SwampGTI

Been a while since I logged on...but thanks in advance for the help.

Looking for snow tires for my 2006 S-Line (with the 18"s)...in your experience is it better to go with the fatter 18" snow tires, or to go down in size, like to a 16"
235/40R18 or 205/50R16s??????

These would be to drive up to Oregon and Tahoe and back from the Bay Area.

Thanks

initialA4

I would go with smaller

DeMOROlized

<ul><li><a href="http://not2fast.wryday.com/chassis/sizing.shtml">http://not2fast.wryday.com/chassis/sizing.shtml</a</li></ul>

audiboi

Smaller wheels have less chance of being destroyed by a monster pot hole and the higher sidewall is more forgiving to terrain than the metal wheels. A thinner tire will allow the car to cut through the deep stuff rather than sit on top of it.

That being said, I ran with an 18" wheel and tires set on the S4 (stock size), and it did fine even in 6" of the white stuff.

If you are buying a new set of rims and tires, I'd recommend a 17" as a good balance between function and form. I would recommend getting a second set, because in the bay area, you do not want winter tires during winter, because it is too warm for the harder winter tire compound.

gk1

If you have 235/40/18, then 215/55/16 is good. I have 16x7 et35 wheels that fit not sure about other models.<ul><li><a href="http://www.tirerack.com/a.jsp?a=AR4&url=%2Fwinter%2Ftech%2Ftechpage.jsp%3F techid%3D126">http://www.tirerack.com/winter/tech/techpage.jsp?techid=126</a></li></ul>

SwampGTI

Thanks...I'll go smaller

Bob Loblaw

your brakes. My B6 brakes are smaller - you'll have less selection.

The extra sidewall is good for the potholes too!

janB7

Agreed, I bought Audi OEM wheels off 2003 A4 with same spec's as B7 base model, 16x7 with 42 offset but they touched calipers on front. Ended up with Ronal wheels 16 x 7.5 with 35 offset.

Steve Mac

I got the Borbet wheels that Tire Rack was selling last year for that fitment with Bridgestone Blizzak WR50s. Work like a charm, ice or snow. Handling sucks on pavement tho...