Tire Question!

[dt4lok]

Hey all,

I feel like I may have asked this somewhere and can't seem to find it / the results.

I'm looking for a slightly more off road tire. (Lord the shit I'll take for this)

I've done a little bit more camping / slightly off the road camping. Im running 20" currently.

Ideally I'm looking for a taller tire / more capable tire..maybe 255/50r20. Is there any variation that makes running this viable / not damaging? Can you run spacers? Would I be better off going with an 18 or 19 and adjusting from there? Is there a better solution that I'm not thinking of? I don't really pop past 100 often. Maybe I'd consider it if I had a summer set up but that previously wasn't possible. Going from a little island to Seattle so I'm looking to enjoy more outdoors and some off the beaten path drives but I certainly know some of my limits. I'm not looking to Baja. But less terror on a dirt/rocky road.

Pic for other examples of shit we do.

Cheers and as always thanks for the wealth of info. IMG_20230812_173849_348.jpg

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[GoCougs1234]

I drive lots "off road" by which I mean dirt and gravel roads (also in the Puget Sound region but such driving is in eastern WA and throughout the West). I've been doing so the last ~20 years in decidedly non-tough guy vehicles (sedans, now the SQ5 but have had lots of legit such vehicles in the past - from a Power Wagon to a Ramcharger to a Tacoma). How I look at it is, if the road is too gnarly to let such vehicles pass, I'm not interested in going there, and when that happens, it's a question of ground clearance, not traction. So, in short, the tires are never the limitation for such vehicles when driving off road. I have historically gone with a Michelin hi-po A/S tire and they legit hold up to dirt/rocks/gravel. I chose the 20" SQ5 wheels because the factory tire size (255/45/20) had the same sidewall height as my previous sedans (also never any problems driving off road). I switch to the X-Ice2 for winter.

[dt4lok]

It seems the common change is like 265/45 or 255/45.

I see what you mean by ground clearance, I have yet to have a problem there. But I will say I have Michelin Pilot Sport 3s and they are decidedly tore the fuck up. New tires at 51k miles at 80.5k the tires have a few rough spots / small bits chunked and have never had tires have this problem. I'm also wondering if during one of my services, if they actually rotated my tires. The wear is so bad. (I just recently had hit a deer so everything got recalibrated and tires rotated properly) I attribute it to where I lived (a lot of gravel/dirt roads, sand shit) And my general camping activities. But I also won't go where jeeps and fjs are going, I don't want that.

I'm wondering if there is somewhere better to look. I know a few Q5 owners and Porsche Cheyenne owners have been doing this in-between beefy tire set up. But they typically are on 17s making this a lot easier.

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[dt4lok]

With 255/50s the tire is 30" vs the 29.4, would the 10mm/15mm spacers/staggered set up that's pretty common here allow for that extra .6" of clearance? Or am I thinking about that incorrectly? I am 90% brain dead so I apologize if some of these questions are pretty obvious.

Non-mechanic, but I've learned to do all of my services myself. Doing spark plugs next week for the first time. Hope I don't fuck up.

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[CreoSTi]

You're going to be prohibited from going with (much) taller tires as they will interfere with the front steering knuckles.

Check out the Falken Wildpeak A/T Trail tire. It's an all terrain that's made for crossover SUVs;

https://www.falkentire.com/wildpeak/attrail

I've been running these on our SQ5 in 255/50R19 as our road trip/winter set (as I already had the wheels from our previous Audi). The tires are pretty quiet on road, have handled the few dirt roads we've been on fine, and they also have the 3-peak snowflake rating (although I don't have much snow use with them yet). A buddy of mine also runs these on his Macan Turbo.

If you can afford another set, I'd go with an 18" wheel + 255/55R18 or a 19" wheel + 255/50R19. If you want to use your current 20" wheels, look into the 255/45R20 or 265/45R20 (depending on the width of the wheels). I would have probably gone with an 18" setup if I didn't already have the existing 19" wheels (for more sidewall height).

