carbonLORD

Does anyone run an 40 sidewall profile n a 17" wheel? I currently run 235/45/17 but noticed a new A4 yesterday which had an aftermarket wheel on it. Thinking they were 18's I walked over and took a closer look. They were in fact 17" as I read the tire size and it said 225/40/17? Is there a 235/40/17 and has anyone ever used it and would this compromise anything aside of a "harsher" ride from more road feel? I thought it looked great, but it was the first time I had noticed it and it was on an A4, where I own an A6 and do not know if the added weight would matter, with a 17" wheel.

Thank you.

ex-quattro PETE

For safety reasons (since your car is a bit heavier than an A4 I presume), you should make sure that the load index of the 235/40/17 tire you're considering is at least as high as what's recommended in your owner's manual.

Also, most (if not all) tire manufacturers recommend that your 17" rim be at least 8" wide to support a 235/40/17 tire.

On the 1st gen. A4, 235/40/17 tires are quite popular, second only to the OEM size of 225/45/17. Some people also run 235/45/17.

The 235/40 is 2.3% smaller in diameter, so your speedo and odo will be off by this much (I'd say that's still within acceptable limits). And of course, like you already noted, the ride will be harsher due to lower sidewalls and wider contact patch.

carbonLORD

Perfect response! Thank you QP.

ex-quattro PETE

np. good luck with that.