Same here. Roads have turned to ice now. No cars going up a hill near me, even front wheel drive only getting half way up then sliding down again. Was'nt too sure when a new range rover did the same thing and ended up spinning all 4 wheels, but that was probably due its huge weight!. After seeimg a Rav go up ok I took the plunge and went straight up, not even a wheel spin and no esp lights flashing on the dash. Well done Audi
Snow
Anyone been out in the snow yet?
Hows the Q5 on standard tyres?
Hows the Q5 on standard tyres?
21 - 40 of 49 Posts
G
hi folks
Just joined your chat room
I live in North Scotland and I have been following the snow series.
Simple question what will a 2.0 tdi on 19 inch rims run like on snow up and down steep hills. We have cica 12 to 14 inches and the snow plough does not go near my little side track which is 30 odd miles from inverness at 1000ft above sea level. Been below zreo since 12 dec . Lowest - 16 degrees
There has been lots of nice generic stuff but what is it like on the steep stuff with little or snow clearance.
I have a an s line tdi on order build week 7 delivery middle of march 2010
Regards
Longrow2000
Just joined your chat room
I live in North Scotland and I have been following the snow series.
Simple question what will a 2.0 tdi on 19 inch rims run like on snow up and down steep hills. We have cica 12 to 14 inches and the snow plough does not go near my little side track which is 30 odd miles from inverness at 1000ft above sea level. Been below zreo since 12 dec . Lowest - 16 degrees
There has been lots of nice generic stuff but what is it like on the steep stuff with little or snow clearance.
I have a an s line tdi on order build week 7 delivery middle of march 2010
Regards
Longrow2000
2
Hi Longrow2000
Welcome to the club it's nice to see another Scot on board,
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I have the same car you have ordered only mine is an S-Tronic and I also live in a small village quite high up but not a 1000 ft above sea level
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but like you we don't see the gritter around hear very often and the car copes very well on hills with deep snow and the Icy roads.
Regards
Welcome to the club it's nice to see another Scot on board,
Regards
G
Bill
Thanks for the welcome
does the 19 inch rim cause problems on snow. and how do they brake going downhill or does it turn into a big slege? I had a BMW 3 series M tourer with 255 40 17 on the rear and I could not even drive out of my drive to the public road.
I do hope the Q5 will perform better.
Luckily we have a 3.2 shogun with low box and diff locks that will get me anywhere!!
Longrow
Thanks for the welcome
does the 19 inch rim cause problems on snow. and how do they brake going downhill or does it turn into a big slege? I had a BMW 3 series M tourer with 255 40 17 on the rear and I could not even drive out of my drive to the public road.
I do hope the Q5 will perform better.
Luckily we have a 3.2 shogun with low box and diff locks that will get me anywhere!!
Longrow
G
Hi,
I posted earlier, but it just seemed to be ignored, for braking on snow you really need winter tyres, and for the 19-20 inch I can recommend Pirelli Scorpion Ice & Snow, although I have also had Vredestien Wintrac on my A6 and they were also excellent. Quattro will get you so far, but in the end it's all down to traction and the summer tyres on the Q5 (or any car) just can't handle it.
To see the difference check out :
Mark
I posted earlier, but it just seemed to be ignored, for braking on snow you really need winter tyres, and for the 19-20 inch I can recommend Pirelli Scorpion Ice & Snow, although I have also had Vredestien Wintrac on my A6 and they were also excellent. Quattro will get you so far, but in the end it's all down to traction and the summer tyres on the Q5 (or any car) just can't handle it.
To see the difference check out :
Mark
4
I had a BMW 3 series Longrow and found it was the worst car I have ever owned for traction in the snow
G
Bill
thanks for that. I know that ABS is a pain in snow and ice. The BMW if you turned the traction control off went into "mad mode" no power no traction and just sat there doing nothing. That was in a foot of fresh snow mind you.
What about putting a rear or a front set of mud and snow tyres on one axel only?
I suspect it could upset the quattro drive. The car manufactures often say do not do it but I suspect it may be a ploy to buy 4 rims and tyres. Any thoughts? wintrac and scorpion are good options
On a diffrent subject can you get the simple bluetooth preparation fitted post delivery?
Can you get the electomagnetic handbrake that automatically comes on when stationary fitted post delivery?
