[Dubbinon]

So I'm running 17" RS4s for my summers, but I want to use my OE Catalunya 16" rims for snows this winter. The stock size is 215/55/16 and I am thinking of running 205/55/16 for dedicated snow tires. Narrower is better in snow, IMO.

Will this slightly narrower size be an issue with the rims or the car?

TIA

 

[BsickPassat]

You're not going to have an issue with the rims.

Tirerack lists the rim sizes (width) on their site for their tires they sell.

The speedometer and odometer will read a tad faster with 205/55r16

 

[rcprato]

I went this exact same scenario last winter when went to 16" rims for dedicated winter use

Key aspect to keep in mind is overall tire diameter for speedometer accuracy.

235/45/17 is ~25.35" overall diameter
215/55/16 is ~25.38" overall diameter

The above is closest match.

Going to 205 width you have two options IMO
205/55/16 is ~24.8" overall diameter
205/60/16 is ~25.77" overall diameter

So if you can find a snow tire in 205/60/16 that is a better diameter match, that is what I bought and went with the Cooper Weather-Master S/T 2 and really like them.

There is an option in the MFA to adjust speedometer +/- 5mph for snow tires if needed.

 

[BsickPassat]

I went this exact same scenario last winter when went to 16" rims for dedicated winter use

Key aspect to keep in mind is overall tire diameter for speedometer accuracy.

235/45/17 is ~25.35" overall diameter
215/55/16 is ~25.38" overall diameter

The above is closest match.

Going to 205 width you have two options IMO
205/55/16 is ~24.8" overall diameter
205/60/16 is ~25.77" overall diameter

So if you can find a snow tire in 205/60/16 that is a better diameter match, that is what I bought and went with the Cooper Weather-Master S/T 2 and really like them.

There is an option in the MFA to adjust speedometer +/- 5mph for snow tires if needed.

In europe, VW specifies 205/55r16 for the cars with 312mm (and smaller) brakes.

205/60 you run the risk of rubbing the fender liner in the back when the car is loaded and/or hitting a big bump.

the "Winter Mode" in the MFA is just a redundant speed warning that you set.

 

[MP3DUB]

Additionally, how much snow do you get where you live? I'm in Chicago, and we only get dumped on a few times a year, so I went with snow tires that were as wide as the stock tires, as most of the time, I'm tearing around on cold pavement.

 

[Shtbox]

10mm of tread doesn't really affect much. Depending on the tire brand you go with, you might even end up with the same width of tread you have. I'd stick with the stock sizes.

A good rule of thumb to stay within close diameters is this: down 20 on the tread width, up 5 on the aspect ratio. Same goes for larger tread but reversed: up 20 on tread width, down 5 on aspect ratio.

 

[Dubbinon]

THanks all. Where I live we get a LOT of snow. FWIW, the tires that came with the car from the stealership were 215/55/16, so 205 vs 215 isn't a big deal, IMO but wanted to be sure.

My summers are 225/45/17, if that matters.

 

[Shtbox]

I'd give 195/60r16s a try if you are still concerned :thumbup:

 

[UberDanno]

Coming from snow country Colorado...I agree narrower works best in snow! I had 4 vredsteins on my VW Super Beetle back in the 80's when I lived in Ski Country...I think they were 155/60x15's and I could out drag race 4x4's!