Key takeaways
- The B9 A4 (2015 to 2024) commonly uses 205/60 R16, 225/50 R17 or 245/40 R18, with 245/35 R19 on some cars; the S4 runs 245/40 R18 as standard.
- The A4 allroad sits higher and uses taller sizes such as 225/55 R17 and 245/45 R18, so do not order by the A4 name alone.
- Many A4s are motorway company cars, so tread life, low noise and wet grip matter more than outright cornering grip.
- quattro cars need four matched tyres, and the B9 was the last car sold as an A4 before Audi moved the name to the new A5.
The A4 has been a fixture of company car parks and motorway outside lanes for decades. The last generation, known as the B9, was sold from 2015 until Audi replaced the A4 name with the new A5 in 2024, so most A4s on the road are B9 saloons and Avant estates. They are often high-mileage cars, and that shapes what makes a good tyre. This guide covers the factory sizes and what A4 drivers should prioritise.
What tyres suit an A4?
For most A4s, a premium or strong mid-range touring tyre is the right choice: quiet on the motorway, good in the wet and long-lasting. Sport and S line cars on 18-inch wheels can justify a sportier tyre, and the S4 needs a proper ultra-high-performance tyre. The allroad is a separate case with its own taller sizes.
What size tyres does an Audi A4 use?
| A4 version (B9) | Common factory size |
|---|---|
| 30 and 35 TDI, 35 TFSI on smaller wheels | 205/60 R16 92W |
| 40 TDI and 40 TFSI, many Sport models | 225/50 R17 94Y |
| 45 TFSI and 50 TDI quattro, S line on 18s | 245/40 R18 93Y |
| Larger optional wheels | 245/35 R19 93Y |
| S4 saloon and Avant | 245/40 R18 93Y |
| A4 allroad | Taller sizes such as 225/55 R17 or 245/45 R18 |
Options and special editions mean your car may not match the table, so check the sidewall or the door placard first. The full picture is in our explainer on what the numbers on your tyre mean.
Why do high-mileage A4s need different priorities?
A4s often cover far more miles than the average car, much of it on motorways. That makes tread life and noise more important than on a car that rarely leaves town. A tyre that lasts longer and stays quiet as it wears can be better value than a cheaper tyre that needs replacing sooner and drones at speed.
Wet grip still comes first, because motorway speeds in heavy rain are where tyre quality matters most. Look for a strong wet-grip grade and a low noise figure on the EU label. For the detail, see our page on tyre care for high-mileage commuters.
How does quattro affect A4 tyres?
Many A4s have quattro all-wheel drive, especially the more powerful diesels, the 45 TFSI and the S4. On these cars, all four tyres should be the same size and pattern with similar tread depth. Big differences between the axles make the drive system work harder and can cause wear over time. Rotating tyres at service intervals helps keep the tread depths close, so all four can be replaced together.
Front-wheel-drive A4s can be replaced in pairs, with the newer tyres normally fitted to the rear axle. There is more on this in our piece on replacing two or four tyres.
What about the A4 allroad?
The A4 allroad is an Avant raised slightly for rough tracks and towing, with quattro as standard. It uses taller tyres than the standard A4, such as 225/55 R17 or 245/45 R18, to suit the extra ride height. Many allroads are used for towing, so check the placard for loaded pressures and make sure the load index matches or exceeds the original.
Should you choose AO-marked tyres?
Audi approves some tyres for its cars with an AO mark on the sidewall. These tyres are tuned for the car's ride and handling. A marked tyre is not compulsory, and a good unmarked tyre in the correct size and ratings is safe and legal, but many A4 owners stick with an AO tyre for consistency. Whatever you choose, keep both tyres on an axle the same.
A4 fitting checklist
- Locking wheel bolts: most A4s use locking bolts. Keep the key in the car, or we can remove the bolts if it is lost.
- Pressure monitoring: after new tyres, reset the tyre pressure system through the infotainment menu so it learns the new pressures.
- Avant loads: estates used for heavy loads need the loaded pressures from the placard.
A4 tyres fitted at the office or at home
Plenty of A4s are company cars that cannot be off the road for a morning, so we often fit them in the office car park during the working day. Give us the size from your sidewall on 07717 389637, or book tyre fitting at your workplace; we usually arrive within 30 to 60 minutes and fitting takes 20 to 30 minutes.
Frequently asked questions
The B9 A4 commonly uses 205/60 R16, 225/50 R17 or 245/40 R18, with 245/35 R19 on some cars. The S4 uses 245/40 R18 as standard. Check your placard, as options vary.
No. The allroad uses taller sizes such as 225/55 R17 or 245/45 R18 to suit its raised ride height. Always order by your own car's size.
Ideally, keep all four tyres the same size and pattern with similar tread depth. Rotating tyres helps them wear evenly so they can be replaced together.
Audi replaced the A4 name with the new A5 in 2024. The B9 generation, sold from 2015, was the last car badged A4.
Check pressures at least every two weeks and look at tread depth monthly if you cover big motorway miles. Uneven wear on the inner edge of the front tyres can point to alignment, which is worth checking after any heavy pothole strike.