Carlston

Car insurance is based on risk, and ultimately it's a UK court that decides what an insurance company can use to wriggle out of paying a claim. Claiming a 150mph car needs 186mph tyres won't cut much mustard with a UK judge. If a car's top speed is 150mph, it doesn't matter whether V, W, or Y rated tyres are fitted because the risk is the same. Similarly, if a gross axle weight is 1,230kg it doesn't matter whether load indexes of 91(615kg), 92(630kg), 93(650kg), 94(670kg), 95(690kg), etc, are fitted as the higher load indexes don't reduce the risk. Car manufacturers will often over-specify a tyre because that just happens to be what the tyre company is making in that size. Skoda might say to a tyre manufacturer that they would like a V speed rated 225/35R19, but the tyre manufacturer might say they can only offer that size with a W or Y speed rating. This happens a lot with wide, low-profile tyres, ie. the car ends up with over-specified tyres. If you have a look at mytyres, you won't see any 225/35R19 summer tyres with a speed index less than W (168mph). So if you ordered an Octavia MK3 with a top speed between 130mph and 150mph, you would get tyres that were rated for at least W (168mph). These W rated tyres aren't safer than V speed rated tyres for this car, because the top speed isn't more than 150mph. So if a tyre manufacturer did start making V speed rated tyres in this size and you fitted them, it wouldn't increase the risk. Therefore, it wouldn't be a significant modification and wouldn't need to be declared to the insurance company. In some European countries there are strict laws that mean you have to keep to the tyre and rim specifications that are shown in the CoC (Certificate of Conformity). These strict European laws don't apply to the UK.

First, I suggest you try Bilstein B6 shock absorbers. Many Superb MK3 owners have said that they transform the handling by getting rid of that woolly feel.

Tyres - Load index and speed rating (question and answer session) Question 1 My maximum axle load is 1,230kg. Can I use tyres with a 91 (615kg) load index? Answer 1 Yes Question 2 My car's top speed is 150mph (240km/h). Can I fit tyres with a speed rating of V (150mph) (240km/h)? Answer 2 Yes Question 3 My car's top speed is 150mph (240km/h). Can I fit winter rated tyres (tyres with the 3PMSF symbol are winter rated, so include all-season tyres) that have a speed rating of H (130mph) (210km/h)? Answer 3 Yes

The specificatons of the alloy rims for the Octavia MK4 shown on "skoda eshop cz" are as follows. 6.5Jx16 ET46 5/112 57.1 7Jx16 ET46 5/112 57.1 6.5Jx17 ET46 5/112 57.1 7Jx17 ET46 5/112 57.1 7.5Jx18 ET48 5/112 57.1 7.5Jx19 ET48 5/112 57.1 https://eshop.skoda-auto.cz/cs_CZ/alu-kola/c/alloyWheels?q=%3ApriceAsc%3AcarType%3AOctavia%2BIV%2B%282019%2B%29&page=1

The Octavia MK4 owner's manual shows the following tyre and rim combinations for the use of snow chains. Permitted rim and tyre combinations for mounting snow chains: Rim dimensions Tyre dimensions 6.5Jx16 ET46 5/112 57.1 205/60R16 6.5Jx17 ET46 5/112 57.1 205/55R17 Only use snow chains with links no larger than 9 mm, including locks.

Try getting a price from a VAG parts department for these set of four 16" Yeti wheel trims using OEM part number 5L0071456 Z31. Notice that the format of this OEM part number is xxx071xxx. This format is for parts from the accessory catalogue, so might be cheaper than Skoda's normal price for factory wheel trims. A set of four of these wheel trims is listed on "skoda eshop cz" for 1,829CZK (about £64.90). "skoda eshop cz" don't appear to ship to the UK.

