Swapped my winter wheels 1 week too early.

[eieiou22]

Thought I'd share some sad photos with you guys.

Got caught in a random snowstorm last week. Interstate was closed and GPS redirected me through some backroads. I couldn't have been traveling (straight) more than 5 mph (may have even been stopped), and the car just started sliding sideways towards the guard rail due to a steep lateral grade.

Pretty bummed out right now. 27k miles on the odometer. The damage is purely cosmetic, but I'm so anal/OCD with my cars that I know it'll bug me when it gets fixed, even if it looks 100% perfect. I'll probably sell it after it gets fixed. Worst part is that I swapped out my winter wheels the week prior [facepalm] !! I was driving on all-seasons (Michelin A/S 3), but this still happened.

http://www.audizine.com/gallery/data/559/medium/rail1.jpg
http://www.audizine.com/gallery/data/559/medium/rail2.jpg
http://www.audizine.com/gallery/data/559/medium/rail3.jpg

[Pilfer]

I'm in the same boat as you. My car was damaged when a valet driver crashed into my car at work. I didnt even valet the car, I never do. I was pretty upset and was looking to sell as soon as I got it back. Everything damaged has been replaced and I got ecodes and 4 new tires out of it. I don't have the car back yet, be ready to wait awhile. I was looking at 911s and R8s, used of course but decided I didn't want to spend that kind of money at this time. Hopefully I like the repair job when I get it back.

[Blurspeed]

Sorry to hear but at least you are ok.

[The Fat Kid]

That sucks! I am always watching the forecast in the Boston area because we can still get snow.

[Usa]

Ah bummer! Not safe to switch until April in my area at least.

[teylix]

ouch. i remember people talking about switching out tires a couple weeks back and i thought they were crazy.

i normally dont switch tires until after easter.

[Joe85sti]

I'm confused, you swap winters for all seasons? Why not summers? Guess it doesn't matter now.

I wait to put the summers on until the 10 day forecast has temps above 40°, day and night. I'd rather put extra wear on the winters on those first few warm days than risk getting caught on the summers in cold and/or snow.

[eieiou22]

Fair question. Wasn't sure if I was going to buy a winter set, so started off with all-seasons.


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[Sundowner]

Given the amount of snow on the ground and around you (and that the interstate was closed!), I don' think the dedicated winter tires would have saved you.
yes, they're better than all seasons, but they're not magical.
sometimes, shit just happens.

[Maitre Absolut]

I'm confused, you swap winters for all seasons? Why not summers? Guess it doesn't matter now.

I wait to put the summers on until the 10 day forecast has temps above 40°, day and night. I'd rather put extra wear on the winters on those first few warm days than risk getting caught on the summers in cold and/or snow.

Was thinking the same thing. I guess it would have been even worse on summers.

Its snowed twice since i've been on summers but i've taken the Q5 (still on winters) on those occasions.

[RudyH]

Glad you are alright, that's the most important part. That damage doesn't look too serious but always wrong after taking off body work.

At least lesson learned as to why you own a set of winter tires, and you don't drive without them!

[Thumper3]

Yeah, that snow looked pretty deep, sounds like you just stopped on a zero traction area of the surface. If you had been moving a bit faster the system would have possibly found traction.

Just one of those no-way-out crappy situations. Proper winters may have helped, who knows, no reason to beat yourself up too hard on it.

Damage doesn't even look that bad. Fender, headlight, damage on the bumper cover too. Easy fix. Definitely no reason to sell it, unless you really are THAT OCD. LOL

[Jcam14]

Damn, that sux!! I know the feeling. When I had my 2013 a4 I slid in some snow and ice and hit another car. I was so pissed... Unfortunately it's all wheel drive but that doesn't help in snow and braking... Hope it all works out and glad your alright.

[adbender]

totally sucks...

[anerbe]

Given the amount of snow on the ground and around you (and that the interstate was closed!), I don' think the dedicated winter tires would have saved you.
yes, they're better than all seasons, but they're not magical.
sometimes, shit just happens.

