Re: 17 inch tire size for A4 - advice summary

["Brian McCune" <bmccune@apk.net>]

Pardon my ignorance...

I know that the last number in the tire description is the width, but what
are the first two?  (225/40)

Thanks 

----------
> From: Tom Haapanen <tomh@metrics.com>
> To: 'quattro@coimbra.ans.net'
> Subject: Re: 17 inch tire size for A4 - advice summary
> Date: Thursday, June 26, 1997 9:44 PM
> 
> My brother, who runs our family's Audi dealership in Finland, has a set
> of 17x8 BBS RX wheels on his A4 2.6.  I *think* he's using 215/45R17s,
> but I could be wrong on that count.  Anyway, you can email him at
> joukoh@vtoy.fi -- he dropped off the quattro list a while ago due to the
> volume.
> 
> I've got the same wheels for my (soon to arrive) A4 1.8T quattro, but in
> 16x7.  I decided that the roads around here weren't smooth enough for
> 17s, and I'd rather spend the extra cash on a chip upgrade or something
> else that doesn't punish my backside quite as much.
> 
> -----
> Tom Haapanen -- Software Metrics Inc. -- Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
> A Microsoft Solution Provider Partner -- http://www.metrics.com/
> 
> 
> > -----Original Message-----
> > Date: Fri, 27 Jun 1997 06:51:43 +0000 (GMT)
> > From: Greg Spark <sparkg@wave.co.nz>
> > Subject: Re: 17 inch tire size for A4 - advice summary
> > 
> > Wow! thanks for all the useful advice guys.
> > 
> > Summary of info:
> > Stay with narrower section (215, 225) for best wet grip
> > 
> > 235/40-17 is smaller diameter - speedo error & wheel well-empty look
> > 225/45-17 right diameter ( I suspect 245/40 ok too)
> > 235/45-17 slightly big but speedo exactly right - interesting!
> > 
> > Mixed opinion on looks - some felt 17s unbalanced neat compact look of
> > car.
> > This obviously personal - my feeling is that 16s retain integrated
> > proportions
> > and smooth lines but 17s give serious drivers car look - can't quite
> > decide
> > on this one!
> > 
> > Dealer has warned of warranty problems with non-factory approved
> > wheels.
> > I know one Auckland dealer fits BBS wheels on new cars but rumour is
> > there
> > have been some bearing problems.
> > 
> > NZ importer supplies and recommends MTM 17x8.5 with 245/40 rubber but
> > these will cost me about $200NZ extra each rim cf TSW (non-approved).
> > The MTMs are a 7 slim-spoke design (mmmmm red porsche calipers in
> > behind
> > would look good ala RS2) and look stunning but I'm concerned re
> > reduction
> > in wet grip.
> >