Here are photos of my 19" setup (19"x9" ET32 + 255/50R19);

[GoCougs1234]

It seems the common change is like 265/45 or 255/45.

I see what you mean by ground clearance, I have yet to have a problem there. But I will say I have Michelin Pilot Sport 3s and they are decidedly tore the fuck up. New tires at 51k miles at 80.5k the tires have a few rough spots / small bits chunked and have never had tires have this problem. I'm also wondering if during one of my services, if they actually rotated my tires. The wear is so bad. (I just recently had hit a deer so everything got recalibrated and tires rotated properly) I attribute it to where I lived (a lot of gravel/dirt roads, sand shit) And my general camping activities. But I also won't go where jeeps and fjs are going, I don't want that.

I'm wondering if there is somewhere better to look. I know a few Q5 owners and Porsche Cheyenne owners have been doing this in-between beefy tire set up. But they typically are on 17s making this a lot easier.

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I had that tire on my G37x previously and they help up well (summer tires would be a bad idea though). My SQ5 eats tires - averaging ~20,000 miles thus far on non hi-po A/S tires. Heavy vehicle, performance AWD (esp. sport diff), very prone to understeer, decent amount of power (w/tune!) but no signs of actual damage save that the outer tread blocks are scrubbed something fierce.

I have the Michelin Primacy Tour A/S which are mos def not hi po, but way good enough for an SUV. IMO any less sporting (such as an A/T tire) severely impact's the vehicles design intent, including on-road performance driving. I wouldn't recommend it. At that point, a different vehicle is in order.

[unluky]

My SQ5 is up in the air getting tires right now. LOL. Went with a set of 265/40/21 Michelin CrossClimate2's. Not doing the swapping back and forth and this seemed to check all my boxes. Pricey, but if they do what I want - worth it.

[dt4lok]

You're going to be prohibited from going with (much) taller tires as they will interfere with the front steering knuckles.

Check out the Falken Wildpeak A/T Trail tire. It's an all terrain that's made for crossover SUVs;

https://www.falkentire.com/wildpeak/attrail

I've been running these on our SQ5 in 255/50R19 as our road trip/winter set (as I already had the wheels from our previous Audi). The tires are pretty quiet on road, have handled the few dirt roads we've been on fine, and they also have the 3-peak snowflake rating (although I don't have much snow use with them yet). A buddy of mine also runs these on his Macan Turbo.

If you can afford another set, I'd go with an 18" wheel + 255/55R18 or a 19" wheel + 255/50R19. If you want to use your current 20" wheels, look into the 255/45R20 or 265/45R20 (depending on the width of the wheels). I would have probably gone with an 18" setup if I didn't already have the existing 19" wheels (for more sidewall height).

Here are photos of my 19" setup (19"x9" ET32 + 255/50R19);

Dang. That thing looks fucking sick.

The Falken Wildpeak is one of those tires that spurred this conversation. While I cannot afford 18s today. Spring may bring me to buy some good summer tires and maybe snag a used set of wheels from someone here and make a new set up.

The carrier bearing on my ram 2500 rental decided to disconnect itself sometime yesterday during my move, so sorry for lack of response. This is in an incredible help.

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[dt4lok]

I had that tire on my G37x previously and they help up well (summer tires would be a bad idea though). My SQ5 eats tires - averaging ~20,000 miles thus far on non hi-po A/S tires. Heavy vehicle, performance AWD (esp. sport diff), very prone to understeer, decent amount of power (w/tune!) but no signs of actual damage save that the outer tread blocks are scrubbed something fierce.

I have the Michelin Primacy Tour A/S which are mos def not hi po, but way good enough for an SUV. IMO any less sporting (such as an A/T tire) severely impact's the vehicles design intent, including on-road performance driving. I wouldn't recommend it. At that point, a different vehicle is in order.

For example. I'm on 1800 mile road trip. I've probably only passed 100 a handful of times. A few of these mountains have some winding turns but I don't feel comfortable taking them so spirited anyway. Otherwise, you might see a quick acceleration light to light but I am not doing overwhelmingly spirited cornering regularly. But like I said, I'm not opposed to a different set of tires. Summers on my 20s from April to Sep and October to April on 18/19s AT. I'll also have a garage this time around.. so swapping wheels once in awhile won't be the end of the world.

