Tire Size Problem??
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Audiworld Junior Member
Joined: Mar 2007
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Tire Size Problem??
Hi all. I have a 2000 A6 4.2 with original rims (17x8) -- the 8-spoke design. The current tires are 255/40R17. I went to replace them this weekend and the tire guy said he could put on the same size but that they weren't approved for use on an 8" rim (therefore no warranty). Minimum rim size was 8.5-9" for 255/40R17 tires depending on the brand. I confirmed this info on a bunch of websites for different tire companies.
He suggested the "plus zero" size of 245/45R17 as a good alternative. I told him I would get back to him, as I'm really not sure what to do. Have any of you run into this issue or do you have any advice?
Thanks.
He suggested the "plus zero" size of 245/45R17 as a good alternative. I told him I would get back to him, as I'm really not sure what to do. Have any of you run into this issue or do you have any advice?
Thanks.
Tech Guru
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 8,010
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From: Olney, MD
find a new tire guy.
I've put on at least 8 new Dunlop SP9000 tires over the years since I bought my 2000 4.2A6Q. Never had a problem with warranty.
Try buying your tires from discount tire direct.
Try buying your tires from discount tire direct.
Member
Joined: Apr 2006
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Have you ever had occasion to use the warranty on your tires?
I think it's more of a "don't ask, don't tell" situation on this with tire dealers. The warranty is offered by the manufacturer, and they have the right to refuse you if they found out you mounted the tire on a rim with an anapproved width.
His tire dealer is being "by the book", and covering his a$$ should a problem come up later.
Koz
His tire dealer is being "by the book", and covering his a$$ should a problem come up later.
Koz
Thread Starter
Audiworld Junior Member
Joined: Mar 2007
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Good point
I've never actually had a warranty claim on tires, but it's the implication that made me stop and think.
He's basically saying that the tire isn't designed to work and won't perform properly on 17x8" rims. See this link that he provided http://www.dunlop.ca/care/widthRatio.html
So, I'm wondering if he's talking out of his a$$ or if would I be better off with the 245/45R17 on my 8" rims. Any opinions would be much appreciated.
He's basically saying that the tire isn't designed to work and won't perform properly on 17x8" rims. See this link that he provided http://www.dunlop.ca/care/widthRatio.html
So, I'm wondering if he's talking out of his a$$ or if would I be better off with the 245/45R17 on my 8" rims. Any opinions would be much appreciated.
Member
Joined: Apr 2006
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Your choice really. Most people here would just stick with the 255s and not worry...
about the warranty. Chances are the issue of your rim width won't come up if you need to make a claim. If you do want to go narrower, 235/45/17 is closer to stock diameter (it's what I use in winter).
Buy a good tire, and you probably won't notice any decrease in performance. Cars always feel more agile to me on narrower tires, but they don't do much for the looks of your car. Especially with those fender flares.
Koz.
Buy a good tire, and you probably won't notice any decrease in performance. Cars always feel more agile to me on narrower tires, but they don't do much for the looks of your car. Especially with those fender flares.
Koz.
Thread Starter
Audiworld Junior Member
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 14
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I would try...
the 245/45R17 tires as I'm up for experimenting, but the other question would be whether they would fit. They are 0.7" bigger in diameter (so 0.35" in radius -- which doesn't seem like much). Is there any way to figure out if they will rub?
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