PGM

The car is shod with 20" wheels, and we're looking for serious snow tires. Any suggestions?

jprice@CPS

You can run 255/55/18 Nokian Hakka SUV (Also, 235/60/18 fits, which will be better in deeper and heavier snow)

<a href="http://www.nokiantires.com/en/tire_hakkasuv.aspx">http://www.nokiantires.com/en/tire_hakkasuv.aspx</a>

Nokian Dealer locator: <a href="http://www.nokiantires.com/en/locater.aspx">http://www.nokiantires.com/en/locater.aspx</a>

If you HAVE to run 20s (I recommend against this for winter), then the Hakka SUV is also made in 275/40/20.


<img src="http://www.nokiantyres.com/files/nkr/suv_talvi/hkplsuv_tuote_iso.jpg">

PGM

JP, you're great. Thank you for the helpful reply that goes above and beyond.

PGM

JP, I need to find out whether I can downsize the wheels on this beast with the air suspension system option.

I'm partial to Nokians on other vehicles and wonder which wheel to buy when downsizing for winter. We have serious salt as you do in the MSP metro.

jprice@CPS

With the correct tire sizes, you have the same outer tire circumference. It seems the main thing that keeps people from downsizing are brakes.

Tirerack shows several 18x8 wheels and one 18x8.5 wheel that are listed as fitting the Q7 4.2 and Q7 Premium (not sure what the difference is).

Tirerack does show- "Note: OE TPMS sensors required"
Links to a page that says:

-------------------------------------------
Your vehicle is equipped with a tire pressure monitoring system that
requires a sensor to be installed in the tire and wheel assembly for
proper operation.

Photo shown may not match actual sensor. Your system includes:

BERU 433MHZ TRANSMITTER
$340.00 for a quantity of 4

BERU 43MM LONG VALVE STEM
$28.00 for a quantity of 4

Total Price: $368.00

Close Window
NOTE: The original sensors from your original wheels can be used or you may purchase sensors from The Tire Rack.
-----------------------------------

jprice@CPS

When you just select that you want to buy wheels for the car, it only shows 19" and larger for the Q7, but if you select winter wheel/tire packages, and pick an 18" tire, it shows the 18" wheels that can fit. It's kind of frustrating they don't show those on the main wheel configurator. Also, some of the 18" wheels that show up with the winter wheel package have quite attractive pricing. :-)

It's the same for my A4. If I put a 2001.5 A4 1.8T quattro sport in the wheel selector, it doesn't show 16" wheels, but if I choose snow tire/wheel packages, there's quite a few. I wish they'd show ALL the wheels that fit the car in the wheel selection section of the site.

PGM

JP --

Nokian advises they do not have a winter tire for the 20" Audi wheel. That means I need to get a set of winter wheels for the Q7 (plus other than Nokian tires). Are you partial to any particular wheel brand or make? I've looked at the Tirerack options,and can't seem to pull the trigger on their aftermarket line-up. Suggestions? Really appreciate your counsel/advice here.

jprice@CPS

The Nokian Hakka SUV is made in a 275/40/20, which should fit fine, but personally I'd go with 18"

There's a few good 18" wheel options.

<a href="http://www.tirerack.com/a.jsp?a=AR4&url=%2Fwheels%2FDisplayWheel.jsp%3Fwhe elMake%3DSport%2BEdition%26wheelModel%3DType%2BW%2 6wheelFinish%3DSilver%2BPainted">Spor t Edition Type W</a> These are $169 each for 18x8.5!

<a href="http://www.tirerack.com/a.jsp?a=AR4&url=%2Fwheels%2FDisplayWheel.jsp%3Fwhe elMake%3Dmoda%26wheelModel%3DR9%26wheelFinish%3DBr ight%2BSilver%2BPaint">Moda R9</a> $229 each for 18x8

<a href="http://www.tirerack.com/a.jsp?a=AR4&url=%2Fwheels%2FDisplayWheel.jsp%3Fwhe elMake%3DAT%2BItalia%26wheelModel%3DS5%26wheelFini sh%3DSilver%2BPainted">AT Italia S5</a> I run these in 16" for winter on my car. They're $239 each for 18x8

<a href="http://www.tirerack.com/a.jsp?a=AR4&url=%2Fwheels%2FDisplayWheel.jsp%3Fwhe elMake%3Dmoda%26wheelModel%3DR10%26wheelFinish%3DB right%2BSil%2Bw%252FPol%2BStainless%2BLip">Moda R10</a> $249 each for 18x8

<a href="http://www.tirerack.com/a.jsp?a=AR4&url=%2Fwheels%2FDisplayWheel.jsp%3Fwhe elMake%3DO.Z.%26wheelModel%3DCanyon%2BST%26wheelFi nish%3DBright%2BSilver%2BPaint">OZ Canyon</a> $299 each for 18x8

I think all those options are good. If you go to <a href="http://www.tirerack.com/a.jsp?a=AR4&url=%2Fsnow%2Fchangeover.jsp">Tirerack winter package selection</a>, enter the Q7, and select 18" package size.. choose any tire to get over to the wheels. Then under each wheel, there's a "View on Vehicle" link, so you can get an idea which you like best on the Q7.

You can go with 255/55/18 or 235/60/18 in 18" size. Nokian makes those sizes as well (hakka suv), or you can choose another tire.

You may want to call Tirerack and talk to Gary, ask about the TPMS system if you have any questions. (Does your Q7 have Tire Pressure Monitoring System?)

PGM

Remarkably, it was Nokian's customer service rep in the US who advised a fitment was not available for the 20" wheel. I'll be selecting an 18" set based on your exceptional advice, JP. Thank you for your much appreciated recommendations.

This car is too impressivce to not have the proper skins to exchange to accommodate the full four seasons. Moreover, we intend to have it sporting across lake ice roads this winter on an occasional lark.

BTW, the Q7 premium is a pleasure in every respect. I hope you have the chance to get your hands on the wheel. One always looks forward to the next drive. No squawks whatsoever, yet.

jprice@CPS

And even more importantly, once the snow flies what your impressions are. :-)