djtnut

Hi folks,

I purchased a set of four 16" AT Atalia Rims on Tirerack this summer to be used as my winter wheels on my '03 Allroad. Now I'm shopping around for Nokian Hakk Studded Snow Tires. I'm a ski patroller at Jay Peak in Vermont, so I need to be able to "set out in a storm" and make it there when the roads are gnarly and icy, hence the studded snows.

I'm planning to get the Hakk 5 studded and wanted to verify my math and thoughts about which size to get:

Stock 17" tires are 225/55R17, which have a sidewall height of 123.75mm, for an overall outer diameter of 679.30mm or 26.74". I'm thinking 215/65R16 is my best bet, which have a sidewall height of 139.75mm, for an overall outer diameter of 685.9mm or 27.00", which is 0.26" larger than stock. The closest fit would have been 205/65R16, but Nokian does not make any tires in that size. Is it better to have the outer diameter slightly smaller or slightly bigger? The next closest contender if I went with the smaller tire size would have been 215/60R16 for an outer diameter of 664.4mm or 26.1" but they're 0.64" smaller than stock.

So can anyone validate that 215/65R16 is a good option? I found a place in Vermont that has the Hakk 5's studded for only $147.95/corner including studs, mount, balance and tax!

Thanks, David

Scot W

Just looked in the garage. I have 215/65R16 Blizzaks on my AT Italias.

2002ar

Me too; 215-65-16 Bridgestone Winterforce on 16" AT Italia rims.

djtnut

perfect, thanks guys!

soutthpaw

Are another option available on tire rack... I am planning to get non studded AT-2's for my summer tires.... larger voids r good for self cleaning mud and snow... and thicker sidewalls are the big benefit of going with an AT tire.... just ordered winterforce 17's, studded to go on the oem rims for winter. Have them (winterforce) on my wife's A6 Avant too