What do you think specifically is impacted the worst with a/t? Cornering id figure?

Some awesome info across the board here. Thanks again

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[CreoSTi]

Dang. That thing looks fucking sick.

The Falken Wildpeak is one of those tires that spurred this conversation. While I cannot afford 18s today. Spring may bring me to buy some good summer tires and maybe snag a used set of wheels from someone here and make a new set up.

Thanks!

The Wildpeak A/T Trails are "V" speed rated (up to 149 mph) in our sizes, so I wouldn't worry too much about running them as a winter/off-roading set where you won't be driving super aggressively on tight canyon roads/track. I just got back from a road trip in Northern California, and they handle predictably at highway speeds (along with some canyon roads). These tires aren't Load C/E with taller tread blocks.

[unluky]

I upsized to 265/40/21 as stated above - pics for reference.

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[cmil527]

Are you guys all running winter set ups or switch to all seasons? I got a week old car with 300 miles and 21''summer tires( Pirelli P-Zero) that i'm now reading are kinda useless under 40 degree's?

[GoCougs1234]

For example. I'm on 1800 mile road trip. I've probably only passed 100 a handful of times. A few of these mountains have some winding turns but I don't feel comfortable taking them so spirited anyway. Otherwise, you might see a quick acceleration light to light but I am not doing overwhelmingly spirited cornering regularly. But like I said, I'm not opposed to a different set of tires. Summers on my 20s from April to Sep and October to April on 18/19s AT. I'll also have a garage this time around.. so swapping wheels once in awhile won't be the end of the world.

What do you think specifically is impacted the worst with a/t? Cornering id figure?

Some awesome info across the board here. Thanks again

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I'm not huge into turns and canyon carving, esp. in a 4,500 lb SUV. IME I'd imagine the A/T tires would be a bit floaty and loud at highway speeds (and I drive a lot and sort fast on freeways).

And I just checked my Michelins - nearing the wear bars such that they're won't be worth putting on after the winter tire swap. Jesus - 20,000 miles!

[Hostile]

Are you guys all running winter set ups or switch to all seasons? I got a week old car with 300 miles and 21''summer tires( Pirelli P-Zero) that i'm now reading are kinda useless under 40 degree's?

You do not want to run most summer tires below 50F. They turn into hockey pucks which makes them dangerous even in dry conditions.

All seasons vs snow tires will depend on your climate. Here in the Mid-Atlantic snow tires really aren’t necessary so if I want to keep summer tires for the summer I just run all seasons in the winter.

Frankly, it’s stupid they deliver these SUVs with summer tires at all.

[unluky]

Agreed - summer tires are DANGEROUS when it gets cold. A little drizzle under 40 and you are walking the line if you push a corner. I hate switching wheels/tires for seasons.

[CreoSTi]

IME I'd imagine the A/T tires would be a bit floaty and loud at highway speeds (and I drive a lot and sort fast on freeways).

The Wildpeak A/T Trails don't experience either, even driving around 85-95 mph back home from our road trip down I-5. There isn't a noticeable difference in road noise from my 265/40R21 Scorpion Zero All Season Plus "summer time" setup, and the 255/50R19 Wildpeaks are a bit smoother/more comfortable due to the taller sidewall.

I would say the Wildpeaks slot more in between an All Season and a true All Terrain tire.

[dt4lok]

Are you guys all running winter set ups or switch to all seasons? I got a week old car with 300 miles and 21''summer tires( Pirelli P-Zero) that i'm now reading are kinda useless under 40 degree's?

Sister had an A6 with summers moved up north. Drove for a week in 50-60 Literally sliding across the highway with no control. Do not recommend. Also probably worn to shit.

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[cmil527]

Thanks for the input guys... looks like i'm ordering up some all seasons!

[dt4lok]

I upsized to 265/40/21 as stated above - pics for reference.

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I reaaaally dig the fitment here.

