How important is tire width for driving in snow?
11-11-2002, 11:00 AM
#11
AudiWorld Expert
I'm not sure which number you're looking at exactly...
But it looks like that might be it. It should say "Recommended/approved rim width" or something close to it.
As for your rim, looking at the Model Guide section of Audi World with the specs, it seems that the 1.8T has 16x7 rims (5 spoke), and the 3.0 has 16x7.5 rims (12 spoke).
As for your rim, looking at the Model Guide section of Audi World with the specs, it seems that the 1.8T has 16x7 rims (5 spoke), and the 3.0 has 16x7.5 rims (12 spoke).
11-11-2002, 07:22 PM
#16
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Believe me, I would like nothing more than to give you a full review...
but it was 70 degrees today!! :-) Casual observations show that the compound is harder than Dunlop Wintersport M2's. The tread blocks on the WR's are very firm, vs. the squishy M2's. That will translate into better dry handling, however the real question is will it involve a sacrifice to snow/ice handling. Unfortunately, I can't tell at this time.
The siping on the WR's goes about halfway down the tread blocks. So, if Nokian warrants the tires for 50K miles, I would say their foul weather mileage is 25K miles. Once you run out of siping, I'm sure these tires won't fair so well in wet/ice handling.
One of the guys at the tire shop just bought the WR's for his Grand Prix. He loves how smooth and quiet these tires are, and he also commented on the build quality being much better than the Michelins they sell (no specific model mentioned...I think he was referencing *any* generic Michelin passenger tire). This guy was a tire installer...and he could not get a discount on these tires...he paid full price for them! He didn't seem to have any vested interest in pushing these tires...in fact, some of his buddies at the shop probably thought he was insane for spending the $$ he did, but he was very happy with his decision.
The siping on the WR's goes about halfway down the tread blocks. So, if Nokian warrants the tires for 50K miles, I would say their foul weather mileage is 25K miles. Once you run out of siping, I'm sure these tires won't fair so well in wet/ice handling.
One of the guys at the tire shop just bought the WR's for his Grand Prix. He loves how smooth and quiet these tires are, and he also commented on the build quality being much better than the Michelins they sell (no specific model mentioned...I think he was referencing *any* generic Michelin passenger tire). This guy was a tire installer...and he could not get a discount on these tires...he paid full price for them! He didn't seem to have any vested interest in pushing these tires...in fact, some of his buddies at the shop probably thought he was insane for spending the $$ he did, but he was very happy with his decision.
11-11-2002, 07:25 PM
#17
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Noooooo...you forget, I'm testing a suspension today...
that requires GOOD summer tires!!! I sent you an email re: stasis kit. The suspension fun overrides any euphoria that a set of winter tires could possibly generate!
11-12-2002, 08:10 AM
#18
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Narrower winter tires? It depends. (m)
<center><img src="http://www.tirerack.com/winter/images/carspin.gif"></center><p>(as usual) I agree with QPete's post.
Typically narrower is better for:
deep or heavy snow
unplowed roads.
If roads are mostly dry & clear, wider is better in terms of handling. You have to do what is right for YOUR driving conditions, and how you drive. Performance will be close with tires in a givemn width (tractive effort say 5-10% difference between them in using a 205/55R16 vs a 225/50R16, as an example)
Hope this helps. Like I say, call me to discuss & we can make sure you have the best for YOUR needs
Talk to you soon!
Typically narrower is better for:
deep or heavy snow
unplowed roads.
If roads are mostly dry & clear, wider is better in terms of handling. You have to do what is right for YOUR driving conditions, and how you drive. Performance will be close with tires in a givemn width (tractive effort say 5-10% difference between them in using a 205/55R16 vs a 225/50R16, as an example)
Hope this helps. Like I say, call me to discuss & we can make sure you have the best for YOUR needs
Talk to you soon!
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