A3sportster

I am thinking of getting another set of wheels with mounted snows for winter driving. (East Side of Cleveland -- lake effect snow country -- watch reruns of last week's Browns-Bills Game). Can I get 45 offset in 17" 7.5J size with stock 225/45/17 size snows (probably blizzards)? Is there any rubbing problem here since the OEM wheels are 56? Anyone with experience doing this? Also, do the tires need to have the computer monitor hookups or can I ignore that since these are just for winter?

MShields

First, I would use a 17x7 and 205/50-17 snow tire. In that area I would even be tempted to use a 195/65-16. The grip is much better in real snow or snow packed roads, as the contact pressure per square inch is greater.

For full heavy winter conditions I like Hakkapeliitta Q (Nokian) from Finland, if you can find them. They are widely distributed in Canada and probably in your area as well. The various Bridgestone are good also.

Then, you might get away with 45 offset. My worry would not be that 225/45-17 on ET45 fit, rather that snow and ice buildup in the fender could get ugly with the very tight clearance.

We do not want to risk 1) locking a wheel, 2) tearing out a fender liner or 3) worse. Fender gap is not a bad thing in this case.

Somebody will chip in with what all they have mounted.
==m==
Mike

RyanS3

56 = factory = fugly

if you're not slamming your car you can do 44,48, and won't rub.

on 17"s? and factory suspension, no worries at all.

MuRaN0Daddy

stock wheels to keep as much clearance as possible, then bought another set for summer. I am slammed.

jkwan

<center><img src="http://i208.photobucket.com/albums/bb161/jkwan422/CIMG1778.jpg"></center><p>
lots of clearance, snow build up is manageable, no complaints.

jefex

Snow...
<a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v407/jefexx/?action=view&current=100_1682.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v407/jefexx/100_1682.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>
No Snow....
<a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v407/jefexx/?action=view&current=100_1849.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v407/jefexx/100_1849.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

A3sportster

Thanks for the input (I never thought of going down to a 16") and here's another question re: 2008 A3 TPMS sensors which are standard set-up on the stock wheels and tires. For another pair of mounted snows, do I need to have another set of sensors installed as well or can I get by without them? Also, can you reuse sensors (I know you have to replace the valve cores) and are they pretty much stock items?

A3sportster

What would offset be for 17 x 7 --- 45 to 50?