Thanks Longrow
thanks for that. I know that ABS is a pain in snow and ice. The BMW if you turned the traction control off went into "mad mode" no power no traction and just sat there doing nothing. That was in a foot of fresh snow mind you.
What about putting a rear or a front set of mud and snow tyres on one axel only?
I suspect it could upset the quattro drive. The car manufactures often say do not do it but I suspect it may be a ploy to buy 4 rims and tyres. Any thoughts? wintrac and scorpion are good options
On a diffrent subject can you get the simple bluetooth preparation fitted post delivery?
Can you get the electomagnetic handbrake that automatically comes on when stationary fitted post delivery?
Thanks Longrow
Hi Longrow
Better to wait for your car to be delivered and see how it goes I'm sure the car will cope OK with the standard wheels and tyres, as for bluetooth I use the clip on to sun visor type and I find it works OK I think if the government gets there way we will not be able to use our hands free mobile phone in the car anyway. After reading about some members concerns about the S-Tronic box and the automatic electromagnetic handbrake I can only say my car does not roll back on hills when you lift off the foot brake to pull away and if you apply the handbrake (just the flick of a switch) when in drive it goes off automatically when you press the throttle as long as you have fastened your seatbelt, hope this helps may be some other members will have other views.
Regards
Better to wait for your car to be delivered and see how it goes I'm sure the car will cope OK with the standard wheels and tyres, as for bluetooth I use the clip on to sun visor type and I find it works OK I think if the government gets there way we will not be able to use our hands free mobile phone in the car anyway. After reading about some members concerns about the S-Tronic box and the automatic electromagnetic handbrake I can only say my car does not roll back on hills when you lift off the foot brake to pull away and if you apply the handbrake (just the flick of a switch) when in drive it goes off automatically when you press the throttle as long as you have fastened your seatbelt, hope this helps may be some other members will have other views.
Regards
G
Bill
Thanks for the info.
I think you are correct and I will wait till my Q5 arrives and simply see how it performs in the snow before doing anything too radical.
A Good New Year to you when it comes (snowing again so a wee walk to pub tonight for a glass of mulled wine and back home for the bells)
Longrow
Thanks for the info.
I think you are correct and I will wait till my Q5 arrives and simply see how it performs in the snow before doing anything too radical.
A Good New Year to you when it comes (snowing again so a wee walk to pub tonight for a glass of mulled wine and back home for the bells)
Longrow
G
Greetings from another newcomer to this site.
I have just returned from a New Year trip to the French Alps in a Q5 3.0 TDI S-line, shod with 255 / 45 tyres on 20" 7 spoke alloys. The car is faultless with one huge exception - tyres performed appallingly in the snow.
As a regular traveller to the area I am keen to fit winter tyres - any guidance or recommendations re tyre sizing / make / sourcing etc. would be greatly appreciated.
Many thanks in anticipation.
BB
I have just returned from a New Year trip to the French Alps in a Q5 3.0 TDI S-line, shod with 255 / 45 tyres on 20" 7 spoke alloys. The car is faultless with one huge exception - tyres performed appallingly in the snow.
As a regular traveller to the area I am keen to fit winter tyres - any guidance or recommendations re tyre sizing / make / sourcing etc. would be greatly appreciated.
Many thanks in anticipation.
BB
G
Yes I know what you mean. Just tried to move our other car and got no where. It just kees snowing circa 3 feet on our drive to the house.
Nokian tyres are very very good.
I am still considering putting snow tyres on the front axel only. My Q5 when it comes will be 255 55 19 I think
Longrow
Nokian tyres are very very good.
I am still considering putting snow tyres on the front axel only. My Q5 when it comes will be 255 55 19 I think
Longrow
Here in Sweden winter tyres are mandatory which is good since there's really no comparison on snowy and/or icy roads. I wouldn't dream of running summer or "all-season" tyres during the cold months, and It's nice to know that everyone else out there have decent winter handling.
After somewhat extensive research I bought Nokian Hakkapeliitta R SUV 235/65 R17 on five spoke Audi alloys for my Q5 and have been pleased so far. There are cheaper tyres out there but Nokian have an excellent reputation and were among the top tested this season... The "Nordic" tyres from Bridgestone and Michelin also did quite well.
I would have preferred studded tyres as that's what I'm used to from previous cars. They are far superior on snow and especially icy roads, but they will sadly most likely be banned up here next year...
