17s or 18s for Winter in NJ?

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Feb 3, 2009 | 06:50 AM

ATB

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17s or 18s for Winter in NJ?

Yes, this question seems a few months late, but I am getting a B7 S4 this month, so I am going to need some snow tires now. I am torn between putting snows on the OEM 18s or getting some 17" B5/B6 reps.

Are damage issues common in these parts with factory wheels? Since the roads are crap and I need to drive into NYC, the 17s would be nice for the extra protection. But the OEMs are a bit rashed and I would love to put some CH/RE/RGRs come warm weather.

Thoughts?

Feb 3, 2009 | 07:01 AM

Andy2K6S4

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Mine are 17's

Feb 3, 2009 | 07:10 AM

quattrothatcould

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Run the 18's then

Feb 3, 2009 | 07:18 AM

doo

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if you plan to buy a nicer set of rims for the warmer weather....then I would use the 18s for winter

Feb 3, 2009 | 07:30 AM

RKA

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The wheels will likely survive as they are boat anchors...

It's the tires that may not. Hit enough good potholes and you might find your tires bubbling. I run 18's, but I don't drive into NYC often and would probably reconsider if it was a day to day thing. Small and medium potholes are fine with an 18" V rated (or higher) winter tire. The sidewall seems stiff enough to deal with it. I don't have any confidence that I'll walk away scott free from a monster pothole. Lower speed rated tires will have a slightly softer sidewall and may prove to be more damage prone.