225 or 235 for winter tires?

[Audized]

My Blizzak LM-25's are at the winter wear indicator bars, so it's time to buy new winter tires. I'm leaning toward trying something different. I'm considering Dunlop SP Winter Sport 3D, Michelin Pilot Alpin PA3, and Goodyear Ultra Grip Performance (only available in 225) and choosing between 225 and 235/40R18 for my next set of winter tires. Which is better? Also, would there be a significant difference in snow traction between the two different widths of winter tires, i.e. 225 versus 235? Thanks in advance.

[VMRWheels]

I always read that thinner is better for snow, but it's when you hit the unfrozen roads that contact patch come into play...

what size are your current tires?

[Audized]

I always read that thinner is better for snow, but it's when you hit the unfrozen roads that contact patch come into play...

what size are your current tires?

Thanks for your input, Charles. That's very true. I've read somewhere on here that A4's don't really need 235 tires even in dry/wet. Have you heard the same thing from your customers?

My current tires are 235/40R18, both summer and winter.

[Doc@tirerack]

Primarily the 225's will help with deep snow and ice traction (as the smaller contact patch concentrates the weight of the vehicle better). The trade off is that the smaller contact patch will have a small negative effect on your lateral grip if you drive aggressively when the roads are clear. We're only talking about a 1/2" of change in tread width, so don't overthink it too much...............

[Audized]

Primarily the 225's will help with deep snow and ice traction (as the smaller contact patch concentrates the weight of the vehicle better). The trade off is that the smaller contact patch will have a small negative effect on your lateral grip if you drive aggressively when the roads are clear. We're only talking about a 1/2" of change in tread width, so don't overthink it too much...............

Hi Doc, thanks for your response. Yeah, we are only speaking of half an inch of difference. I take it that you suggested me to stay with 235, correct?

What tire would you pick among the three, namely, Dunlop SP Winter Sport 3D, Michelin Pilot Alpin PA3, or Goodyear Ultra Grip Performance? I read the reviews on TireRack.com. There seems to be mixed reactions for the Dunlops with regard to deep snow/ice traction. The Michelins and GY's are so new that there are only a few reviews for them. Thanks.

[Ultra B6]

Doc- kinda off topic but could you comment on going wider with winter/all season tires? Im looking to go 245/40/18 thinking that more of a contact patch will help in most driving conditions ( Im in New Jersey so we dont see NEARLY as much snow as BC)

[a2gtinut]

too wide - hiher rolling resistance.
for winter... 205s are the best.

[Doc@tirerack]

Any "performance" snow tire will give up deep snow capability compared to the agressive "studless ice and snow" tires like the Blizzak WS60 or Graspic DS2 in an effort to maintain good handling at higher speeds (I think that is where the Dunlop gets the lower marks, but they are not comparing apples to apples) I've driven on most of the snow tires we sell (nor the Goodyear), and in the performance category they are all very close in capability. Audi has endorsed the Dunlop for years, for what its worth, but I'd go with whatever is in your budget. You'll still be much better off than the poor soul next to you still using all season tires when things get bad !

[Doc@tirerack]

Doc- kinda off topic but could you comment on going wider with winter/all season tires? Im looking to go 245/40/18 thinking that more of a contact patch will help in most driving conditions ( Im in New Jersey so we dont see NEARLY as much snow as BC)

I'd probably stick with stock size, as the wider the tire gets the longer it takes for water to be "pumped out" from underneath the tire and that can hurt your hydroplaning resistance and slushy road capability. With any decent accumulation of snow, the wider tires act more like a snow shoe and hop up on top of the snow instead of pushing down thru.

[Audized]

Any "performance" snow tire will give up deep snow capability compared to the agressive "studless ice and snow" tires like the Blizzak WS60 or Graspic DS2 in an effort to maintain good handling at higher speeds (I think that is where the Dunlop gets the lower marks, but they are not comparing apples to apples) I've driven on most of the snow tires we sell (nor the Goodyear), and in the performance category they are all very close in capability. Audi has endorsed the Dunlop for years, for what its worth, but I'd go with whatever is in your budget. You'll still be much better off than the poor soul next to you still using all season tires when things get bad !

That is the reason why I'm considering going narrower to improve traction in deep snow/ice. I don't see much snow here in Vancouver, BC, unless I go up to the mountains where my school is located. Which gets your call, Doc, 225 or 235?

[Doc@tirerack]

I'd stick with the 235

[Audized]

I'd stick with the 235

Thanks, Doc. I'll call you to order a set soon.