As for size at first I wasn't very keen on anything smaller than my 19" summer wheels (for cosmetic reasons) but eventually chose 17" wheels anyway for a number of reasons:
- Choice of winter tyres is a lot less limited with 17". Nokian don't have 19" tyres for the Q5 and from Bridgestone you can only get the LM and not the DM or other Nordic series.
- Buying a set of 19" wheels and winter tyres would have been about ?900:- more than a 17" kit and it felt difficult to justify the cost.
- It's not very practical to only change tyres on a single set of wheels each season (compared to simply replacing the weels); It's not something most are able to do themselves and there would be a cost to have it done. Fitting and removing the tyres twice a year might eventually cause damage to the tyre walls. The salt on the roads it would cause unnecessary wear to my nice 19" alloys.
- I've been told the higher profile and more narrow 17" tyres perform better on snow.
As it turned out I think the 17" wheels look much better than I feared. I'm happy (but I still miss the studs)
/anders
After somewhat extensive research I bought Nokian Hakkapeliitta R SUV 235/65 R17 on five spoke Audi alloys for my Q5 and have been pleased so far. There are cheaper tyres out there but Nokian have an excellent reputation and were among the top tested this season... The "Nordic" tyres from Bridgestone and Michelin also did quite well.
I would have preferred studded tyres as that's what I'm used to from previous cars. They are far superior on snow and especially icy roads, but they will sadly most likely be banned up here next year...
As for size at first I wasn't very keen on anything smaller than my 19" summer wheels (for cosmetic reasons) but eventually chose 17" wheels anyway for a number of reasons:
- Choice of winter tyres is a lot less limited with 17". Nokian don't have 19" tyres for the Q5 and from Bridgestone you can only get the LM and not the DM or other Nordic series.
- Buying a set of 19" wheels and winter tyres would have been about ?900:- more than a 17" kit and it felt difficult to justify the cost.
- It's not very practical to only change tyres on a single set of wheels each season (compared to simply replacing the weels); It's not something most are able to do themselves and there would be a cost to have it done. Fitting and removing the tyres twice a year might eventually cause damage to the tyre walls. The salt on the roads it would cause unnecessary wear to my nice 19" alloys.
- I've been told the higher profile and more narrow 17" tyres perform better on snow.
As it turned out I think the 17" wheels look much better than I feared. I'm happy (but I still miss the studs)
/anders
G
HI Everyone,
Just joined the forum (only came across it this morning). Am just about to take delivery in about 6 weeks of my Q5. Have gone for the 3.0d SE and loaded it up with some decent extras. I was going down the S Line route given the kit it comes with but heard the ride is a little firm. This wouldnt bother me too much but my missus prefers a smoother ride (no comments please!). I did go for the 20" 7 Spoke rims for pure asthetics and although I know this will harden the ride I went for sports seats and the dynamic suspension which has a comfort mode. Hopefully this will make for all options with or without the doris!
Given the current weather conditions at the moment in the UK, I could do with the car a little earlier. My current BMW 325i coupe is not coping very well and my wifes 320d auto soft top even worse. I am really hoping the Q5 does cope well for future years. I have read conflicts write ups here saying how good it is but then others saying how bad it is. I know the Sline comes with sports tyres, not sure about the SE. I also believe that the ESP button has an offroad mode that can be selected which makes a difference, can anyone comment here?
I think i would be happy to shell out the ?1k on the pirelli snow and ice tyres, just wonder how these perform in normal road conditions (ie, maybe 6 months of the year).
Rob
Just joined the forum (only came across it this morning). Am just about to take delivery in about 6 weeks of my Q5. Have gone for the 3.0d SE and loaded it up with some decent extras. I was going down the S Line route given the kit it comes with but heard the ride is a little firm. This wouldnt bother me too much but my missus prefers a smoother ride (no comments please!). I did go for the 20" 7 Spoke rims for pure asthetics and although I know this will harden the ride I went for sports seats and the dynamic suspension which has a comfort mode. Hopefully this will make for all options with or without the doris!
Given the current weather conditions at the moment in the UK, I could do with the car a little earlier. My current BMW 325i coupe is not coping very well and my wifes 320d auto soft top even worse. I am really hoping the Q5 does cope well for future years. I have read conflicts write ups here saying how good it is but then others saying how bad it is. I know the Sline comes with sports tyres, not sure about the SE. I also believe that the ESP button has an offroad mode that can be selected which makes a difference, can anyone comment here?
