01slvrS4

I am about to purchase snow tires and would like to know if you think that 17" is ok or should I opt for 16" tires with new rims? I would like to know what works the best for everyone.

Ian-S4-Brampton

I just picked up a set of 205/16/45 Nokian Haks. Great tire, great traction and they last a lot longer than Blizzaks.
...ian/Toronto

Tostao

What is a lot more?

My Blizzaks will give me at least 2 winters and we get less snow than where you are (more wear on dry roads).

néné

I've had Michelin Pilot Alpins, 225/45/17, installed on my Avus stock 17" rims.
They seem to be good in dry and wet pavement so far. No white stuff has fallen in Boston yet!

DMoore

Where do you live? What kind of weather? Do you get much ice? Does the snow get deep, do you have to drive in unplowed conditions?

The main benefit of a smaller wheel is that it allows a narrower tire. A narrower snow tire will get better traction and handling in snow. Conversely, those things will be worse on dry road.

So how much snow performance do you need?

One thought. A narrower tire will feel a little squirmy, and may make you drive a little more conservatively on a dry road. But it won't cause an accident unless you do something really stupid. On the other hand, a wider tire in snow, that skids out in a curve or locks up prematurely, can cause an accident through very little (I didn't say "no") fault of your own.

You pay your money and take your choice.

DMoore
'01 S4
(205/55-16 Nokian NRWs for winter)

A4SOME

Those Alpines are the best!!!

Reggie3

Myself - I live in Colorado and had planned to buy 17" rims for snow tires this year. I have been running 16" seven spoke sport wheels the past two winters. I miss having my summer 17" rims for the response I get with them and the looks. Here in CO with the altitude the roads are clear 98% of the winter - it is only the day of the snow storm that the roads are bad. The road is usually clear by the next day.

Too bad my company elminated profit sharing and put in place a 10% accross the board pay cut. So there went my money for 17" rims and Dunlop M2s.

So if you live in the NE or Midwest - go with 16 inchers. If you are in an area like I am and don't go into the mountains - get 17s.

Reggie

98.5 2.8QMS