I'm not saying dedicated winters wouldn't have prevented the accident, but knowing that winters can stop in half the distance, and navigate turns on slippery/ice so much better, to many - winter tires can be magical in comparison to A/S and Summers.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GlYEMH10Z4s

2:10 and onward

[drob23]

Sorry to hear that, and kudos for being willing to post about it.

[MrFunk]

That sucks!!!
This time of year I look at the weather daily if i've swapped my summers on. Any road trips and I'm even more cautious. I had to put my wife's winters back on 2 weeks ago because we got a little bit of snow... she told me not to bother because it would melt by afternoon but even the 4 mile drive to her office in any snow with summer tires is a recipe for disaster...

That being said - they will fix your car up like new... all vehicles have their war wounds...

[Moto One]

Firkin Global Warming!!! You just can't count on it.

We are in the same boat today here in Northern CA. SNOW today. Snow/Ice tires off off after wife got spiked, but new Conti DWS's just went on, they're legal, but I'm not sure I going to trust them.

Sorry Man.

Mark

[Daily Driver]

I swapped mine maybe a week before ideal because I decided to do it at the same time I had my inspection done, which was due by 3/31.

Luckily I have a SUV with all-weathers and a Wrangler as back-up, so for me it doesn't matter too much.

I'm sorry about the car- glad you're OK and that it wasn't too bad though!!

[eieiou22]

Thank you guys for commiserating. First world problems, I know ... I'm done brooding (I think). I've enjoyed every minute of Audi ownership for the past 15 months. It pains me to say this, but my current plan is to take a short departure into a Golf R, with the intention of returning to Audi and Audizine when the RS3 matures (but only if 6MT is offered!). So, if you know anyone who might be interested in an *otherwise* immaculately-maintained 2014 S4, please point them my way!

Thumper3 - yup, I'm THAT OCD [emoji3]. I don't necessarily like it, but I also don't have wife/kids at the moment to help make rash decisions.


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[MVR 155]

Exiting cars at the 1 year old mark is not really advisable from a financial standpoint. Why don't you find an exceptional body shop in your area that specializes in higher end cars/exotics/show cars (basically OCD customers!!!). A shop with that kind of reputation should be able to make that car look like all of this was just a bad dream that never happened. The Golf R is a bad ass car without a doubt but I think its a step down to a certain degree from your S4.

[MrFunk]

Thank you guys for commiserating. First world problems, I know ... I'm done brooding (I think). I've enjoyed every minute of Audi ownership for the past 15 months. It pains me to say this, but my current plan is to take a short departure into a Golf R, with the intention of returning to Audi and Audizine when the RS3 matures (but only if 6MT is offered!). So, if you know anyone who might be interested in an *otherwise* immaculately-maintained 2014 S4, please point them my way!

Thumper3 - yup, I'm THAT OCD [emoji3]. I don't necessarily like it, but I also don't have wife/kids at the moment to help make rash decisions.


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LOL
First world problems and first world reaction... I know a few guys who got rid of their cars after a lil fender bender - as if the cars were tainted to them...
Golf R from an S4... hm... why not just wait on the RS3? (BTW there will be no 6MT)... if your S4 is 6MT you should hold it - will be a last of it's kind...

[The Fat Kid]

We had snow/sleet/rain last night and this morning, which made commuting on summer tires a bit more interesting.

[anerbe]

I agree with MVR 155. I would take a lot of picture of the damage, and then get it fixed at a very high end shop (at least the shop that your Audi Dealer uses). What everybody worries about when seeing a car with repairs is if the damage was caused by an impact / structural. Considering this was very light body with no structural impact, the car will drive / feel / sound no different than new.

I assume you will claim under insurance? If so, the carfax may have a record, but having the pictures of the damage really paint a good picture - there is no concern for the general structure of the vehicle. If I was buying your vehicle and saw the previous damage, i'd feel much better buying it vs. just seeing a carfax report of frontal damage.

I'd keep it over a Golf R, then decide to trade for an RS3 if you'd like.

[eieiou22]

Hm ... keep it coming, I'm listening.

MrFunk - do you have some insider information regarding the RS3? I was unaware that transmission options were definitely decided.


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[anerbe]

We had snow/sleet/rain last night and this morning, which made commuting on summer tires a bit more interesting.

