The 2016 Audi A3 sits in the modern compact luxury sport-sedan and cabriolet segment, blending Audi’s crisp MQB-era packaging with everyday usability and a distinctly European approach to ride and handling. For tire selection, that means fitment matters because this A3 uses three different primary radial sizes: 225/45R17, 225/40R18, and 235/35R19, depending on the specific sub-model and wheel setup. Available choices range from straightforward blackwall performance radials to select raised white letter and redline options in 17-inch fitment. The right decision starts with identifying the exact trim and wheel diameter, then balancing appearance, handling character, and real-world road use.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 2016 Audi A3
The 2016 Audi A3 uses three primary tire sizes, and the correct one depends on the exact sub-model and wheel diameter. Some trims share more than one approved size, while others pair 18-inch fitment with either 17-inch or 19-inch alternatives, so the first step is confirming the car’s actual wheel setup before comparing brands, sidewall styles, or tire series.
Fit(s): Premium Cabriolet, Premium Plus Cabriolet, Premium Plus Sedan, Premium Sedan, Prestige Cabriolet, Prestige Sedan, TDI Premium, TDI Premium Plus, and TDI Prestige
Construction: Radial|Rim: 18 in
225/40R18 is a metric radial size with a 225-millimeter section width, a 40-series aspect ratio, and fitment for an 18-inch rim. On the 2016 Audi A3, this size is a central fitment across many sedan, cabriolet, and TDI configurations, making it one of the most common starting points for replacement. Available choices in this size include BFGoodrich and Nitto, with blackwall styling and performance-oriented series such as g-Force Comp 2 AS, g-Force Sport Comp 2, g-Force Phenom T/A, and NT555 G2. It is a strong reference point when matching an 18-inch wheel setup already on the car.
Fit(s): Premium Cabriolet, Premium Sedan, and TDI Premium
Construction: Radial|Rim: 17 in
225/45R17 is a metric radial size that keeps the same 225-millimeter section width as the 18-inch option but uses a taller 45-series profile on a 17-inch rim. On the 2016 Audi A3, this size appears on certain Premium sedan, Premium cabriolet, and TDI configurations rather than across the full model line. Product choices are broader here, with BFGoodrich, Nitto, and Pro-Trac offerings, plus blackwall, raised white letter, and redline sidewall treatments. This size deserves a close look when the goal is to stay with the car’s 17-inch wheel package while comparing both appearance and series differences.
Fit(s): Premium Plus Cabriolet, Premium Plus Sedan, Prestige Cabriolet, Prestige Sedan, and TDI Prestige
Construction: Radial|Rim: 19 in
235/35R19 is a metric radial size with a wider 235-millimeter section width, a lower 35-series profile, and fitment for a 19-inch rim. On the 2016 Audi A3, it is used on certain Premium Plus, Prestige, and TDI Prestige configurations, so it should not be assumed across all trims. Available choices in this size include blackwall performance radials from Nitto and BFGoodrich, including NT555 G2 and g-Force Phenom T/A. This fitment is the one to evaluate when the car already carries a 19-inch wheel setup and the priority is preserving that combination.
Sub-model fitment on the 2016 Audi A3 is not one-size-fits-all, because the covered trims use different combinations of 17-inch, 18-inch, and 19-inch tire sizes. Checking the exact sedan, cabriolet, or TDI version matters before choosing a tire, especially when more than one wheel package may apply.
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2016 Audi A3 Premium Cabriolet
The 2016 Audi A3 Premium Cabriolet uses radial fitments in both 225/45R17 and 225/40R18. Tire selection starts with confirming whether the car is on its 17-inch or 18-inch wheel package, then comparing available blackwall or, in 17-inch form, more appearance-oriented sidewall options.
The 2016 Audi A3 Premium Plus Cabriolet uses radial fitments in 225/40R18 and 235/35R19. That makes wheel diameter the key decision point, followed by choosing between the available performance-oriented blackwall tire series in the correct size.
The 2016 Audi A3 Premium Plus Sedan uses 225/40R18 or 235/35R19 radial tires, depending on its wheel setup. Confirming which wheel package is actually on the car is essential before comparing product lines, since 18-inch and 19-inch fitment do not serve the same role.