I have a hard time justify buying 21s when the set will cost me an arm and leg but the tires... If at every 25k I'm looking at 1500ish that's kinda brutal. This may change if I alternate but still.

I don't hate the idea of turning my 20s into summers and getting an 18/19 used set to beat up in winter. But I am in need of new tires pretty badly after this trip. (Three months of basically rotting at a collision center in AZ)

I'm gonna give the 265/45r20 wild peaks a go and report back. I figure the lady and I will just explore the new area. And in the spring when we settle in I'll decide on the summer set idea or go a different direction entirely!

Appreciate the input.



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[unluky]

These were $1,750 installed and out the door with all taxes etc. Very pricey for sure, but they have a 60,000 mile warranty on them, so if they make that - the $ per mile is cheaper than the ones it came with which would have cost less to replace. Car had 33K on it and those tires were shot. I have a set of Michelin Defender M/S on my X5 and they just crossed 73K. They were also on the pricey side when I got them, but with that mileage on them - they came out cheaper. We will see how these last. I almost didn't go with the 265, but I saw a few that did with these wheels and went for it - I am glad I did. They fit perfect, look good, give a shade more side wall for ride comfort and give the wheels a little more protection from curbs. So far I am happy.

I have no idea why those posted sideways??? Didn't notice that when I posted them lol.

[njspeedfreak]

Just to help clarify for those trying to make tire decisions...

Not all "Winter" tires are "Snow" tires. Snow tires are fine tuned to maximize performance on snowy roads and usually sacrifice some performance on wet/dry roads. Winter performance tires are designed to maximize performance in the wet/dry at the cost of a little performance in the snow. However a performance winter tire will still outperform an All Season in snowy conditions.

The Michelin Pilot Alpin is a perfect example of a Winter Performance tire.

There is a decision tree to picking the right tire(s).

Do you need to drive in cold weather? If not, just get summer performance tires.
Are you willing to swap wheels/tires twice a year? If not, get high performance All Seasons.
Are you concerned with maximizing your tires performance in all conditions? If not, get high performance All Seasons.

If you have made it this far then you are looking at running different tires in the warm and cold months of the year.

Are you going to be spending a significant amount of time driving on snowy roads? Do you have the kind of job or responsibilities that demand you drive even in the worst winter weather? If so, then look for a winter tire that is geared toward snow performance.

If you have the luxury of planning around bad weather and rarely need to drive on snow covered roads, or live in a place where that need is extremely rare, then get a set of winter performance tires instead.

On my S5 I ran the Pilot 4S from mid April until Thanksgiving and Pilot Alpin PA4. I was willing to spend the 2 hours each fall and spring to change wheels in order to get the maximum tire performance I could get. BTW - The only added cost in this setup is the extra set of wheels since you are only wearing down one set of tires at any one time.

[CreoSTi]

I'm gonna give the 265/45r20 wild peaks a go and report back. I figure the lady and I will just explore the new area. And in the spring when we settle in I'll decide on the summer set idea or go a different direction entirely!

I think these will be a good setup for your needs.

[dt4lok]

Just to help clarify for those trying to make tire decisions...

Not all "Winter" tires are "Snow" tires. Snow tires are fine tuned to maximize performance on snowy roads and usually sacrifice some performance on wet/dry roads. Winter performance tires are designed to maximize performance in the wet/dry at the cost of a little performance in the snow. However a performance winter tire will still outperform an All Season in snowy conditions.

The Michelin Pilot Alpin is a perfect example of a Winter Performance tire.

There is a decision tree to picking the right tire(s).

Do you need to drive in cold weather? If not, just get summer performance tires.
Are you willing to swap wheels/tires twice a year? If not, get high performance All Seasons.
Are you concerned with maximizing your tires performance in all conditions? If not, get high performance All Seasons.

If you have made it this far then you are looking at running different tires in the warm and cold months of the year.

Are you going to be spending a significant amount of time driving on snowy roads? Do you have the kind of job or responsibilities that demand you drive even in the worst winter weather? If so, then look for a winter tire that is geared toward snow performance.