Tell me about it! After installing my summers, we had about 10 day of nice weather. About a week ago, I wake up to this:

http://i1220.photobucket.com/albums/dd454/anerbe/S4/50FB029C-F61B-4BA9-8B32-FA423C0B9332.jpg (http://s1220.photobucket.com/user/anerbe/media/S4/50FB029C-F61B-4BA9-8B32-FA423C0B9332.jpg.html)

I slid down my driveway about 8 feet with all 4 wheels locked up after an idle crawl. Luckily the main roads had more slush and less snow/ice.

[Petrolhead]

Thank you guys for commiserating. First world problems, I know ... I'm done brooding (I think). I've enjoyed every minute of Audi ownership for the past 15 months. It pains me to say this, but my current plan is to take a short departure into a Golf R, with the intention of returning to Audi and Audizine when the RS3 matures (but only if 6MT is offered!). So, if you know anyone who might be interested in an *otherwise* immaculately-maintained 2014 S4, please point them my way!

Thumper3 - yup, I'm THAT OCD [emoji3]. I don't necessarily like it, but I also don't have wife/kids at the moment to help make rash decisions.


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If you are THAT OCD you are better off seeing someone to help you through your issues rather than wasting your money on a new car. Just because you don't have a wife/kids doesn't mean you have to live with it. Just my 2 cents.

[eieiou22]

Ha, point taken.


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[MVR 155]

I agree with MVR 155. I would take a lot of picture of the damage, and then get it fixed at a very high end shop (at least the shop that your Audi Dealer uses). What everybody worries about when seeing a car with repairs is if the damage was caused by an impact / structural. Considering this was very light body with no structural impact, the car will drive / feel / sound no different than new.

I assume you will claim under insurance? If so, the carfax may have a record, but having the pictures of the damage really paint a good picture - there is no concern for the general structure of the vehicle. If I was buying your vehicle and saw the previous damage, i'd feel much better buying it vs. just seeing a carfax report of frontal damage.

I'd keep it over a Golf R, then decide to trade for an RS3 if you'd like.

Good advice....... One thing I would caution...... Just because it's a dealer body shop or a shop they use doesn't necessarily ensure exceptional quality work. This is something you want to thoroughly research, I'm a very similar type of OCD as the OP when it comes to body repair/paint work. Honestly I have seen some dealer paintwork that looked like it came from Maaco which basically looks like someone painted the car with a roller!!!! Due diligence is your best friend in this scenario.

[anerbe]

Good advice....... One thing I would caution...... Just because it's a dealer body shop or a shop they use doesn't necessarily ensure exceptional quality work. This is something you want to thoroughly research, I'm a very similar type of OCD as the OP when it comes to body repair/paint work. Honestly I have seen some dealer paintwork that looked like it came from Maaco which basically looks like someone painted the car with a roller!!!! Due diligence is your best friend in this scenario.

Agreed - the shop should be at a minimum approved / recommended / used by an Audi Dealer. Better chance they use all the correct OEM parts. Of course, further research in local shops is highly recommended. Go to the best shop that insurance will cover.

[The Fat Kid]

Tell me about it! After installing my summers, we had about 10 day of nice weather. About a week ago, I wake up to this:

http://i1220.photobucket.com/albums/dd454/anerbe/S4/50FB029C-F61B-4BA9-8B32-FA423C0B9332.jpg (http://s1220.photobucket.com/user/anerbe/media/S4/50FB029C-F61B-4BA9-8B32-FA423C0B9332.jpg.html)

I slid down my driveway about 8 feet with all 4 wheels locked up after an idle crawl. Luckily the main roads had more slush and less snow/ice.

That could have sucked! Nothing really stuck on the roads around here, but it was awesome when a customer came in yesterday afternoon and said 1" - 2".

[MrFunk]

Hm ... keep it coming, I'm listening.

MrFunk - do you have some insider information regarding the RS3? I was unaware that transmission options were definitely decided.


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Don't hold your breath mate. It's not insider info - all the articles are indicating only a 7 speed auto...

[drevil2k2]

Sucks!
No structural damage to your vehicle or you.
See how the repairs turn out before ordering the Golf R?