The 2016 Audi A3 Premium Sedan uses radial fitments in 225/45R17 and 225/40R18. The practical choice is first identifying the installed wheel diameter, then deciding whether the tire priority is straightforward blackwall performance or a more distinctive sidewall presentation in 17-inch fitment.
The 2016 Audi A3 Prestige Cabriolet uses 225/40R18 and 235/35R19 radial tire sizes. Tire selection should focus on verifying the present wheel package and then choosing the series that best matches the car’s road use and desired handling character.
The 2016 Audi A3 Prestige Sedan uses radial fitments in 225/40R18 and 235/35R19. That makes correct wheel-diameter confirmation the first step, followed by a comparison of the available blackwall performance tire options within the proper size.
The 2016 Audi A3 TDI Premium uses 225/45R17 and 225/40R18 radial tire sizes. Choosing between them depends on the actual wheel package on the car, after which the buyer can compare available series, sidewall styles, and rim-width specifications where relevant.
The 2016 Audi A3 TDI Premium Plus uses 225/40R18 radial tires. Since fitment is more straightforward here, the real decision shifts to selecting among the available 18-inch blackwall performance tire series and confirming compatibility with the car’s current wheels.
The 2016 Audi A3 TDI Prestige uses radial fitments in 225/40R18 and 235/35R19. The most important check is whether the car carries its 18-inch or 19-inch wheels, because that determines which performance-oriented tire choices can be considered.
The tire sizes listed on this page assume factory-standard vehicle configuration. The following modifications may affect tire fitment and are not reflected in this guide:
Suspension changes (lowering, lift kits, spring replacements)
Body alterations (fender modifications, custom bodywork)
If your vehicle has been modified from factory specifications, verify tire clearance before purchase.
Best 2016 Audi A3 Tires for Sale
Available 2016 Audi A3 tire choices center on radial performance fitments from BFGoodrich, Nitto, and Pro-Trac. Depending on size, buyers can compare blackwall options across several g-Force and NT555 G2 series, with raised white letter and redline styling also appearing in 225/45R17.
Owners researching tires for a 2016 Audi A3 usually need to sort out the correct size by sub-model and wheel diameter first. These FAQs focus on fitment, radial tire selection, sidewall and brand choices, and the checks worth making before regular road use.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 2016 Audi A3?
The 2016 Audi A3 uses three primary tire sizes: 225/45R17, 225/40R18, and 235/35R19. All three are radial fitments, but they do not apply to every version of the car in the same way, because sedan, cabriolet, and TDI sub-models can use different wheel packages.
The practical first step is matching the tire size to the car’s actual wheel diameter and exact trim. A3s in this model year can overlap in fitment, so the safest approach is to confirm what is mounted on the car now and check the sub-model before choosing a replacement tire series or sidewall style.
What size rim does a 2016 Audi A3 use?
A 2016 Audi A3 uses 17-inch, 18-inch, or 19-inch rims, depending on the tire size and sub-model. The 225/45R17 size fits a 17-inch rim, 225/40R18 fits an 18-inch rim, and 235/35R19 fits a 19-inch rim.
Rim diameter should be confirmed before anything else because these sizes are not interchangeable across different wheel diameters. Once the wheel size is verified, the next checks are tire width, profile, and the tire’s approved rim-width range when comparing products within the correct fitment.
Do all 2016 Audi A3 sub-models use the same tire size?
No, 2016 Audi A3 sub-models do not all use the same tire size. Some versions use 225/45R17 and 225/40R18, others use 225/40R18 and 235/35R19, and the TDI Premium Plus is centered on 225/40R18.
That variation means the exact trim name matters just as much as the model name. A sedan, cabriolet, or TDI version may look similar at a glance, but the wheel package changes the tire choice, so it is worth confirming both the sub-model and the wheel diameter before selecting any replacement.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a 225/40R18 tire for a 2016 Audi A3?
Start with the fact that 225/40R18 is a primary radial fitment for many 2016 Audi A3 configurations. Within that size, available choices include BFGoodrich and Nitto options in blackwall form, with differences in tire series, rim-width specifications, weight, and stated load figures on some products.
