18 to 16 inch wheels
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18 to 16 inch wheels
I bought a used 2000 A8 with factory 18inch wheels. I'm going to purchase winter tires but would like to go with 16 inch tires for better traction. My Audi dealer says that going from 18 to 17 is no problem, but going from 18 to 16 may be a big problem with check engine lights going on, computer malfuncitons, etc.
Anyone have experience with this?
Anyone have experience with this?
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Joined: Jul 2001
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From: Wilbur by the Sea
I wouldn't be talking technical with that dealer anymore
Why would 16", 17", or any other size wheel cause any problems with exception of brake component clearance?
Go with 17" or 16" wheels for winter (I would go with 17", you could probably find some stock A8 forged 17" used) and the correct size tire which is a 225/55/17 or a 225/60/16.
Matching the OD of the tire regardless of which size wheel you use is key. Go to the link below to see more.
That dealer hasn't a clue to what they are talking about......<ul><li><a href="http://www.audipages.com/upgrades/tiresizeoptions.html">http://www.audipages.com/upgrades/tiresizeoptions.html</a</li></ul>
Go with 17" or 16" wheels for winter (I would go with 17", you could probably find some stock A8 forged 17" used) and the correct size tire which is a 225/55/17 or a 225/60/16.
Matching the OD of the tire regardless of which size wheel you use is key. Go to the link below to see more.
That dealer hasn't a clue to what they are talking about......<ul><li><a href="http://www.audipages.com/upgrades/tiresizeoptions.html">http://www.audipages.com/upgrades/tiresizeoptions.html</a</li></ul>
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Re: I wouldn't be talking technical with that dealer anymore
That's what I thought. Doesn't make me real comfortable with the new Audi dealer in town though! Are those Italia S-5's you have on your car?
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And don't worry about traction with winter tires on an 18" wheel. ...
With 245/45-18 Pirelli 210 Snowsports on my S8, traction in snow is limited by ground clearence; the bumper on the S8 makes a poor snowplow. Nokian, Dunlop, Bridgestone, and Michelin also make outstanding dedicated winter tires. In every case, it's the tread rubber compound and heavy siping that provides the good traction for these tires, not tire diameter or even width.
If the roads in your area tend to get potholed in the winter, the taller sidewall of a 17" tire wheel provides better protection for the wheel, but as long as you maintain the same overall tire diameter, there are no other problems at all.
If the roads in your area tend to get potholed in the winter, the taller sidewall of a 17" tire wheel provides better protection for the wheel, but as long as you maintain the same overall tire diameter, there are no other problems at all.
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Re: And don't worry about traction with winter tires on an 18" wheel. ...
I actually would prefer a 16 inch but I'm concerned with how it will look on the car. What's your opinion? Ever seen the 16 inchers before?
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Re: that is rediculous! Check engine lights? You should ask him to do your tranny fluid change also!
Jack,
By the way, what did you mean about asking him to change the tranny fluid also? Is this an easy thing to do yourself?
By the way, what did you mean about asking him to change the tranny fluid also? Is this an easy thing to do yourself?
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