IMYM

Anyone know why most of the online places are recommending the 225/50/17 size as the minus 1 size, instead of the 245/45/17, which is a better match in term of the diameter? From reading the other threads, it seems that 245/45/17 definitively fit since it is the same width and diameter as the OEM.

Any idea? I know narrower tires work better in winter but all of the web sites I saw would list other sizes that aren't even close to the original diameter as alternatives, but wouldn't even list 245/45/17 as an option.

munsabin

As you said, because narrower tires are better for winter. I personally went for the Nexen WInguards 245/45/R18 and am quite happy with them.

VM

What's the size of the 17" tires offered on the base trims of the A4? Isn't it 225/50R17?

gguy

it is. I’m sure that’s why it is why it is recommended. It you look it up on any tire site, the 225/50 17 is the recommended 17 inch tire. Because that is what Audi puts on as 17 inch tires and recommends to everyone else. The diameter difference between the 245/40 18 and the 225/50 17 is insignificant.

ptmdsharp

I live in Maine and nearly went with 215 width. I ended up going with the recommended 225 and they seem awfully wide for a winter tire. The dealer recommended Dunlap performance snow tires. I went with Blizzaks WS80 because ... Maine. I guess it all depends on where you live and how much snow and ice you have to deal with.
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sweed

I think we're going to go with the 225/50/17 for our new A4. My saab 93 aero with 225 ( normal 235 summer tire) is a beast in the snow and it's fwd. I think we'll use the 17" as the winter tire and upgrade to an 18 or 19" for summer. This is my wife's daily car and she wants bigger wheels and an upgraded exhaust, which I think is awesome!

IMYM

Thank guys for the reply. I actually wasn't worry about the diameter. I was assuming the 245 is almost 10% wider than the 225, and with every thing else being equal (i.e. same component, same thread depth, etc), the wider tire has a lot more rubber and will probably last longer. Since this is a lease I put them on for 4 winter plus the last summer, so I want to make sure that they will last as long as they can.