Winter wheels and tyres

I'm looking to get a set of 16" wheels and winter tyres for my 2002 A6 3.0SE quattro avant (manual gearbox). The standard wheels and tyres are 235/45/17, so I'm looking to get 205/55/16. Trouble is, I can't find anything in the handbook that advises on the load index or speed rating for the tyres, or the offset of the wheels.

Looking on line there is plenty of tyre choice at 205/55/16 91H, and a bit of research shows that a 91 load index means the tyre can take a maximum load of 615kg. The handbook states maximum front axle weight is 1125kg and maximum rear axle weight is 1200kg, so does that mean tryes with a load index of 615kg will be OK or is there more to it than that?

A speed rating of H means safe to 130mph, but although my car is theoretically capable of a faster top speed there is no way that I would reach those speeds, especially not over the winter months, so that does not concern me so much.

The offset of teh current standard wheels is ET45, so I'mm thinking that with 205/55/16 tyres I'll be fine with wheels between ET35 and ET45.

Any advice would be much appreciated, especially on the load index

The correct tyre size for your car on 16" wheels is 215/55. The wheel offset should be around 50 IIRC.

I would ring Audi customer services and ask them what the recommended speed and load ratings are for winter tyres on your car. You don't want any issues with insurance should the worst happen.

My Audi hand book says that the correct tyre size is 205/55/16 M&S (mud and snow). It goes on to say that these tyres shpuld be used on all 4 wheels, but I use them only on the front two wheels. It goes on to say that winter tyre speed ratings can vary and its best to make sure that you are aware of these speed ratings.This appears to mean that its ok to use H or V rated tyres providing you obey the speed ratings. I use H rated tyres. It also states that if the tread is less than 4mm then the grip in significantly impaired. I bought second hand tyres last year with 5/6mm tread but will buy new from now on. i can also say that the grip was excellent in the snow when compared with summer tyres.
I hope the above helps.

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Originally Posted by shabazmo

My Audi hand book says that the correct tyre size is 205/55/16 M&S (mud and snow). It goes on to say that these tyres shpuld be used on all 4 wheels, but I use them only on the front two wheels.

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Front wheel drive A6s like yours generally have different tyres sizes to quattros eg 205/55/16 v 215/55/16 and 225/45/17 v 235/45/17. I don't know why and I don't know if this applies to winter tyres as well.

Personally, I would put M&S tyres on all 4 wheels or not at all. Don't you just get massive oversteer in icy conditions?

I would personally replace all 4, and buy load index 94 as you cannot get higher so you would be safe with these.