Brian-02A41.8TQMSP

I live in Minnesota and I plan to take delivery of my 2002 A4 1.8T Quattro Sport Package next week. I opted for the sport package because I wanted stiffer springs, performance tires, and the way cool 17" wheels. I realize, however, that I will need snow tires for the winter to keep my A4 on the road. I plan to buy a tire and wheel package but I'm not sure whether to stay with 17" wheels or opt for the 16" variety. My dealer reccommends going to 16" wheels, but I really like the look of 17"ers. I assume there are plenty of audi owners who have experience with 17" vs. 16" wheels/tires in the snow. If so, please respond to this message. I am very interested in feedback and/or advice on this subject. Thanks!

kcS4

I have 17" on my S4 with Dunlop M2's. They work very well. the idea of the 16 is that the tire is smaller and cuts through to the road rather then pushing so much snow ahead of it like the 235/45-17 tire will. I have found them to be okay, lots of folks go to the 16 inch for the better snow performance. In Minnnesota you may need all the help you can get in snow!

1 Jedi

plus save a lot of $ by going with 16s./ surprised at how much more $ 17s are.

trifona

on my '99.5 A4 I ran MZ-01's on stock 5 spoke wheels in 205/55-16's. Because the tire was already wide I didnt have as much snow traction as I would've wanted.

On my '02 I went minus 1 to 215-55/16 on a new set of MZ-01's, even wider than b4 but still better than 235-45/17.

I also wanted to stay to 17" for looks, but i value the safety angle more than the looks, I also dont like being limited by road conditions. It's all a tradeoff, and i imagine that winters in Minnesota are much worse than Philadelphia.

A4BlueJean

Having lived in Canada my entire life and seeing what freeze and thaw does to roads I think it would be foolish to invest in a 17 inch winter tire. A good size for an A4 would be 215 55 16's as they are basically the same height as the 17's but will put a little more air between you and the pothole. As much as I love the low out to edge look of the car with 17's, it's just not practical for real winter driveability.

A4Driver

I really like the way the '02 looks with its 17" wheels, and I don't like the idea of having to put some aftermarket 16-inchers on my car for the entire winter. I'm tempted to put snows on my 17-inchers, but some have said 17-inch wheels are more prone to damage than 16-inchers in the winter. Oh, what to do ...?

ZLP-RVOVOM

If you find a good price, please let me know

VTAudiFan

This may be what I do. I spent all my money on the car and no $$ left for nice looking winter wheels/tires.

gryph

I just picked up a 2002 A4 and I am going to use the factory 17's for my winter rims with Michelin Pilot Alpins. Quattro with ESP and all the other electronic safegaurds are more than adequate for winter traction. Is it the absolute best? Probably not but if you like the 17 inch wheels keep them and mount your snows on them. We have all spent way too much money than we really needed to so I say enjoy it and do what your little voice says. It will drive you crazy for years if you dont.

Cantona

You have to be reasonable on this. I have the 17s and they do look great but I have decided to change them for 215 55 16 with a performance Goodyear Ultragrip Eagle unidirectional tread made for Audi in Germany. The narrower tread will give you more traction, you will still have the benefits of Quattro and ESP.
Also these new rims have not been tested yet in our winter roads yet, I would hate to ruin them in a hidden hole.