I'm getting a 3.2 which comes with 17-inch all-season tires. I will want to get snow tires when the time comes.

On my last A4 had 17-inch summer tires and I switched these in the winter for 16-inch snow tires on steel rims.

Apparently, I can't do this with the new car - it has to have alloys. So.... do I have to get 17-inch alloy rims for the snow tires or better to get 16-inch or doesn't it matter?

Wish I could get summer performance tires on the 17-inch rims....... (don't want to get the s-line).

Kevin

 

why does it have to have alloys for winter use?? its the tyre that counts

 

I was told by the dealer that the 2007s have to have alloys; can't use steel wheels.

 

its just becasue of the size, the 16 wont clear the brakes, you will need to get some 17 steels or 17's of some type, and for tires I LOVED my Dunlop Wintersport M3's they were insane in the snow and ice

 

depends on the dimensions of the rotors I guess so they don't catch the inside of the rim

 

I have no complaints about my Nokian winter tires

 

What do most people do - change tires or change rims and tires ie have a separate set?

 

Well, if you end up getting the 17's for winter and you drive on roads laced with snow and ice you may have a very difficult time finding chains for them. That is the only reason I would vote 16's. I would get confirmation since badluckaudi said the 16's won't clear. If not, you're stuck with the bigger size.

 

I dont know for sure that 16's wont fit but most cars that run 17's run them for a reason and thats not to look good but really to clear the rotors.... Id check to make sure 16's fit but if they do id go with them cuz you can run taller tires more sidewall which is better in the slick stuff

 

blizzak is the way to go