[s-cars] Late Winter Tire question...

[Bob Rossato]

In the US the S4/S6 had a no-cost optional all-season 215/60-15 tire which
came on 15x7.5" 6-spoke wheels.  The standard wheels were indeed 16" wheels
with 225/50 tires and were either a 5-spoke 16x8, which is what your S4
would've had, or on the S6 you had a mix with a phase in of the 16x7.5 Avus
6-spoke.

For winter tires on your 15" wheels I would recommend either a 205/60-15 or
a 195/65-15.  Those will be the closest in matching your original stock
diameter.  The 225/70-15s you have now are completely wrong and are almost
3" in diameter greater than stock.  No surprise that they are rubbing.  Are
you sure you wrote down the right size?

As for brand, I've always liked Nokians.  Presently running NRWs, which have
been replaced by WRs.  They are an HR speed rated all-season/snow tire.  A
lot of folks also run the RSIs.  If you have a lot of deep snow you may want
to try the Hakka 2s.  Others can give a lot more info on the pros and cons
of each.

Bob

> -----Original Message-----
> From: s-car-list-bounces at audifans.com
> [mailto:s-car-list-bounces at audifans.com]On Behalf Of The Rogue
> Sent: Wednesday, December 22, 2004 6:17 AM
> To: S-CAR-List at audifans.com
> Subject: [s-cars] Late Winter Tire question...
>
>
> When I puchased my car last year it came with 17" mags and a set of
> original Audi rims with tires for winter use. Since last winter the car
> was at the doctors for open heart surgery. I never got a chance to try
> the thing in snow :(
>
> I installed the winter rims last month and noticed that they were 15"
> rims.....didn't the S4 come with 16" Audi rims?
>
> Then I noticed that the tires were a bit bigger....225/70R15....and that
> they rub a bit when turning! Hence no fun in snow yet...and turning with
> a larger radius so nothing breaks.
>
> I guess that since i'm stuck with my 15 inchers instead of 16's for
> winter, what would be your tire sugestions?
> What size? What brand?
>
> I need to replace the ones that are on now, before I rip off a side
> panel with ice!
>
> Thanks
> JF Beriault