The right comparison is not just brand name but how the tire matches the car’s wheel width and intended use. A3 owners who want to preserve the existing 18-inch setup should also confirm the tire’s approved wheel range and make sure the car has not been changed with aftermarket wheels or suspension alterations.
What sidewall styles are available for 2016 Audi A3 tires?
Most 2016 Audi A3 tire options in these fitments are blackwall radials, especially in 225/40R18 and 235/35R19. In 225/45R17, sidewall choices expand to include raised white letter and redline treatments through Pro-Trac Street Pro III alongside more conventional blackwall offerings.
That means sidewall style is partly determined by which tire size the car uses. A buyer looking for a cleaner modern presentation may stay with blackwall, while someone wanting a more distinctive look should first confirm that the A3 is using the 17-inch fitment where those alternate sidewall treatments are available.
What brands offer tires for the 2016 Audi A3?
Tires for the 2016 Audi A3 are available from BFGoodrich, Nitto, and Pro-Trac across the supported sizes. BFGoodrich appears in multiple g-Force series, Nitto covers performance-oriented NT555 G2 applications, and Pro-Trac appears in 225/45R17 with Street Pro III options.
Brand choice should still come after fitment choice, not before it. Once the correct size is confirmed, the useful comparison points are sidewall style, series character, wheel-width compatibility, and any product-specific load or weight details that matter for the way the car is actually driven.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 2016 Audi A3?
A period-style choice for a 2016 Audi A3 usually starts by retaining the correct original-size format for the car’s wheel package: 225/45R17, 225/40R18, or 235/35R19. Since this is a modern radial-fitment vehicle, the appearance decision is less about bias-ply versus radial and more about sidewall presentation and wheel-size consistency.
For a restrained factory-inspired look, blackwall tires are the most natural place to start because they are available across all three supported sizes. Buyers pursuing a more individualized visual statement may look closely at 225/45R17, where raised white letter and redline options create a different presentation without changing the underlying size category.
Which sidewall style suits a period-style 2016 Audi A3?
Blackwall is the most understated sidewall style available for a 2016 Audi A3, and it appears across every primary size used on the model. Raised white letter and redline treatments are available in 225/45R17, giving that size a more expressive visual option than the 18-inch and 19-inch fitments.
Choosing the right look depends on whether the goal is a clean OEM-inspired presentation or a custom touch. Since sidewall availability changes by size, the tire style decision should follow the fitment decision, not replace it, so confirm the car’s wheel diameter before choosing on appearance alone.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 2016 Audi A3?
Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 2016 Audi A3 even when the tire size looks correct on paper. Aftermarket wheels, altered wheel width, changed offset, lowered suspension, or body modifications can all influence how a 225/45R17, 225/40R18, or 235/35R19 tire sits and clears the car.
That is why the actual setup should be checked before ordering replacements, especially on a used A3. The important follow-up points are wheel diameter, wheel width, steering clearance, and fender clearance through full suspension and steering travel rather than assuming every car still matches a stock configuration.
What should I inspect before driving a 2016 Audi A3 on new tires?
Before driving a 2016 Audi A3 on new tires, inspect the wheels for damage, confirm the tire size matches the car’s actual wheel diameter, and check that inflation pressure is set correctly. It is also smart to look over valve stems, verify even seating on the rim, and make sure there are no immediate signs of rubbing or interference.
A short initial road test helps confirm that steering feel, straight-line tracking, and clearance all seem normal. After a brief drive, recheck pressure and inspect the sidewalls and inner fender areas again, especially if the car uses larger 18-inch or 19-inch wheel packages or has any prior suspension changes.
How often should tires on a 2016 Audi A3 be inspected?
Tires on a 2016 Audi A3 should be inspected regularly, not just when tread looks worn. A quick check every month for pressure loss, cuts, bulges, uneven wear, and sidewall damage is a sensible routine, and a closer inspection before longer trips is especially worthwhile.
Modern performance-oriented sizes such as 225/40R18 and 235/35R19 can be sensitive to alignment, impact damage, and low pressure, so small issues should not be ignored. Cars that are driven infrequently still need attention because age, heat cycles, and storage conditions can affect the tire even when mileage stays low.
