esmith

1) have a set of 18" in the basement for a year, trying to wear out all seasons that came with the car (17). They have good tread on them, but am reluctant to use them. I think I will try and put them on just to see if I like the size, then order new, but how do I tell if they are dangerous (for street/highway)?
2) they are 235/40/18 - for S6 02, but tire rack's listing for 18 are 255/35/18, something is a miss, either on what is on this wheel or tire rack's OEM listing. Which is correct? OEM wheels - stamped Si 7 WE LWF, at least that is what I can read on them, might be S1 7 WE LWF
Thanks

Gary@Tirerack.com

1. Although estimates vary, most tire manufacturers say somewhere in the neighborhood of 5-7 years for a shelf life. Tires kept out of direct sunlight or in controlled warehouse conditions will not deteriorate as quickly. Most agree that after 10 years they should be removed from service. Unfortunately there is no 'test' or way to tell if the tires are actually dangerous due to aging.

2. 255 is more typically used on this car as OE, but 235/40R18 is about the same overall diameter, just a bit more narrow.<ul><li><a href="http://www.tirerack.com/a.jsp?a=AR8&amp;url=/tires/index.jsp">tires</a></li></ul>

esmith

will 255 fit on a what I am assuming is a 7" wheel width?

Reggie

could be wrong. and yes 255 would be too wide for a 7" wide rim. The stamping should have something that has the diameter too. and there should be a letter after the width with the lip type I also think