's is nice. Smooth over broken pavement = easier on your suspension parts. There is so much loose sand/salt on the road here when dry anyway high g handling is not going to happen.
When i bought mine in '11 there were many more snow choices and noticeably cheaper too. May be all different now.

ex-quattro PETE

I just got 18s for the wife's Q5 for winter. 235/60/18 tires should have enough sidewall height to deal with potholes, IMO.

dadc4s

Thanks for the comments. I have been driving an A6 on snows, and before that a Panamera 4S on snows. To be honest, there is a difference but considering the kind of driving I do around town in the winter, I don't need that extra measure of performance found in summer tires. I will never go without snows during our winters, the extra confidence and safety they provide is huge. I am leaning toward the 17s. I really don't care about the look, plus, the 17s look the business when the business is bad weather.

Sugadaddy

I have stock 19's and kept the same size for my winter tires. 235/55R19 has plenty of sidewall IMO, so in your case I'd go with 18's. 17's will be like riding on marshmallows...

BlackSVT

Agreed, but depending on where specifically OP lives, there are some areas (Chicago, Detroit area come to mind) where roads become more pothole than blacktop. It does get seriously , laughably bad after a few hard freezes in Jan/Feb. Luckily, I don't have to deal with Chicago proper too often, but after a winter like last, it's always a cross-your-fingers affair when I do. Marshmallows might be in order after all...