Winter Tires or New Wheels + Winter Tires?

[Penman]

I have a 2001 A4 1.8t quattro. I currently have 17" wheels on a set of 225/45 Khumo all-season tires. I bought them just before last winter and while they have been a great tire in general, they did not do well with snow and ice driving. Here's my question: Are there actually great winter driving tires that come in 225/45/17 sizes that will work, or am I better off spending just a little extra and doing a set of 15" steel wheels on some smaller winter tires? I checked TireRack and for about $550-600 I can get a set of steel wheels and winter tires. However, there are winter tires available at $100-$125/tire in the 225/45 size, so I'd be spending just a bit less taking that option and using my current wheel setup. Any advice and help would be greatly appreciated because the snow is on the way! TIA!

[chrislane31]

buy some 15" wheels off of ebay or CL and then get snows.

[Penman]

Bump for more feedback. Perhaps 15" + tires is the way to go. Going to have to make a decision soon. TIA.

[fajimr]

i am not sure if you can go -2 in sizing (i.e. 17 to 15). I bet doc will chime in on this. 16" will work but there is still a bit of confusion (at least for me) as for the width and load rating issues.

sorry no 'real' answer for you..
jim

[Kyle H]

B5 A4's are fine on 15" wheels, that's what a lot of them come with stock.


I'd get 15's or 16's and run snow tires on them, then you wont have to worry about getting all of that nasty salt and gravel on your nice wheels.

[Doc@tirerack]

15" was standard on the base A4 1.8T, and would give you the narrowest tire for deep snow and ice traction capability. The 195/65R15 and your 225/45R17 are the same 25" overall diameter and the same load index.