If you look at the Kodiaq Owner's Manual, you will see that the only tyre and rim combination that is approved by Skoda for use with snow chains is 215/65R17 fitted to a 6.5Jx17 ET38 5/112 57.1 rim. As Skoda don't sell cars that can't be used with snow chains, you can use this tyre and rim combination. Take a look at the car's CoC (Certificate of Conformity). All the tyre and rim combinations that Skoda approve for your car are in there. Skoda (or any of the big car manufacturers that sell cars in Europe) don't approve any tyre and rim combinations that aren't approved by ETRTO (European Tyre and Rim Technical Organisation). In Europe, ETRTO is the only authority on what rim width any particular tyre size can be fitted to. When discussing what rim widths can be used with any particular tyre size, you can't leave out the aspect ratio. This is because the ETRTO approved rim widths vary not only with the tyre width, but also with the aspect ratio. In general, as the aspect ratio gets smaller for any given tyre width the range of ETRTO approved rim widths gets bigger. For example, both 235/55R18 and 235/50R19 could be fitted to a 6.5J rim width, but a 235/45R20 needs at least a 7.5J rim width. ETRTO approved rim widths 215/65R17 6.0-6.5-7.5 235/55R18 6.5-7.5-8.5 235/50R19 6.5-7.5-8.5 235/45R20 7.5-8.0-9.0 255/40R20 8.5-9.0-10.0 As you can see in the below Skoda alloy rim catalogue, there are many Skoda approved rim sizes for the Kodiaq. However, check your car's CoC to be sure what is approved by Skoda for your particular car. Skoda alloy rim catalogue 6.5Jx17 ET38 (215/65R17) 7Jx17 ET40 (215/65R17) 7Jx18 ET43 (235/55R18) 7Jx19 ET43 (235/50R19) 7.5jX19 ET40 (235/50R19) 8Jx20 ET41 (235/45R20) 8.5Jx20 ET38 (255/50R20) https://www.skoda.co.uk/_doc/639a0118-4da5-446b-a786-86e1f789b57b Alcar 9021 6.5Jx17 ET38 5/112 57.1 steel rim https://www.oponeo.pl/felga-stalowa/alcar-kfz-9021 https://www.autodoc.co.uk/alcar/14750807 https://www.mytyres.co.uk/rims/details?vehicleId=672860434273997936&rimCode=ALCAR9021 Wheel trim for 6.5Jx17 ET38 steel rim 565071457 Z31 https://eshop.skoda-auto.cz/cs_CZ/poklice-borneo-17/p/565071457++Z31 https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/404172063052

Looking at some previous threads on the topic of spare wheels for the Karoq... With the Karoq 4x4 you might only be able to fit a narrow space saver, such as 125/70R18, 135/80R18, etc. Whether you have fixed rear seats or varioflex rear seats might make a difference. If it does, then fixed rear seats might allow for a wider spare tyre such as a 215/60R16 fitted to the standard 6Jx16 ET43 rim. One Karoq owner (Omri) on this thread said that his Karoq came with a 215/60R16 spare tyre so it does appear possible that some Karoq models can at least fit a 215/60R16 in the spare wheel well. The actual width of a tyre always depends on the rim width to which it is fitted. The "215" that you see on the sidewall is just the "nominal" width. As you can see in the chart below, a 215/55R17 fitted to a 7J rim is 11mm wider than a 215/60R16 fitted to a 6J rim. For this reason, a 215/60R16 fitted to a 6J rim might fit in the spare wheel well with the carpet flush, whereas a 215/55R17 fitted to a 7J rim might not fit in the spare wheel well with the carpet flush. Actual inflated width of tyre (measured sidewall to sidewall) 215/60R16 fitted to 6J rim 215mm 215/55R17 fitted to 7J rim 226mm

KYB 325700 is the Ultra SR version, KYB 335808 is the Excel-G version. The Ultra SR version is about twice the price of the Excel-G version. Bearing in mind that you've got a 16 year old car, it sounds like the dealer is trying to upsell and make twice the profit. KYB 325700 and KYB 335808 are both listed against OEM part numbers 1T0413031FN, 1T0413031HK, and 1T0413031HP, so to say that KYB 335808 is not suitable for your car is simply wrong. Probably best to go elsewhere. Excel-G is already OE quality.