If you have the luxury of planning around bad weather and rarely need to drive on snow covered roads, or live in a place where that need is extremely rare, then get a set of winter performance tires instead.

On my S5 I ran the Pilot 4S from mid April until Thanksgiving and Pilot Alpin PA4. I was willing to spend the 2 hours each fall and spring to change wheels in order to get the maximum tire performance I could get. BTW - The only added cost in this setup is the extra set of wheels since you are only wearing down one set of tires at any one time.

Awesomely written post.

I definitely agree that once you pass option three it is in your best benefit to run separate set ups. Have to buy the wifey a car soon and moved twice in a year ate up the fun money so was looking for a good in-between and it seems those WP A/T fit somewhere in this gray area.

I don't think I drive "spirited" enough to notice the real downside. Some quick highway sprints passing and some occasional dirt roads. Even when I had brand new tires Pilot 3s, the hard cornering never felt stable enough to really push it anyway. I dunno if that's an awkward tilt due to vehicle height. I only ever drove super low to ground Honda / Saabs previously so the last few years have been relearning a much more capable machine. Maybe a different hi pro all season would be better all together but I suppose I'll learn a lesson here somewhere.

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[kai_doy]

I have used Yokohama Geolandar AT on two different vehicles and liked them.

[dt4lok]

Looking at $1125 give or take some on taxes (before an in store discount, I'll post receipt as well) out the door for, 4 265/45r20 Wildpeak a/t. Outside of Tacoma. Will post pics this week, maybe Weds?

With stock wheels it says diameter is 29.38 not much margin for error here but everything I've read about them and the area I am in. Fucking excited. The worst I've heard is, let out a little pressure from the back tires if experiencing a little sliding in ice.

Tires, Plugs and oil change this week will make a nice new driving experience I'm sure. Just need to do rear brakes after that. Finished up my long drive and got some IE beta time in and a juicy discount code. Looking forward to using that this spring... May have to do literally everything at once to take advantage of the discount but... Worth it.

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[unluky]

My new 265/40/21 are 29.3 and have had ZERO issues - yours will only be a 10th more, so I'd guess you should be fine!

[dt4lok]

I ended up having to go with the 255/45r20 I was mistaken about stock wheels size. Tire Rack and Discount Tire install total of $1075 plus or minus a few bucks. With 2 year road hazard warranty for free.

Had a delay, got a nice Christmas tree light up due to either battery dying or some sort of water damage. Working that problem out now.

Did my first ever spark plug install, had my pretty worried the first time I got one to crack. But was a good lesson.

Now on to rear brakes. 🫠🫠PXL_20231206_203012851.MP.jpgPXL_20231206_203001933.MP.jpgPXL_20231206_202951323.MP.jpg

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[CreoSTi]

How are you liking the tires?

[Local]

I run performance summer tires until it starts to get cold. It's been hitting 30 degrees and tomorrow should be in the 20s so I'm about to load up my stock rims and winter performance tires and head to the tire shop.

I ran a 4.12 0 -60 on my "hockey puck" - well at least very cold summer tires at about 32 degrees. I'm interested to see if that drops with winter performance tires.

I hope we actually get some snow this year. I can't wait to try out my SQ5 in the snow.

Local

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[Hostile]

I run performance summer tires until it starts to get cold. It's been hitting 30 degrees and tomorrow should be in the 20s so I'm about to load up my stock rims and winter performance tires and head to the tire shop.

I ran a 4.12 0 -60 on my "hockey puck" - well at least very cold summer tires at about 32 degrees. I'm interested to see if that drops with winter performance tires.

I hope we actually get some snow this year. I can't wait to try out my SQ5 in the snow.

Local

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30F is too cold for summer tires…

You can’t even swap your wheels yourself?

[Tamfamgram]

I have the OEM 20" Audi wheels on my 2021 SQ5, what are the meatiest A/T tire size I can have along with 15/20mm spacers on front and rear? Thanks to anyone that can help!

[greasykid]

My 2020 Q5 came with 255/45/20 tires.