nvkid

What are the best size winter/high-performance all-season tires to put on 17" rims? Am I better off getting a set of used 15" wheels and putting on tires that don't cost so much?

Please help....just got new A4 w/ sport and need winter tires ASAP--if only for another month or so.

D.Ross

get 15" wheels. 17" snow tires are too expensive for 1 month of use.

ColoradoMark

But still a good idea to have seperate winter wheels for lots of reasons:
Makes changing over easier (and keeps your good wheels safe from some tire hack),
Skinnier/ higher profile tires work better in the snow,
Keeps your good wheels looking better.

nvkid

One month left (approx.) for winter driving in Tahoe/Reno area. Of course, I'd use them for next winter season. Basically, I just thinking of getting 17" snow tires and switching them out every season (unless I could find a set of cheap Audi 15" rims).

Any suggestions for brand/model for winter tires?

Liam in Montreal

mid october to april.

Steve66

You should be able to pick up some stock 15" wheels for cheap; there is a set with tires in the classified section now for $300 (I'm not the seller...I just noticed them). You'll want good winter tires for next year at least -- there are quite a few good winter tires out there. I have the Michelin Arctic-Alpins on 15" wheels, but there are lots of others. Do a search here, look in the "User Reviews" section, or look at a place like <a href="http://www.tirerack.com">www.tirerack.com</a> for more info.

Using a dedicated set of wheels/tires for winter means you can put some good summer tires on your 17" wheels (that's what a lot of people do, including me) and just swap the set in the fall & spring.

ColoradoMark

I bet the price difference between 15" and 17" tires and mounting and unmounting them over a few years would come close to paying for an extra set of wheels.
Hope we won't need snows in Colorado in a month as well.

I've decided to get all-seasons for my car (SP5000's) and another set of rims for my Yoko autocross/track tires.

stevenknapp

A friend did what you are suggesting for his M3 as he needed 17"s to clear the brakes, but he didn't want to spend the extra for a 2nd set of wheels.

Not only do the 17"s not like potholes, but also it was impossible for him to get the tires mounted without scratching the rims.

Between mounting/balancing charges and the cost differental for 15" snows vs 17", you'll easily pay the $100 the steel wheels will cost you.

Also having two sets makes things more flexable. You don't need to get the tire shop involved. It takes about 1/2 hr to swap my wheels and tires. Get a good jack, a good torque wrench, and the Eastwood unibody saddle (for the jack), you'll be all set.

Jenner

To answer your question the best size for 17" all season or snow tires would be 205/50/17

BRD

I have 17" wheels with Dunlop Winter Sport M2 snow tires in 225/45-17 size. Great all around winter tire, as long as your not in severe snow and ice all the time. Tire is darn good in the dry cold roads as well. You don't loose much performance when it is dry or just wet. The cost is $150 each plus mount/balance twice a season. This adds up to alot of money over time.

I would go with dedicated 16" wheels and the Dunlop Winter Sport M2. I pick 16 inch wheels because there are more snow tires available in the 205/55-16 then in 205/60-15 size. For example I don't think the Dunlops are available at all in that size. I think in the 15" tire your basically left with die-hard snow tires like the Blizzaks. If that is what you need, then go with 15" wheels/tires.

Good luck, hope winter is close to over for you and these are for next year.