One problem with 18" Gemini rims is that they are 7.5J wide which makes them more prone to kerbing damage when fitted with 225/40R18 compared to 7Jx17 rims fitted with 225/45R17. To get around this problem you could use the slightly wider 235/40R18 tyre size to give the 7.5Jx18 rims almost as muich kerbing protection as 225/45R17 fitted to 7Jx17 rims. As you can see in the chart below, the sidewalls of 235/40R18 will bulge out by 2.5mm more each side compared to 225/40R18 when both are fitted to a 7.5J rim width. Actual inflated width of tyre when fitted to 7.5J rim 225/40R18 224mm 235/40R18 229mm Actual inflated width of tyre when fitted to 7J rim 225/45R17 219mm Compared to the hard riding 225/35R19 fitted to a 7.5J rim, the below tyre fitted to a 7.5J rim will be in a different league when it comes to ride comfort. This MIchelin Primacy 4+ is a summer touring tyre and not an UHP (Ultra High Performance) tyre so has softer and more flexible sidewalls for a better ride. It's also not overspecified when it comes to the load rating and speed incex, ie. SL and not XL, and W speed rating and not the higher Y speed rating. Michelin Primacy 4+ 235/40R18 91W (Euro label C A 69dB) (summer touring tyre) https://www.camskill.co.uk/m61b0s322p213489/Michelin_Tyres_Car_Michelin_Primacy_4%2B_235_40_R18_91W_RG_TL_Fuel_Eff_%3A_C_Wet_Grip%3A_A_NoiseClass%3A_B_Noise%3A_69dB By comparison with the above 235/40R18 91W, the below 225/40R18 92Y XL will give a noticeably harder ride when both are fitted to a 7.5J rim width. It's 72dB noise rating is also far worse. Michelin Pilot Sport 5 225/40R18 92Y XL (Euro label C A 72dB) (UHP Ultra High Performance tyre) https://www.camskill.co.uk/m61b0s134p209254/Michelin_Tyres_Car_Michelin_Pilot_Sport_5_PS5_225_40_R18_(92Y)_XL_TL_Fuel_Eff_%3A_C_Wet_Grip%3A_A_NoiseClass%3A_B_Noise%3A_72dB

KYB 335808 is listed against 1T0413031FN, 1T0413031HK, 1T0413031HP, and many other OEM part numbers. KYB 335808 front shock absorbers https://www.autodoc.co.uk/kyb/1737678

The specification of the steel rims on the Citigo is 5Jx14 ET35 5/100 57.1 Alcar 6795 5Jx14 ET35 4/100 57.1 https://www.oponeo.pl/felga-stalowa/alcar-kfz-6795 https://www.mytyres.co.uk/rims/details?vehicleId=185473867710468708&rimCode=ALCAR6795 You can get Skoda Citigo OEM wheel trim rings which are about 7" in diameter (176.7mm) as shown below. Citigo wheel trim rings 1ST601169A https://eshop.skoda-auto.cz/en_CZ/decorative-centrepiece-of-the-wheel-skoda-citigo/p/1ST601169A+9B9 3 1ST601169A Wheel trim rings D - 19.03.2012>> 4 PR-1NE 1ST601169A 9B9 Satin black https://www.lllparts.co.uk/catalogs/skoda/CZ/CIT/727/6/601/601010

A load index of 91 (615kg) is enough to support the maximum axle weight, ie. the maximum axle weight won't be more than 1,230kg. You can find the maximum weight of each axle by looking at the weight plate on the car...perhaps attached to the B-pillar. The Octavia MK3 4x4 with 135kW/184PS has a maximum speed between 130mph (210km/h) and 150mph (240km/h), therefore V-speed rated tyres would be suitable. However, winter rated tyres (ie. with the 3PMSF symbol...which is the official definition of a winter rated tyre...so includes all-season tyres that have the 3PMSF symbol) can be less than this, such as H-speed rated. Having the 3PMSF symbol means that the tyre has passed a test for good traction in the snow. A tyre with the 3PMSF symbol might have twice the traction in snow compared to a tyre without the 3PMSF symbol. With H-speed rated tyres it's important to not exceed 130mph (210km/h), even if the car is capable of going faster. You can fit XL (eXtra Load) tyres if you want.

For the Superb MK3 2.0TDI 150HP estate 2WD with DCC, autodoc are listing Bilstein B6 23-254343 DCC front shock absorbers and Bilstein B6 20-267537 DCC rear shock absorbers, ie. the same as what you have said.

Have you got DCC (electronically adjustable shock absorbers)?

