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So I just purchased today a 2018 Q7 Technik in Glacier White with the summer 21" tires. In my part of Canada, winter tires are mandatory by Dec 15th. I'm going to start shopping early for some rims and tires. I'm thinking of going with Nokian R2 SUV tires. What size tire and rims would you suggest? I've got to buy the rims - no way I'm putting this on 21" tires - why torch money!?
I've seen other threads but seems like everybody is shooting in different directions? Curious to see what others have done!
I bought 20" Starke Design MC MGDC with Bridgestone Blizzak DM-V2 XL tires. I was happy with them during the winter (although i did a late swap, so I didn't have TOO much winter on them this year).
Only bad thing was going back to the stocks which ride much harsher
Go with the Nokian Hakka R3 SUV. I run the previous version (R2 SUV) on our Q7 and LR4 in winter and they are fantastic in all conditions. I'll be buying a new set of the R3's for the LR4 soon. We do weekend ski trips to VT and have tried many different brand winter tires and the Nokians are the best compromise. Not too aggressive (noisy) yet good in snow and great on ice. Excellent dry road handling and never "squirmy". The problem with Blizzaks is after 2 winters they wear down and turn into all season tires. You can take the Nokians down to the #4 wear indicator and they still perform as winter tires.
Go with 19" wheels and 255/55/19 tires. Narrower tires work better in deep snow and a taller sidewall will provide more wheel protection from pothole damage. If you don't want to carry a spare, the closest Hakka R3 SUV run flat size is 265/50/19.
Last edited by Paul3.2A4avant; 08-18-2018 at 07:39 AM.
Go with the Nokian Hakka R3 SUV. I run the previous version (R2 SUV) on our Q7 and LR4 in winter and they are fantastic in all conditions. I'll be buying a new set of the R3's for the LR4 soon. We do weekend ski trips to VT and have tried many different brand winter tires and the Nokians are the best compromise. No too aggressive (noisy) yet good in snow and great on ice. Excellent dry road handling and never "squirmy". The problem with Blizzaks is after 2 winters they wear down and turn into all season tires. You can take the Nokians down to the #4 wear indicator and they still perform as winter tires.
Go with 19" wheels and 255/55/19 tires. Narrower tires work better in deep snow and a taller sidewall will provide more wheel protection from pothole damage. If you don't want to carry a spare, the closest Hakka R3 SUV run flat size is 265/50/19.
Thanks for the reply. Do you know what the difference is between the older R2 and the newer R3?
I got the Blizzak DM-V1 (255/55R19) for my Prestige for the Utah mountain winter. I had the Blizzak tires on my previous 2012 Q7 TDI and couldn't believe how well they held up and lasted - actually better than the A/S tires. There will be a night and day difference in snow handling/performance with those tires compared to A/S tires.
My tire shop got the Niche Targa M130 wheels for my winter setup. Seems to be a pretty nice rim without breaking the bank, and designed to use the OEM bolts. http://www.nicheroadwheels.com/targa-m130-w-5335.htm
Example online retailer: https://www.carid.com/niche-wheels/t...waAvlYEALw_wcB
08-17-2018, 05:22 PM
New 2018 Q7 owner - thinking winter rim + tires
