I am thinking of putting the 18" Hankook snows on my stock rims (235/40/18) and was wondering if anyone else has done this and what the results have been? Tire Rack is really pushing the 17" wheels and larger sidewall tires(basically saying 18" and smaller sidewall will be useless even with better tread compound, etc) and I just wanted to see what the real world results have been.

Any info would be appreciated...thanks!

 

How are they "pushing" the 17s? If you click "preferred package", it is 18" Dunlops 235 / 40.

But that's beside the point... If you get a lot of snow and have a lot of potholes comes spring, a little more sidewall height can't hurt. But lots of people get along fine on the 18s and the stock wheels are pretty strong. Me - 215/50 17 Wintersport M3s on $119 JSA wheels.

 

i haven't heard the greatest reviews on hankook, but i run on the stock 18 bbs ch for my winter set-up. i'm in western germany and get mostly icy roads more than snow, but last winter had a few good storms and had no issue compared to all the 4X4 truck guys or the awd guys with the cheapest winters they could afford. but, i don't recommend keeping the 18 for winter simply because it doesn't warrant winter tire usage. long story coming: for example, i caught a nail last week. german techs can't repair v rated tires, (don't recommend it anyway if you drive high speeds; i usually cruise around 110mph on the bahn) so i had to buy a replacement. only 7000 miles from last winter and the last few months- 206 euro a piece for dunlop m3 winter sport. personally, best winter tire to be found, but since the diameter is 18, it cost about 60 euro more than a 17" of the same width. most all audi dealerships around here push a 16 or 17 set-up for winter on the a6 or a4 models depending on the package (s-line). if i didn't already have the 18s, i'd go 17 for cost.