winter tire size differences

**ron717** · 04-19-2008 09:04 AM

Per Audi the winter tire & wheel package for the B7 A4 is 205/55HR 16. Yet in the manual & tire racks's website it shows 215/55HR 16. I questioned this with Audi customer support, and they claim both sizes are acceptable. Does this make sense?

**EBG 18T** · 04-19-2008 11:44 AM

as long as the load rating on the 205-55-16 is high enough both sizes are fine. the 205-55-16's are about 3/8" smaller than the 215-55-16.

Many people run a slightly narrower winter tire so it cuts thru the snow better.

**ron717** · 04-20-2008 04:20 AM

Originally Posted by EBG 18T

as long as the load rating on the 205-55-16 is high enough both sizes are fine. the 205-55-16's are about 3/8" smaller than the 215-55-16.

Many people run a slightly narrower winter tire so it cuts thru the snow better.

Its not just narrower, its also less in diameter-which causes speedometer being off, and faster tire wear

**a2gtinut** · 04-21-2008 07:44 AM

I use 205/60R16. It works great

**ron717** · 04-21-2008 07:50 AM

Originally Posted by a2gtinut

I use 205/60R16. It works great

but its slightly lower in overall diameter. does it affect speedometer reading & steering wheel position?

**chrislane31** · 04-21-2008 07:54 AM

Make sure the spare will work with the winter size.

**ron717** · 04-21-2008 08:00 AM

Originally Posted by chrislane31

Make sure the spare will work with the winter size.

The spare is the same matching 17" alloy wheel. The winter package from Audi which I got as a leftover price from this past season is 205/55HR 16.

**Doc@tirerack** · 04-22-2008 06:35 AM

Both will meet load, but the 215 is just a little closer to OE diameter.

**EBG 18T** · 04-22-2008 04:09 PM

Originally Posted by ron717

Its not just narrower, its also less in diameter-which causes speedometer being off, and faster tire wear

As i mentioned it was 3/8" smaller diameter. Honestly if you can notice the difference in tire wear due to the 205-55-16 rotating 811x per mile vs the 215-55-16 rotating 797x per mile i would be amazed...

Here are the approx spec differences:
Specification Sidewall Radius Diameter Circumference Revs/Mile Difference
215/55-16 4.7in 12.7in 25.3in 79.5in 797 0.0%
205/55-16 4.4in 12.4in 24.9in 78.2in 811 -1.7%

Originally Posted by ron717

The spare is the same matching 17" alloy wheel. The winter package from Audi which I got as a leftover price from this past season is 205/55HR 16.

I am assuming your spare is using a 235-45-17. You are pushing the limit for max tire size differnce. Just don't drive too far with the spare on if you have too.

Specification Sidewall Radius Diameter Circumference Revs/Mile Difference
235/45-17 4.2in 12.7in 25.3in 79.6in 796 0.0%
205/55-16 4.4in 12.4in 24.9in 78.2in 811 -1.8%