bitfarmer

Need to put winters on the new A7 before the snow flies in NH (Nov/Dec). I've run blizzaks before, great stick, but a bit noisy & wear fast. I noticed tirerack has some good reviews on the Michelin Pilot Alpines, so I was wondering if anyone has run those before?

Also, the 19" winter wheelset I'm looking at has an offset of 35 whereas the spec on the A7 with 19" sports are 32. May just need a 3mm spacer or not?

Final question, I can get some like-new MPA winters pulled off a Panamera for a buckfifty over the cost of 1 new tire, the fronts are 255/45R19 but the rears are 285/40R19 - not sure I can or should run those wide treads on the rear - advice?

JerryS4

I agree about the Blizzaks and perhaps I should have opted for a smoother and quieter tread for mostly highways that I drive.

As for offset, the A7 can take even more than just the 3 mm, which is almost nothing at all. I have 20mm spacers on the rears with 38 offset wheels and that looks about right on (and is effectively an 18 offset). Just make sure that you get longer lugs so that you get at least 5 good turns of bite

Not sure about the last question as Quatro drive might have issues with that setup or not. Some Audi technical folks will know...

voyageur

I have west winds across Lake Huron which means much more snow than 5 kms inland (and it is getting worse
because warmer waters means more pick-up of moisture).

I agree Blizzaks but I have gone two inches down on wheels to 18's (more bite claimed smaller wheel) and close to 7/8ths of inch less wide (8 inch width wheels/245 mms width) on footprint for better cutting through snows.

For me I'll sacrifice appearance (smaller wheel) for snow & ice performance.

I'll report back after a few good storms. Each to their own.

JerryS4

http://gallery.hartmannwheels.com/v/...geViewsIndex=3

They look like a good match for the A7... simple and clean lines on both the wheels and the sleek car.

fkaufman

Did the tests and the speedo reading matched 100% the reading on the GPS.

Sawman

Go with 20" Blizzaks and keep your cool wheels on ...although only 255's are available.

Hdman1216

Continental DWS 265/35 ZR20. NOTHING BETTER OUT THERE

aquarian

Oh yeah? Those are what I have. Cool! But I doubt they are better than winter tires in terms of snow traction.

Hdman1216

I had Blizzaks (20") AND Conti (22") on my BMW X6 last winter in Kansas City. We had a ****load of snow
And I felt that the Conti outperformed the Blizzaks in ALL conditions. The other good thing is that the come
in 265/35 ZR20 wich is a direct replacement for my 20" wheels. Also, the Conti's have a 50,000 tread wear
warranty.
Just my humble opinion.

aquarian

That's very good to know. I can't wait for snow this winter!