I think i would be happy to shell out the ?1k on the pirelli snow and ice tyres, just wonder how these perform in normal road conditions (ie, maybe 6 months of the year).
Rob
Hi Rob
Know what you mean about the BMW. Next door has the same and on our slightly slope road it has no chance and we have to push him out every morning!
I've had no problems at all in the Q5 (S-line on std wheels/tyres) its got me everywhere with very minimal esp warning light coming on. I've not tried turning the esp off. We also have a RAV4 with winter tyres and LSD and I still take the Q5 out first!
Know what you mean about the BMW. Next door has the same and on our slightly slope road it has no chance and we have to push him out every morning!
I've had no problems at all in the Q5 (S-line on std wheels/tyres) its got me everywhere with very minimal esp warning light coming on. I've not tried turning the esp off. We also have a RAV4 with winter tyres and LSD and I still take the Q5 out first!
G
Hi Rob,
Not long to wait now - but it would have been nice if you'd have had your Q5 in time for the snow!
As you'll have seen from my photo, I have an SE too. I would have gone for the S-Line but I'd read so much about the firm ride. I also have damper control. When the family is on board, I put it in Comfort mode. When I'm by myself, I usually have it in Auto. My wheels are 19". I've read that 20"s are noticeably more firm but as you'll have SE springs and damper control I don't think you have anything to worry about as far as comfort is concerned.
I went out a few times in the snow this week. It's not very hilly where I live so most cars were able to get around anyway. However, my road is a cul-de-sac and so it took a bit more time before it was passable with a 2WD and on the Wednesday, when the snow was fresh and a few inches deep, I was the only one able to drive out, which was a good feeling. A BMW Z4 owner found himself beached because his wheels fell into my tracks! Fancy going out in this whether in a Z4?!
It's easy to feel confident driving the Q5 on snow because it gets going so easily. The problem is that, on regular tyres, it corners and decelerates no better than any other car - so it's easy to feel too confident. The back end slid out a bit when I was coming out of my road on Wednesday (my mistake for accelerating even a small amount going around a corner) which reminded me again how easy it is to come unstuck.
I'm not an expert when it comes to tyres. I've seen the youtube videos showing how much better snow and ice tyres can get you round corners (filmed on an ice rink) and I've also read about their limitations once they fill with snow and ice. I had thought about getting some winter tyres but I have decided from my overall positive experience of the last few days just to keep the regular ones and at some point in future get some snow chains just in case we ever get such a lot of snow that the roads don't clear for a few days.
Mark
Not long to wait now - but it would have been nice if you'd have had your Q5 in time for the snow!
As you'll have seen from my photo, I have an SE too. I would have gone for the S-Line but I'd read so much about the firm ride. I also have damper control. When the family is on board, I put it in Comfort mode. When I'm by myself, I usually have it in Auto. My wheels are 19". I've read that 20"s are noticeably more firm but as you'll have SE springs and damper control I don't think you have anything to worry about as far as comfort is concerned.
I went out a few times in the snow this week. It's not very hilly where I live so most cars were able to get around anyway. However, my road is a cul-de-sac and so it took a bit more time before it was passable with a 2WD and on the Wednesday, when the snow was fresh and a few inches deep, I was the only one able to drive out, which was a good feeling. A BMW Z4 owner found himself beached because his wheels fell into my tracks! Fancy going out in this whether in a Z4?!
It's easy to feel confident driving the Q5 on snow because it gets going so easily. The problem is that, on regular tyres, it corners and decelerates no better than any other car - so it's easy to feel too confident. The back end slid out a bit when I was coming out of my road on Wednesday (my mistake for accelerating even a small amount going around a corner) which reminded me again how easy it is to come unstuck.
I'm not an expert when it comes to tyres. I've seen the youtube videos showing how much better snow and ice tyres can get you round corners (filmed on an ice rink) and I've also read about their limitations once they fill with snow and ice. I had thought about getting some winter tyres but I have decided from my overall positive experience of the last few days just to keep the regular ones and at some point in future get some snow chains just in case we ever get such a lot of snow that the roads don't clear for a few days.
Mark
and Mark, really appreciate the feedback. Mark - did you try the ESP off road mode?21 - 40 of 49 Posts
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