TimZ

Hey guys,
I'm trying to decide whether to use my stock 19's for my winter setup and get a new set of 19" wheels/tires for summer OR continue using my stock 19's for summer and get a new set for winter. If I go with the latter option, should I get another set of 19's or is it beneficial to go smaller to 18"? Will the RS4 handle like crap with 18"? Any input is much appreciated.

Also, what is the '07 RS4 offset?

Thanks
Tim

ELEVENS

Most seem to prefer 18" for winters due to the taller sidewall which protects the wheel better from bad potholed roads and deep snow. I run 18" snows (Dunlop WinterSport 3D) and the car handles just fine. In fact, with the Michigan bombed-out roads, I actually look forward to installing the 18s in late November.

Some even prefer 18" for performance and track. And at least there used to be more performance rubber choices in 18" sizes and they're cheaper, too. 18" setups are generally lighter as well.

IMO, the bigger wheels are all for looks, but that's just my opinion. But then I've never been a form-over-function type, except perhaps in the case of the lady's high heels

India Whiskey Charlie

The factory approved OEM winter wheels are:

7.5 x 18 ET21
8.0 x 19 ET29
9.0 x 19 ET29

Option #1 would be the optimum size with 255/40-18 tires.

ELEVENS

IWC, thanks for posting the spec.

I run skinnier 225 x 18 for extra bite in the snow and less hydroplaning in the wet. I don't really need a wide cross-section in the winter months.

Reggie

I have loved my Dunlop 3Ds on the OEM19's . Not a issue living here in CO

MA07RS4

Ditto here in MA

ELEVENS

The Dunlop 3D's are amazing. I'm actually on my 7th winter on the same tires. They're about 1/2 worn, so this will be my last year on them. I don't run snows with less than 50% tread. They still run true, aren't noisy, and have pulled me through some really really sh!tty weather. Plus I live on hill so I come home daily to an long unplowed driveway... marches right up! Yet they're quiet and grip very well on a dry highway. How good do they grip in the dry? Good enough to pull a 12.5 @110 1/4 mile with a 1.83 60-foot running the Dunlop snow tires at the drag strip.

Reggie

If you had Blizzaks the rubber compound changes at the 1/2 way point

ELEVENS

Good point Reggie, the Blizzaks have silicon compounded into the tire for better ice performance in the first 50%.

TimZ

Thanks for the help guys! Just have to decide whether to put winters on the stock 19's or on some new 18's. Not a difficult decision. A fun one. I will however go thinner for winter - better in the snow for sure.

Tim