I have recently purchased a 2003 A6 Allroad 2.5TDI and am having a problem trying to find a cost effective winter tyre/wheel option, as snow chains are not permissible on the standard wheels according to the handbook.

The Audi route is purchase 6.5 x 16 alloy wheels which becomes very expensive and fit winter tyres. My question is could I use the 6.5 x 16 steel wheels that are available for the A6 and fit suitable winter tyres that maintain the original circumference of the standard 17 inch rims - does anyone have any experience of this.

Many thanks in advance.

Neil