Winter Mode: 235/55/19 or 255/50/19 - S4 Peelers

**sebvw** · 09-27-2017 06:47 PM

Hey guys, long time lurker here. Picked up a 3.0t Q5 not long ago (proper thread to come) and am trying to plan for winter since it can happen anytime in Canada, even after a heatwave at the end of September.

I scored a set of S4 peelers that I'm going to use for winter wheels. Question is which tire size should I go with, stock 235/55 or 255/50 (similar diameter, lots of people running this setup from what I've seen throughout my searching). I'm guessing that most of you are going to tell me to get the best tire available for the best price. If you would pick one size over the other, which would it be and why?

TIA

**One Nice Audi** · 09-27-2017 07:10 PM

I would go 235 as it's narrower.

**sebvw** · 09-27-2017 07:23 PM

Originally Posted by One Nice Audi

I would go 235 as it's narrower.

Overall diameter of the 255/50 is actually 3.5mm narrower.

**SQive** · 09-27-2017 07:52 PM

Wait. . .don't y'all use square wheels to get aboot?

Seriously. . .I started to ask in which universe is 255 less than 235, but then I realized I know nothing aboot your square tire sizes.

**sebvw** · 09-28-2017 12:13 AM

Originally Posted by SQive

Wait. . .don't y'all use square wheels to get aboot?

Seriously. . .I started to ask in which universe is 255 less than 235, but then I realized I know nothing aboot your square tire sizes.

Hahahaha. Love your artwork!
Must just be in Canadaland where sidewall aspect ratio factors into the overall size of the tire...

**riceboy22** · 09-28-2017 04:52 AM

They’re talking about the width of the tire which is what matters, particularly for winter tires. The diameter doesn’t make a material difference if you’re staying within a reasonable variance (general guideline is less than 3%). If your priority is cutting through potentially deep snow then go with the 235. If you’re more concerned about performance in the cold and not just snow then go with the 255.

**BierJager** · 09-28-2017 05:29 AM

Just a cursory search of Tirerack shows a dramatic difference in tire costs between the two sizes and frankly for the season and conditions, I don't see all out performance as high of a priority. Legging it out with soft snow compound rubber on the car regardless of size is kinda silly IMO. Locally here in Michigan ( Indiana for TireRack ) the narrower section width, higher aspect ratio choice is not only much less expensive ( between apx $100 to $150 per tire! ) but it will work slightly better in slush and snow and ride slightly better to boot.
I'd go with the 235's eh. Oh and I appreciate knowing the 19's will clear the 3.0T brakes as I've been looking for something for ours too and wasn't sure about that.

**One Nice Audi** · 09-28-2017 06:21 AM

Originally Posted by BierJager

Just a cursory search of Tirerack shows a dramatic difference in tire costs between the two sizes and frankly for the season and conditions, I don't see all out performance as high of a priority. Legging it out with soft snow compound rubber on the car regardless of size is kinda silly IMO. Locally here in Michigan ( Indiana for TireRack ) the narrower section width, higher aspect ratio choice is not only much less expensive ( between apx $100 to $150 per tire! ) but it will work slightly better in slush and snow and ride slightly better to boot.
I'd go with the 235's eh. Oh and I appreciate knowing the 19's will clear the 3.0T brakes as I've been looking for something for ours too and wasn't sure about that.

17" clear our brakes, too. I have the 17 Q5 wheels for winter.

**BierJager** · 09-28-2017 06:51 AM

Thanks for the info! I need to get serious looking for a wheel and tire package. I am either going to put nicer summer wheels and tires on the car and put snows on the peelers, or buy some cheaper winter wheels and tires and put summer rubber on the peelers. Haven't decided yet.

**Tinpusher** · 09-28-2017 07:20 AM

19s fit on the SQ5 too. I went with the 235s as up here on the Niagara Escarpment, we can get some really snowy days.

**sebvw** · 09-29-2017 05:39 PM

Originally Posted by riceboy22

If your priority is cutting through potentially deep snow then go with the 235. If you’re more concerned about performance in the cold and not just snow then go with the 255.

We get a fair bit of snow up here most winters. Who knows what this winter will bring. I think either option will work.

Originally Posted by BierJager

Just a cursory search of Tirerack shows a dramatic difference in tire costs between the two sizes and frankly for the season and conditions, I don't see all out performance as high of a priority. Legging it out with soft snow compound rubber on the car regardless of size is kinda silly IMO. Locally here in Michigan ( Indiana for TireRack ) the narrower section width, higher aspect ratio choice is not only much less expensive ( between apx $100 to $150 per tire! ) but it will work slightly better in slush and snow and ride slightly better to boot.
I'd go with the 235's eh. Oh and I appreciate knowing the 19's will clear the 3.0T brakes as I've been looking for something for ours too and wasn't sure about that.

Cost is definitely a factor for me, which is why I'm looking into both options.
I'll let you know how the Peelers clear when I get a chance to test fit them.

Originally Posted by Tinpusher

19s fit on the SQ5 too. I went with the 235s as up here on the Niagara Escarpment, we can get some really snowy days.

Car looks good on 19s. Is it lowered?