If a 215/45R19 tyre size was available then you could have fitted that to the 7Jx19 ET43 rim. However, no one makes a 215/45R19 tyre size. You could fit a 225/45R19 to the 7Jx19 ET43 rim, however the outside diameter of this tyre size is 2.2% bigger than 235/40R19 as shown in the chart below. 225/45R19 is still a different tyre size to 235/40R19, so the 80km/h (50mph) limit would still apply. Outside diameter of tyre 235/40R19 670.6mm 225/45R19 685.1mm (+2.2% bigger outside diameter than 235/40R19) Perhaps consider a cheap 8Jx19 ET45 5/112 57.1 steel rim from the Skoda Enyaq (also fitted to VW iD.4, VW iD.5, and Audi Q4). This specification is almost identical to the 8Jx19 ET44 5/112 57.1 from the Superb MK3, ie. just a 1mm difference in offset. With this rim the same 235/40R19 tyre size could be used as a spare. A 235/40R19 fitted to an 8J rim has an actual inflated width of 235mm, ie. the same as the "nominal" width. This means that when the spare wheel is fitted into the spare wheel well the carpet will be raised by 20mm.

The below 205/55R16 tyre and 6Jx16 ET48 rim combination allows the use of snow chains on the Octavia MK3, as shown in the owner's manual. In combination with your 4x4, they should work very well in winter conditions. Michelin winter tyres also have excellent tread life, better than most of the other big brand names. Michelin Alpin 6 205/55R16 91H (Euro label C B 69dB) https://www.mytyres.co.uk/rshop/tyre/Michelin/Alpin-6/205-55-R16-91H/R-377244 Alcar 8247 6Jx16 ET48 5/112 57.1 steel rim https://www.mytyres.co.uk/rims/details?vehicleId=185805370466243696&rimCode=ALCAR8247

On the Superb MK3, if you want the carpet to be flush with the spare wheel in the boot, the spare tyre can't have an actual inflated width of more than 215mm. The tyre width that is moulded into the tyre's sidewall, such as 215, is just the "nominal" width. The actual inflated tyre width always depends on the rim width to which the tyre is fitted. Actual inflated width of tyre 195/65R16 fitted to 6J rim 201mm 195/65R16 fitted to 6.5J rim 207mm 205/60R16 fitted to 6J rim 209mm 205/60R16 fitted to 6.5J rim 215mm 205/65R16 fitted to 6J rim 209mm 205/65R16 fitted to 6.5J rim 215mm 215/60R16 fitted to 6J rim 215mm 215/60R16 fitted to 6.5J rim 221mm 215/65R16 fitted to 6J rim 215mm 215/65R16 fitted to 6.5J rim 221mm 205/55R17 fitted to 6.5J rim 214mm 205/55R17 fitted to 7J rim 220mm 205/60R17 fitted to 6.5J rim 215mm 205/60R17 fitted to 7J rim 221mm 6Jx16 ET40 5/112 57.1 steel rim (from Superb MK1) https://www.oponeo.pl/felga-stalowa/alcar-kfz-9490 6Jx16 ET43 5/112 57.1 steel rim (from Karoq) https://www.oponeo.pl/felga-stalowa/alcar-kfz-6665 6.5Jx16 ET41 5/112 57.1 steel rim (from Superb MK3) https://www.oponeo.pl/felga-stalowa/alcar-kfz-8426 6.5Jx17 ET38 5/112 57.1 steel rim (from Kodiaq) https://www.oponeo.pl/felga-stalowa/alcar-kfz-9021

From your photos, it looks like you changed from 205/55R17 (a standard Octavia MK4 tyre size) to 225/50R17 (a non-standard Octavia MK4 tyre size) on a 7Jx17 ET46 rim. As you can see in the chart below, 7J is the recommended rim width for a 225/50R17 tyre size, whereas fitting a 205/55R17 tyre size to a 7J rim means that the tyre's sidewalls don't bulge out as much thereby making the rims more exposed to kerbing damage. ETRTO approved rim widths 205/55R17 5.5-6.5-7.5 225/50R17 6.0-7.0-8.0 Compared to the lower profile 225/45R18 and 225/40R19, 225/50R17 is a cheaper tyre size and is going to be a lot more resistant to pothole damage as well as providing a smoother and more comfortable ride. Skoda really should be offering the 225/50R17 tyre size as standard on the Octavia MK4 as it is such a sensible choice instead of insisting that those who want the 225 tyre width go for lower profile 45 and 40 aspect ratios. Skoda have previously fitted the 225/50R17 tyre size to the Octavia MK2 Scout, Octavia MK3 Scout, and the Yeti.

