Trilogy

Interesting but I don't hold out much hope to be honest. As I said in an earlier post, it is a very different thing to use a touchscreen whilst sitting in the comfort of your sofa at home compared to a moving vehicle ( with other road users moving around you ) I have been buying VAG vehicles exclusively, for over 30 years but my current one which I am looking to change soon, will be the last one due to this issue.

I find it incredible that no-one in VAG High Command didn't see a fundamental problem with this approach. Maybe they were blinded by the cost savings, although any savings may be negated by a drop in sales.

This, unfortunately, is all too true, Octy0GG and sums up their viewpoint in a couple of sentences. Nevertheless, they may well be forced to care by the introduction of legislation, hopefully not after it has come at the cost to life or limb. There is a big, big difference using a touchscreen whilst sitting on your sofa to using one in a moving vehicle, whether in stop/start traffic or at high speed.

Sorry, I should have been more explicit. The lower powered models are of no interest to me personally. What I wrote was more in relation to the higher powered engines, for the time being, at least. Nevertheless, I am not criticizing anyones personal choice of engine or whether they deem it to have adequate power or not, It is only my personal opinion.

i was considering an Octavia IV for my next car but this post really hits the nail on the head. Coupled with the incessant move to automatic gearboxes means that after decades of VAG ownership, I will now (unfortunately) be looking elswhere.

Here are some links that may be of help. http://www.tyrereviews.co.uk/Article/2018-Auto-Bild-Winter-Tyre-Test.htm http://www.tyrereviews.co.uk/Article/2018-ADAC-Winter-Tyre-Test-205-55-R16.htm https://www.autoexpress.co.uk/accessories-tyres/winter-driving-special/93097/winter-tyres-test-best-tyre-brands-reviewed Continental have come out top for the past few years but are very expensive. The Hankook Winter icept RS2 is well regarded and is a good mid-price option and will probably buy them for the wife's car this year. Although some swear by them, I personally would avoid the cheap Chinese tyres. Take a look at Auto Bild's wet braking tests to see why. http://www.tyrereviews.co.uk/Article/2018-51-Winter-Tyre-Shootout.htm Your choice will be dictated by your own personal set of circumstances. I hope this will be of some help.

Those who were stranded overnight on the M80 would have been grateful for any popcorn whether sweet or salted

I like the colour and the wheels, very nice

The M80 in Scotland was salted numerous times before this happened. https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2018/feb/28/red-alert-as-extreme-weather-claims-life-of-man-in-freezing-water

I said (the) "part of the UK you are in" This was purely for the sake of brevity. I intended it to cover those down South who ordinarily may not need winter tyres but might wish to avail themselves of a set if, for example, they drive up North to Cairngorm to indulge themselves in a little skiing or snowboarding. However, for the majority of people for the majority of the time they will be travelling either to or from their main residence, wherever that may be. As I said it was originally intended for the sake of brevity but maybe I should have been a little less vague. Nevertheless, it is for each individual to make an informed decision based on their own personal set of circumstances.

As I said in my previous post it depends entirely upon which part of the UK you are in. The most suitable tyre to use in winter in the Far North may not be the same as what's best to use in the Deep South.

Therein lies a big part of the equation. I think it is fair to say that winter tyres may indeed be more suited to Sutherland or Strathclyde rather than Somerset.

What he said.

Sorry, I forgot to add that I'm in Ayrshire.

Four Pirelli P Zero tyres for £165 Two of them have 7mm of tread and the other two have 6.5mm approx. Never been punctured or repaired. The price quoted for shipping by Paisley Freight is £36. There may well be other couriers that are cheaper. I will try and upload photos when I get a chance.

I would not recommend the 'Hunky-Dory' or 'Well-Hung' type Chinese tyres. However, if you wish to avoid the expensive premium brands two mid-range tyres that seem to perform as well, if not better, in recent tests are the Hankook I*cept RS2 and the Kleber Krisalp HS3. It is worth bearing in mind that the consensus is that their performance in wet weather rather than in snow is more important in most areas of the UK in winter.

AFAIK steelies usually only go up to 16", after that it's normal to see alloys. It is quite common to use a smaller wheel for winters, if you so choose (as long as they clear the brakes) Of course you will need to use an appropriate tyre to keep the overall diameter roughly the same. There are calculators for this purpose on the interweb if you decide to go down this route.

Not sure if someone has already mentioned it but if you resort to a hammer to try and release the wheel from the hub then a dead-blow hammer is best.

Haven't used them myself but there is https://www.mrwinterwheels.co.uk/

This is excellent advice from xman.

I feel your pain, leckman. Not too long ago my wife's 3 month old car was hit on the rear corner whilst parked causing a few 100£'s worth of damage which we had to pay out of our own pocket. We assume from the damage that they could not be bothered reversing and just put it on full-lock and shunted our car out of the way. We had the car repaired at the local VAG body-shop who I must say did an excellent job.

gkr47, I think you may have misunderstood both of my posts on this issue. I was not referring specifically to car park damage as such but more about those who choose to park right next to you in a fairly empty car park. If for whatever reason these people want to park close to you why not leave at least one space between the vehicles when there are literally dozens and dozens to choose from thereby negating the risk of potential damage (e.g. children often throw or even kick the doors open) I have absolutely no doubt you personally are a very careful and considerate driver (and passenger) but it is not people like you that we need to worry about.

I have to respectfully disagree. I am certain it is a deliberate action, albeit with a lack of thinking as it happens when there are dozens of empty spaces in the vicinity. Most people try to park as close to the entrance as is possible even when it is a very awkward space to access. Also, if it were a like-minded person who was trying to avoid damage to their car (unlikely, as they are usually filthy and battered) why park right next to you.? Would it not make infinitely more sense to leave at least one space between them and other cars that are already parked when they have many, many empty spaces to choose from?

I have a 16" Atria alloy wheel from a Mk2 Fabia for sale. It is in very good condition with a 205/45x16 Michelin PS3 fitted which has approx. 5.5mm of tread. Collection from Strathclyde. £25 SOLD