Downsize winter tires?
Asked by Leonora Nov 23, 2021 at 04:19 PM about the 2021 Audi Q3 quattro Komfort 45 TFSI AWD
Question type: Maintenance & Repair
Can I downsize in winter tires?
My suv has rim19 all seasons. I used rim17” winter
tires on steel rims.
Audi tells me first I need some sort of rings… and
then tells me I shouldn’t use smaller tires and not
use steel rims.
4 Answers
Don’t do it. The computers won’t know what the heck is wrong.
Guru9H85Q3 answered 2 years ago
Yes, It could be down-graded to 17" Rims but it is not recommended Because in doing so tires will downgrade the cross-section width, and will increase sidewall height ratio as well and it may compromise your Q3 driveability, safety, suspension configuration and PCM/ABS settings on accelerations, turns and braking and your Q3 does not need that. Don't forget to install the 4 TMPS sensors on Q3 winter set as well. Q3 options: P235/50R19, P235/55R18. Steer clear/Avoid: P215/65R17. Thank you.
I would follow Audi's recommendation. Tire sizes and wheel diameters are important for other things on the car.