NGN

NABS4, Thank you that tip, that calculator is great. I want to go down in width compared to the OEM 20" (285/40/20), and I've narrowed my choices down to these two,

1) 275/45/20 (sidewall height: 123.75 mm, diameter variance: -1.18%)

2) 265/50/20 (sidewall height: 132.50 mm, diameter variance: 1.11%)

Leaning towards option 2 as that gives me more sidewall and a slightly narrower tire. Tire Rack does list 265/50/20 as a winter tire option implying it will fit?

Anyone have any thoughts one way or another, between these two options? As always, your inputs are greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

NABS4

I'm a big proponent of taller and narrower when it comes to winter tires, therefore I'd go with the 265/50s.

Lookout57

I would go with 255/50/20 as it is within 0.3% of the stock 285/45 R20. So your actual speed at 60 MPH would be 59.8.

With the 265/50/20 it's a 1% difference so at 60 MPH you will actually be doing 60.6.

NGN

You, Sir, are correct. Thanks for pointing that out. I'll see if 255/50/20 is available in the Nokian Hakka R2s. Placing order in the next couple of days.

NGN

Turns out the 255/50/20 Nokians are out of stock nation-wide. Demand was higher than expected and Nokian sold out, new stock is expected to arrive around the first of the new year (according to tiresbyweb).

265/50/20 is available, and I know it will fit but just not as close to stock as the 255.

What would you do in my place, wait for the 255 or get the 265? I live in MA, there's probably a 50/50 chance of meaningful snow by early Jan.

Lookout57

If you have your heart set in the Nokians then either go up size or wait.

Otherwise look for a 255/50/20 that is available.

NGN

Yes, I want to stay with Nokian. With the 265/50/20, I get a little more sidewall (+ve?), but a little more width (-ve?) as well. And the greater speed variance, does that hurt the car in any way/cause more wear, or is it just an annoying measurement error?

Thanks for sharing your thoughts, Lookout.

Lookout57

Just an announce that you are actually running faster than what the speedo says. Just remember that in any speed zones

mctt197

I just picked up the 20" 265 50 Conti Winter Contacts - now I just need my Q7 to get here from Emden.... They are really wide. That sounds silly - TireRack shows the specs - so shouldn't be a surprise. But, in person, they are really wide. Very cool tread pattern, lots of sipes. Tread isn't as deep as Blizzak's that I have for other vehicles - but more blocks and therefore more sipes. The guy from TireRack said snow performance is very close to the Bilzzaks but wet performance is much better. I kinda can't wait to try them out. They are really wide. The 19s aren't THAT much narrower, so, probably not a big deal. But, these are really wide.......

gbgastowers

I just bought Continental DWS06 275/45 20 $225 each
20X9.5 AVARUS AV15 TITANIUM 32 offset. $99 each
From Tirerack. $1580 total Just to use in winter months. Summer 21" came on the Q7. Not real blown away buy the look but will get the job done and great price