Winter tyres. Discuss.

[kerryxeg]

Thanks Kerry.

It's been the usual tale of different events conspiring against us really

Our Skoda fronts were condemned earlier in the summer, and I switched to - yes you guessed it - a pair of Toyo T1Rs...which are going great. The OEM (Michelin) rears are now on the front, IYSWIM, but are unlikely to wear down until next spring I reckon - they still had 4mm or so on them.

Yep I know the equation well. This is where the extra wheel set comes into it's own. But you have to consider it on a longer term basis ie. Running the tyres for 2-3 seasons to get the economics to work.

I've not got 3 A4's in my winter fleet management plan, the wheel changing plan is becoming quite funny. All 3 will change tyres for the season with 5 sets of wheels between them 16s, 17s 2 x18s and 19s. I'm putting all seasons on the 17's which will revert to the low mileage vehicle for the summer. I accept it's a bit OTT, but all the cars are long termers, so the investment will get returned over time - and it keeps the pensioners happy. As if that wasn't enough I picked up a set of 17s for my neighbours A4 - Gumtree £130 and quite reasonable.

[kerryxeg]

Dunlop SP Winter Sport 3D ordered for the Voyager , going to fit them on the old std 16" alloys, they get a good overall writeup, picked them over the Vredestein Wintrac 4 Extreme, so hope I have made the correct choice.

Stu

I'm sure they'll be fine, the Vred Wintertracs are the best alround I've used, in that they feel very like a normal tyre in dry conditions and were like tractor tyres in winter. I still had a couple of slides on black ice though so you can still have issues. Effectiveness in winter conditions is likely to be very similar between most main brands unless it's a real budget effort, differences can be down to wear and driving ability as much as anything.

[campbell]

Yep I know the equation well. This is where the extra wheel set comes into it's own.

The kitchen over-run killed the spare wheelset dead. I could have part-funded them with sale of my spare Elise wheelset which are now rarely used, but values seem to have dropped there and TBH I didn't have the energy to try very hard once the MINI was on the scene!

[Stevoraith]

Yep I know the equation well. This is where the extra wheel set comes into it's own.

The kitchen over-run killed the spare wheelset dead. I could have part-funded them with sale of my spare Elise wheelset which are now rarely used, but values seem to have dropped there and TBH I didn't have the energy to try very hard once the MINI was on the scene!

Campbell (or anyone else who is interested) there is a guy on detailing world who is selling a set of 16's from a Golf Plus which come complete with winter tyres. He's looking for £300- two have 6mm, two have 4mm.

He's based in Aberdeen but has offered to meet central-belters at Perth if he gets the asking.

If anyone is interested I can post the link when I'm not on my phone.

Edit- these are the ones, complete with Toyo Snow proxes.

[campbell]

Hm. Link and some contact details would be worthwhile.

Need to understand effective wheel diameter and specific wheel spec to ensure technically feasible, as well as checking with insurance.

good spot though Steve!

[Stevoraith]

Link here.

If you don't have a detailing world account I'll PM him and ask for an e-mail adress if you like.

They are 5x112 which is the correct fitment for the Octavia and have been on a Golf GTI so I'd assume they are the correct tyre size, although he doesn't specify. You're looking for 205/55/16 to fit the Octavia.

Regarding insurance, I'm with Chris Knott (underwritten by Highway) and they don't charge for winter wheel swaps, which is just as well since I have winter wheels/tyres for both cars and both are insured with them!

[campbell]

yep fraid I don't have an account so if you are able to get me an email addy, then that's helpful

This is at best 50:50 mind you...haven't talked to Lisa yet, nor insurers...will try Admiral now to check any restrictions though

[PhilA]

I may have a set of honda 16" alloys off a honda accord 2004 vintage for sale complete with winter tyres. See if your focus has the same bolt pattern etc. If it does and her car is sold we will sell them

cheers
tho looks like the focus is 5x108 and the accord is 5x114.3

[campbell]

Right, Admiral are unfazed by winter tyres and wheels. So Steve...over to you for the contact info!

And over to Classifieds to see if anyone is interested in my spare Elise wheels and tyres, I think...no way I can have 2 sets

[Stevoraith]

Ok Campbell, I've PM'd him, I'll send you the details as soon as he gets back to me.

[Mr Momo]

Steve - give me a shout if Campbell has second thoughts.

Taa

[campbell]

Got your eye on 'em for the Yeti, eh!

Watch out we are going to get a row for talking Skodan again

[Mr Momo]

Waiting for a "take it outside, please" from Shug

[BiggestNizzy]

Have you guys not setup se-skips.com yet ?

[thinfourth]

I'll have you know my first car was a Skoda rapid coupe 135 and it was great