Replacing 2011 Q5 tires with slightly wider ones?
 

I have a 2011 Premium Plus Q5 2.0. It came with 19 inch Goodyears. I have just under 42,000 miles on it and the tires need to be changed now.

1. For this car, how many miles on average should you expect to change the tires.

2. The place I brought the car to recommended Pirellis instead of Goodyear. Specifically, they are recommending slightly wider tires, for what reason I am not sure of. Since this isn't really a performance car, will I notice any difference going with the Pirellis vs. the Goodyears? What are the pros/cons of getting slightly wider tires than what it came with?

thanks for any info!

The Factory Goodyear Eagle LS2 tires are considered mediocre by most of our customers and survey data. Average wear has been about 30,000 miles. The original factory size 235/55R19 is not nearly as common of a tire size as the slightly wider 255/50R19, so there are more options available in the wider 255/50R19. I would expect you to see no change by going to a tire that is just under an inch wider, except perhaps slightly better cosmetic appearance and a bit better protection on the wheel from curb damage. I'm not sure which Pirelli the shop recommended but in 255/50R19 they make the Scorpion Verde A/S Plus, which is superior to the Goodyear Eagle LS2 in nearly every measurable category, especially wear and wet traction.

I just checked your website, and unless I'm misunderstanding it, it seems to be suggesting two different sized tires for my car? Why would I get 19 in the back and 18 in the front? Will the slightly wider tires make a difference in snow or driving through canyons?

Thank you!

There are two possible factory original tire sizes, but that size would be the same front and rear.

There are 5 options for 19-inch tires on your website for the Q5:
- GoodYear Eagle LS-2
- CrossContact LX Sport(Crossover/SUV Touring All-Season)
- Michelin Latitude Tour HP (Crossover/SUV Touring All-Season)
- Bridgestone Dueler H/P Street/Sport Truck Summer
- Michelin Latitude Sport Street/Sport Truck Summer

Being that it will go on a 2.0 Q5, and with a newborn in the backseat, which will handle best in wet/snow and canyons? Is there much difference between them for this?

Thanks.

Among those tires, the best in wet and snow would be the Michelin Latitude Tour HP by a pretty good margin.

I would also recommend the Michelin Latitude Tour for what you are looking for.