AT Tyres needed

**Malhone** · 07-02-2016,09:46 PM

Hi guys, need some help please.

I have a 2013 A6 Allroad bi-tdi, which is a sublime car in pretty much every way. Problem is, we live in the middle of deepest darkest Dartmoor, and whilst the allroad as been brilliant, I've had 4 punctures in 18 months and it's driving me mad. There are often broken tree branches down in the roads, which get smashed into short sections so you can't avoid them. On top of that we have extensive flooding (yesterday), snow, ice and a lot of mud.

We don't go off-road, but we need a tyre that can take more abuse, especially the sidewalls where a lot of the punctures have been. Ability to cope with mud and snow is a must.

I have 255/45/19s on the allroad, but am happy to buy smaller rims in order to fit tougher tyres. Also happy to have one set of wheels for summer and another for wnter

any suggestions please? How do I know which rims to buy, and what is a good AT tyre?
Thanks!
mal

**Oli P** · 07-02-2016,09:59 PM

General grabber at2 are very good tyres, I'd recommend them. Not sure what sizes they do but worth a look.

**Malhone** · 07-02-2016,10:44 PM

Thanks Oli, but the issue is I can't fit general grabber ATs on my 19 inch rims. What rims do I need to be able to fit some good ATs?

**Oli P** · 07-02-2016,11:13 PM

I think they come in 255 55 r18, but would probably go for 17s to allow for the tyre clearance in the arches I reckon mate.

**Malhone** · 07-02-2016,11:28 PM

Ok thanks - so at the risk of asking a really stupid question - if I buy a set of 5 bolt Audi 17" alloys, will they fit over the brakes? Audi don't offer the car in anything less that an 18".. ? Thanks for your help btw, I have no idea

**Oli P** · 09-02-2016,05:30 PM

Best bet is to try em mate. You might have to go aftermarket to clear the brakes, or get some spacers. And I'd speak to audi or a tyre place about the biggest tyres that will fit without catching anything. Hope this helps.

**wildbeeste** · 10-02-2016,08:32 AM

Originally Posted by Oli P

Best bet is to try em mate. You might have to go aftermarket to clear the brakes, or get some spacers. And I'd speak to audi or a tyre place about the biggest tyres that will fit without catching anything. Hope this helps.

Don't forget cars go up and down with weight on board and bounce over potholes etc.
Having seen the damage done to a BMW Z4 wing where the combination of big wheels and high profile tyres nicely creased the wing when the steering wheel was turned going over a bump, I would err on the cautious side. The tyre did not puncture though!

**dghdgh** · 10-02-2016,11:34 AM

try these websites for offset etc calculations:
Rim & Tire Size Calculator.
Custom Offsets - Wheel-Size.com

**Splash** · 13-02-2016,12:48 PM

Mal. Without a doubt go for Michelin Latitude Cross in 235/55 18. If I didn't have a set of the smaller 18" AT/Rs from my old c6 allroad these are what I would fit. They're also quite handy in snow and winter conditions although not specifically an all-season tyre.

My tyres are the 45 profile 245/45 18 Goodyear Wrangler AT/R which were made in that size for the old allroad - they were fantastic. I fitted mine on the new car for a month or so in Autumn whilst waiting for my present Nokian Weatherproofs to arrive. Surprisingly the car felt more dynamic on this smaller setup but of course the odometer miles racked up about 5% faster as the downside. You might wish to consider the Nokian Weatherproof SUV if you're looking for a more winter biased tyre, but get 2016 production which has sidewalls reinforced with Aramid. If winter ability is not your prime concern then you won't go wrong with the Mich, but they're H rated like most AT tyres.

I tried to fit the 17" aftermarket wheels with oversized winter tyres from my old allroad, but rest assured - 17" won't fit the latest allroad.

As I have an excess of wheels and tyres, you're welcome to make me an offer on my wheels with the AT/Rs on and the 5 unused AT/Rs waiting on standby