The Varta battery finder lists this one for the Fabia MK1 1.9TDI VRS. It has excellent capacity (77Ah) and cold cranking amps (780A). Varta 577400078 https://www.varta-automotive.com/en-gb/products/varta-silver-dynamic/577-400-078 https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/272917684700 https://www.tayna.co.uk/car-batteries/varta/e44/ Varta 577400078 Model: 577400078 Capacity: 77Ah CCA: 780A Width: 175mm Length: 278mm Height: 190mm Short Code: E44 UK Code: 096

If your electricity is about 33p/kWh and your car does about 50mpg, then the electricity works out at about half the price as running on petrol. So it's worth plugging in.

Amazon.de (the German version of Amazon) are listing two Sachs 318 202 for 132.46 Euros (about £115.29) including shipping to the UK. That's under £58 each including shipping to the UK. Sachs 318 202 rear shock absorber https://www.amazon.de/-/en/gp/product/B083BJKS8V/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?smid=A3JWKAKR8XB7XF&psc=1

Just take the car's rear suspension back to new condition. The car when new was very comfortable especially on 16" tyres.

It looks like the OEM part number for the foam and jack kit (everything except the actual spare wheel) has changed from 5E3093860 to 5E3093860B, at some point over the past two years. You should be able to order this kit from any VAG parts department. However, do confirm with them that this will fit your car. Some Octavia MK4 cars have a sub-woofer (sound system) in the boot or are hybrid or are CNG, and it won't fit those cars. When you have the foam and jack kit, you can see if your current wheels will fit in the boot. My guess is that if they are 225s, ie. 225/45R18 or 225/40R19, that they won't fit unless all the air has been let out so that the sidewalls are floppy. I would also guess that the 205s, ie. 205/60R16 or 205/55R17, will fit. However, do check yourself. Foam and Jack Kit for Octavia MK4 5E3093860B (1569CZK is about £55.40) https://eshop.skoda-auto.cz/cs_CZ/sada-pro-vymenu-rezervniho-kola/p/5E3093860B One option for an Octavia MK4 spare wheel is a 6.5Jx16 ET46 5/112 57.1 steel rim with a 205/60R16 tyre fitted. This is one of the standard Octavia MK4 tyre and rim sizes. However, a 16" rim won't clear the front brake calipers on the biggest 340x30mm front brake discs. You might only find these on the most powerful Octavia MK4 cars such as the 245HP models. Alcar 8667 6.5Jx16 ET46 5/112 57.1 steel rim (about £45.10) https://www.mytyres.co.uk/rims/details?vehicleId=1192953623500182640&rimCode=ALCAR8667 https://www.oponeo.pl/felga-stalowa/alcar-kfz-8667

The Vredestein Quatrac sometimes incorrectly called Quatrac 6 (although it can be useful calling it the Quatrac 6 for clarity, so I will use the Quatrac 6 name) replaces the Quatrac 5, although 13" and 14" tyre sizes and the odd 15" tyre size are still only available in the older Quatrac 5 model. The Quatrac Pro and the recently introduced Quatrac Pro+ models are a more summer focused tyre that tend to be available in larger 17" and larger tyre sizes. The Vredestrein Quatrac 6 is only available in 15" and 16" tyre sizes, except for two 17" tyre sizes...namely 225/45R17 and 225/50R17. The Quatrac 5 and Quatrac 6 tend to have longer tread life than the Quatrac Pro and Quatrac Pro+ models. There's also a Quatrac Pro EV for electric cars...apparently the first all-season tyre fully dedicated to electric vehicles. The Vredestein website is useful for looking up what sizes these tyres are available in, and which models have rim protection. I'm not a fan of rim protection because I tend to protect my rims by using relatively narrow rims. With rim protection build into the tyre, you can get chunks of rubber broken off the tyre because the rim protection doesn't give like a bulging sidewall gives when you sometimes gently nudge the kerb while parking. Out of all these Quatrac models, only the Quatrac 6 is a directional tyre. Vredestein website https://www.vredestein.co.uk/car-suv-tyres/