[CocoPops]

Still a bit warm (10degree Celsius) but it's getting colder and wetter here in the UK, so I fitted my winter wheels...

255/40/19 Summer tyres switched to 215/65/17 Winter Tyres (using the Audi Q3 winter tyre pack I bought earlier in the summer for £400).

Before:

After:

Looks a bit odd on 17s but I'm sure I'll get used to it for the winter.
Be interesting to see how the fuel economy changes with 255 down to 215 wide tyres.

 

[rnlabas]

Car looks great with either wheel - gotta LOVE that Misano -

 

[Otto]

The larger tires would reduce fuel economy I am guessing. Hopefully not by too much but it will be interesting to measure.

 

[rnlabas]

The larger tires would reduce fuel economy I am guessing. Hopefully not by too much but it will be interesting to measure.

I think the rolling resistance of the compound would have a much bigger effect unless you're talking about much greater size differences. Here, the OD is about the same (within a half-inch, 2%) so gearing and speedo are not affected - but even with wider tires, the contact patch stays nearly the same too - just changes shape from a 'rectilinear oval' in the narrower tire to a wider but shorter 'squished H' in wider tires - unless like I said in the beginning you go WAY bigger ...

 

[CocoPops]

It's likely that drag has been reduced, going from a contact patch of 255mm wide down to a contact patch of 215mm wide.

Rolling circumference should be pretty much the same.

 

[rnlabas]

It's likely that drag has been reduced, going from a contact patch of 255mm wide down to a contact patch of 215mm wide.

Rolling circumference should be pretty much the same.

I agree, but still think this is comparatively - to the compound's rolling resistance - or the car's entire frontal area, (which is quite gigantic vs. four [which is prolly closer to just 2 really] strips of rubber/wheel about 1-1/2"X11") - pretty small.

Btw, if you know the tire's brand, size etc, you can find the rolling resistance as a spec - and it MAY include the drag too - should note, hmmmm...:nerd:

 

[Quatto]

What make and model of winter tire did you end up getting and in what size?

How bad do the winters get where you're located?

 

[CocoPops]

They are the Audi 5 Y spoke wheels.
OEM fitment to the Q3.

8U00732478Z8 is the Part number.

Our winters vary A LOT... currently though it's wet and cold, so additional tread depth helps in clearing water, slushy leaves and mud.

 

[Quatto]

Those wheels look great to me, good enough that I think some people may not believe that someone would use those for winter.

Thanks for the part number.

Being cold, those tires, and just about any winter tires help with maintaining safe levels of grip which would be lost with all seasons or worse... summers.

Do keep us posted on what your experience is like as you drive it more throughout the winter season.

 

[msantram]

They are the Audi 5 Y spoke wheels.
OEM fitment to the Q3.

8U00732478Z8 is the Part number.

Our winters vary A LOT... currently though it's wet and cold, so additional tread depth helps in clearing water, slushy leaves and mud.

hi @CocoPops

How has your experience been with the 17" Winter Tires? I run a winter and summer set of 225 45 R17's on my VW SportWagen and love the traction improvement in the snow. My new Q3 has the same 19" wheels and I would like to put on a set of 17" winters. Would love an update on your exeprience

 

[cableguy]

I went with Blizzak studless snow tires, using the same size as OEM on the OEM 19" 2016 Q3 wheels. It's been a snowy winter and I haven't had any issue. I like the fact that the looks are the same with either winter or summer tires and I don't have to lug around heavy wheels with tires on them. OK when young...not so good for the back after 60. Got them installed for about $1700 with special offer of $70 off per tire. Not cheap but the best solution for me.

 

[DampDuffer]

Hey, cableguy.....I delivered an airplane to your neck of the woods yesterday, and then flew home on Alaska Air....everyone was talking about how much snow you've been getting this year in the Redmond/Bend/Three Sisters area.

Ya gotta love it after the last few years.....

We had snow two days ago, but just stayed home and left the cars in the garage.

 

[cableguy]

Delivered an airplane? If you have more time between flights in the future holler - time for a cup O'joe


Yes the snow has been GREAT this year. Finally a real winter. Have been xcountry skiing many times - already as many as in a typical season since the snow was there during the holiday time off. We are really enjoying it. Thankfully Q3 has just been going to work and back (a fairly short trip) and the new Subaru is the go to car for transportation to the snow park for skiing. Q3 will be the car for long trips. In return I promise to wash the wife's car on a regular basis (when not freezing out). With the constant moisture it's been impossible to keep the cars clean on the outside for the past 5 -6 weeks.

 

[DampDuffer]

Delivered an airplane? If you have more time between flights in the future holler - time for a cup O'joe

Believe me, I thought about it....but with the changeable weather, first seat out was the one I took.

My next three deliveries are to snowbirds in Palm Desert, Scottsdale, and Tampa....so I'm definitely taking my golf clubs.

I recently thought I'd influenced one customer in Sun Valley, Idaho to buy a Q3 as her ski car, but the dealer convinced her the Q7 was the car for her in the snow.....so she ended up buy one of each, and the Q3 is currently in her garage in Santa Barbara.

(It's not unusual for airplane owners to fly commercially or drive to their long distance vacation homes, but then want their airplanes near them for shorter trips after their arrival).