TimZ

Hey guys,
I'm about to buy some 18" Hartmann wheels with Michelin Alpin PA3's. Should I go with 255/40/18 or 225/45/18? I know that thinner will get better snow traction but whats with the 45? Shouldn't they be 40? This is Tire rack's recommendation.

Also, what do I do about the TPMS sensor? Do I need a new set for the winter setup?

Thanks!
Tim

ELEVENS

I run 225/45-18 in the winter. 45 is the correct aspect ratio for that width and wheel size. It's the same rolling diameter as the factory 19" tires.

If you have VAG-COM, you can run without TPMS sensors without having that pesky light on all the time. It's illegal however for a tire shop to sell wheels without sensors if sensors were on the car when new. Wouldn't hurt to ask them though.

Reggie

I run Dunlop 3D - on OEM rims (19") and they have been terrific here in Colorado. I have found I love the TPMS as you can not tell when you have reduced pressure in the low aspect tires.

I have heard other great things about the Blizzacks on these cars too.

G35Dalf

I'm in the great white north where 4 or 5 feet of snow in a blizzard is not unusual.

I'm running 255/35 19 replicas with Blizzaks and have never had any problems. As a matter of fact, I've gone through some heavy snow areas that 4 X 4's have had real problems with. I love quattro.

I've read many places that a slimmer tire is better in the snow, which usually is true but I've experienced no disadvantage in running the 255's.

ELEVENS

This will be my 7th season on 225x18 Dunlop WinterSport 3D. They're about 1/2 worn so they will be replaced this year. I want the new 4D in 255x18 but they're new and hard to find, so far anyway.

TimZ

Thanks for the help guys! I'm going with the 225/45/18 size and getting another set of TPMS sensors.

Tim

Coupon

I got an extra set of sensors from Tire Rack, cheapest place I found. Hopefully you can get whoever installs the tires to bolt the sensors in for little or nothing. You can make the car relearn the sensors yourself.

Has anyone here tried the Michelin PA4? I couldn't get my hands on any last year. Heard great things about them.

DrCondor

I had my RS4 in Central New York (~130" annual snowfall) for 74 months, and liked both the Winter Sports and Blizzak LM-60s. Anyone can make a speed rated snow tire, but not all of them perform well as Dunlop and Bridgestone on ice. I ran 18s and I wasn't concerned about a narrower tire since these cars are so heavy, and will easily negotiate 12" (parking lots speeds).

ELEVENS

I have a new set of Dunlop WinterSport 4D coming. They don't sell 255's yet so I just went with the same-old (225/45-18). I still can't believe I got 7 winters out of the WinterSport 3Ds. They're only 1/2 worn! I drive very gently on snow tires for that very reason - to preserve the tread. I don't give a hoot about treadwear on the summer tires!

Datadatum

Have to say I'm a huge fan of Dunlop Wintersports. Had them on my STi from 2004 to 2007. Sold them when I moved to Florida.

While they weren't the best for deep snow, the high Silica content made them particularly useful for sporty driving in very cold conditions. Perfect for Chicago (where I lived at the time).

My STi felt unstoppable. Like a snowmobile amongst clowncars.