Winter tire size questions on OEM 17" wheel

[gtimart]

Hi. I am thinking of staying on my OEM 17" wheels this winter, and buy a nice set of 18" RS4 reps next summer. I live in Quebec so there's a lot of snow. I'm wondering if I can fit some 205/50-17 tires. I know the diameter would work, but are these too thin for my wheels? I don't know the wheel width exactly. I'm running 235/45-17 on them now, they are the sport package wheels. I could get 225/45-17 but I think that's still too wide for snow, and I don't want to buy 16" wheels if possible.

Thanks!
Martin

[Daft]

Hi. I am thinking of staying on my OEM 17" wheels this winter, and buy a nice set of 18" RS4 reps next summer. I live in Quebec so there's a lot of snow. I'm wondering if I can fit some 205/50-17 tires. I know the diameter would work, but are these too thin for my wheels? I don't know the wheel width exactly. I'm running 235/45-17 on them now, they are the sport package wheels. I could get 225/45-17 but I think that's still too wide for snow, and I don't want to buy 16" wheels if possible.

Thanks!
Martin

I'm pretty much doing the same thing here. I'm looking at the Dunlop Winter Sport 3Ds for this season and then putting a set of 18-19" RS6 Reps & tires on in the spring.

Honestly, the 17" diameter isn't really an issue. The 7.5" width would be the part to worry about. As we know wider tires make a wider footprint and can lead to hydroplaning. Going skinnier would be better for traction but, you'd need a skinnier wheel first. I don't think you can use a skinnier tire on your stock wheel.



Here's a size calculator that I use to test sizes.

http://www.miata.net/garage/tirecalc.html

[chrislane31]

I just picked up some Hankook Icebears in 225/45/17

[gtimart]

Yeah, the miata.net tire calculator is what I used, total wheel size will be good. Like you said, it's the width of the tire relative to the width of the wheel that I'm worried about. I'd love to put 215's but Gislaved don't make 215/50-17. I can get excellent deals on those very good tires so that's why I'm asking for the 205.

[Doc@tirerack]

Diameter is good, I am working on the load issue (go you have GAWR front and rear ?). Also would need width of OE 17" wheel to be sure

[gtimart]

Hi Doc. Unfortunately, I don't have that information. It's a 2004 A4 Avant Quattro Manual, but I don't know the GAWR. Same for the wheels, they are the sport package wheels from that year (6 flat relatively wide branches) but I don't know the width. I did not think of the load issue, but it certainly is important.
If this is too complex (because I don't have the information you need) or weight is an issue, I'll try to find 16" wheels. Used OEM ones are hard to find around here. It's just that I don't want steel wheels for winter, they're too hard to clean after a drift session

[Doc@tirerack]

We were able to come up with GAWR of 2,469 lbs frt / 2,425 lbs rear. The 205/50R17 carries up to 1,433 lbs per tire (XL or reinforced sidewall) so your are fine on load and diameter. The 205/50R17 has a rim width range from 5.5" to 7.5", so that would be the last variable. Often, wheel sizes are listed on the placard inside the door jamb or stamped on the back of the wheel.

[gtimart]

Thanks a lot doc! I'll think about that. I guess the 205 would look funky on my rims :-)

[ilPadrino05]

So, is anyone running 205/55R17s on their B7s stock rims with any success yet? Or, should I stick with the recommended 235/45R17s?

[L0U]

Hi. I am thinking of staying on my OEM 17" wheels this winter, and buy a nice set of 18" RS4 reps next summer. I live in Quebec so there's a lot of snow. I'm wondering if I can fit some 205/50-17 tires. I know the diameter would work, but are these too thin for my wheels? I don't know the wheel width exactly. I'm running 235/45-17 on them now, they are the sport package wheels. I could get 225/45-17 but I think that's still too wide for snow, and I don't want to buy 16" wheels if possible.

Thanks!
Martin

I ran 215x50-17 on my 2003 A4 3.0litre. stock was 235x45-17. They worked great. just a few mm taller, but fit perfect.

http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires....omCompare1=yes

[ilPadrino05]

I'm glad to hear it can be done. I guess I'll be ordering the Michelin X-Ice Xi2 205/50R17 first thing Monday then. Thanks for the info.

[UGwagen]

I'm glad to hear it can be done. I guess I'll be ordering the Michelin X-Ice Xi2 205/50R17 first thing Monday then. Thanks for the info.

I run 205/50r17 on my B6 Passat, on stock 17" wheel

Michelin Altimax Arctic