Winter Tire 101 for my 2001 S4
10-04-2002, 06:37 AM
#1
Audiworld Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2002
Posts: 44
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Winter Tire 101 for my 2001 S4
I'm looking to buy a set of wheels and winter tires for my S4, but have some basic questions before I make my purchase.
1) I live in Northern Virginia but do a lot of driving in Western PA. What winter tire would folks recommend for someone who encounters a variety of winter conditions?
2) Do folks recommend sticking with the 17 inch wheel or changing the wheel size? What are the different characteristics I would observe with the different sizes?
3) Finally, what wheel brand and style would folks recommend for winter use? A lot of these aftermarket wheels sure are pretty, but I'm concerned that they may not stand up to Pittsburgh potholes.
1) I live in Northern Virginia but do a lot of driving in Western PA. What winter tire would folks recommend for someone who encounters a variety of winter conditions?
2) Do folks recommend sticking with the 17 inch wheel or changing the wheel size? What are the different characteristics I would observe with the different sizes?
3) Finally, what wheel brand and style would folks recommend for winter use? A lot of these aftermarket wheels sure are pretty, but I'm concerned that they may not stand up to Pittsburgh potholes.
10-04-2002, 06:50 AM
#2
AudiWorld Expert
Re: Winter Tire 101 for my 2001 S4
<i>1) I live in Northern Virginia but do a lot of driving in Western PA.</i>
QP: Likewise. I went skiing in Seven Springs this past winter.
<i>What winter tire would folks recommend for someone who encounters a variety of winter conditions?</i>
QP: Either a dedicated H-rated winter tire, like Dunlop M2 or Michelin Pilot Alpin, or a heavy-duty all-season like Nokian NRW (WR). I've got the Pilot Alpins and I'm happy with them, but I've also heard a lot of good reviews of the Nokians, which have a 50K miles treadlife warranty.
<i>2) Do folks recommend sticking with the 17 inch wheel or changing the wheel size? What are the different characteristics I would observe with the different sizes? </i>
QP: I went with 16", mainly because it was cheaper, reduced the risk of bending rims on winter potholes, allowed to put on a narrower tire which is beneficial in deeper snow.
If you go to a smaller rim, your handling/steering response will suffer (more tire sidewall flex).
<i>3) Finally, what wheel brand and style would folks recommend for winter use? A lot of these aftermarket wheels sure are pretty, but I'm concerned that they may not stand up to Pittsburgh potholes. </i>
How about you use your stock S4 wheels for winter, and get some nice new rims for summer? Or have you alredy done that?
By the way, you can also put on a 205/50 tire on your stock S4 rims, if you want something narrower for better snow driving, but I don't think I would do it on an S4. Such heavy car should probably stick with 225/45. After all, this part of the country does not get THAT much snow, does it?
QP: Likewise. I went skiing in Seven Springs this past winter.
<i>What winter tire would folks recommend for someone who encounters a variety of winter conditions?</i>
QP: Either a dedicated H-rated winter tire, like Dunlop M2 or Michelin Pilot Alpin, or a heavy-duty all-season like Nokian NRW (WR). I've got the Pilot Alpins and I'm happy with them, but I've also heard a lot of good reviews of the Nokians, which have a 50K miles treadlife warranty.
<i>2) Do folks recommend sticking with the 17 inch wheel or changing the wheel size? What are the different characteristics I would observe with the different sizes? </i>
QP: I went with 16", mainly because it was cheaper, reduced the risk of bending rims on winter potholes, allowed to put on a narrower tire which is beneficial in deeper snow.
If you go to a smaller rim, your handling/steering response will suffer (more tire sidewall flex).
<i>3) Finally, what wheel brand and style would folks recommend for winter use? A lot of these aftermarket wheels sure are pretty, but I'm concerned that they may not stand up to Pittsburgh potholes. </i>
How about you use your stock S4 wheels for winter, and get some nice new rims for summer? Or have you alredy done that?
By the way, you can also put on a 205/50 tire on your stock S4 rims, if you want something narrower for better snow driving, but I don't think I would do it on an S4. Such heavy car should probably stick with 225/45. After all, this part of the country does not get THAT much snow, does it?
10-04-2002, 07:47 AM
#3
Member
Join Date: Mar 2000
Posts: 3,428
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
FAQ
Take a look at my recent post for some more info. You have several good ways to go. In your area, typically keeping 17" for better dry handling on the car. Take a look, then CALLME to discuss your best setup & pricing! 
<ul><li><a href="https://forums.audiworld.com/wheel/msgs/53799.phtml">https://forums.audiworld.com/wheel/msgs/53799.phtml</a</li></ul>
<ul><li><a href="https://forums.audiworld.com/wheel/msgs/53799.phtml">https://forums.audiworld.com/wheel/msgs/53799.phtml</a</li></ul>
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
a4adam87
A4 (B5 Platform) Discussion
1
01-17-2002 01:20 PM