Carlston

The reason manufacturers don't fit wheels flush with the wheelarches, is so the sides of the car don't get quickly coated with dirt from the road. I tried this once, and the first journey down a wet A road coated the outside of the car in muck. The car had never been so dirty, and this was after just a couple of hours driving. The same applies to bicycles. If you don't have mudguards that are significantly wider than the tyres, you and the bicycle will get very dirty...and very quickly.

I've got both the 2 tonne and the 3 tonne Halfords axle stands. One problem that I found with the 3 tonne axle stands is that the minimum height is sometimes too high. Minimum height of 2 tonne Halfords axle stands 265mm https://www.halfords.com/tools/garage-workshop/axle-stands-trolley-jacks/halfords-2-tonne-axle-stands-657115.html Minimum height of 3 tonne Halfords axle stands 310mm https://www.halfords.com/tools/garage-workshop/axle-stands-trolley-jacks/halfords-3-tonne-axle-stands-657123.html So as you can see, the 3 tonne axle stands have a minimum height 45mm (almost 2 inches) higher than the smaller 2 tonne axle stands. Which is why I have both. The 3 tonne axle stands providing better support when the car needs to be jacked up high. You may find that using the car's jack, you are lifting where you want to put the axle stands...or maybe not.

Halfords 2 Tonne Trolley Jack https://www.halfords.com/tools/garage-workshop/axle-stands-trolley-jacks/halfords-2-tonne-hydraulic-trolley-jack-657081.html Halfords 2 Tonne Axle Stands https://www.halfords.com/tools/garage-workshop/axle-stands-trolley-jacks/halfords-2-tonne-axle-stands-657115.html One of the good things about a Halford trolley jack is that you can easily source a rubber jacking pad off ebay that is made especially for it https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1-Jack-Pad-Rubber-for-the-Halfords-2-Tonne-Hydraulic-Trolley-Jack-657081-TH22005/273527363207?hash=item3faf805687:g:-rUAAOSwnQtgML8u Rubber pads for Halfords 2 tonne axle stands https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2x-Halfords-Axle-Stand-2-Tonne-under-seal-rubber-protection-pads-classic-car-JCB/282800526462?hash=item41d839947e:g:x9kAAOSwrg5gFAEG The above Halfords jack won't be suitable if you need a low entry jack. I've never needed a low entry jack, but I drive normal cars. The above Halfords jack also won't be suitable if you need a jack that has a maximum height of more than about 340mm, for example with an SUV or maybe even a transit sized van. One possible disadvantage with the above Halfords jack is that it doesn't include a plastic hard case to store the jack. A lot of these cheap Chinese 2 tonne trolley jacks sold on ebay might not last, ie. the manufacturers might deliberately use rubber seals that perish quickly. Halfords on the other hand, have a reputation to upkeep. Never get under a car that's only supported by a jack...use axle stands, and use wheel chocks, and only on level concrete not soft tarmac or on a slope...and always keep at least two wheels firmly planted on the concrete. Don't try lifting all four wheels in the air at once. Something like this Sealey 1020LE will go about 50mm lower and 50mm higher than those cheap standard 2 tonne trolley jacks like the Halfords one above. However, many won't need the bigger saddle height range...and it is over £50 https://www.sealey.co.uk/product/5637173100/2tonne-low-entry-short-chassis-trolley-jack Sealey 1020LE on ebay https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Sealey-1020LE-Trolley-Jack-2tonne-Low-Entry-86mm-to-380mm-Heavy-Duty/191412239484?epid=22017017132&hash=item2c910efc7c:g:b4IAAOSwerZeLvhJ Draper 2 Tonne Trolley Jack with case https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Draper-54635-2-tonne-ton-light-floor-jack-in-an-easy-carry-case-boot-home-car/333029352211?epid=13027298850&hash=item4d8a18a313:g:GCIAAOSw~8JcRzZM Sealey 1050CXD with case https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Sealey-Trolley-Jack-2tonne-Short-Chassis-with-Storage-Case-Trolley-Jacks-1050CXD/193299825986?epid=27017013289&hash=item2d01914542:g:7lsAAOSwkxteHa4i For more serious use there's the 3 tonne Sealey NA3010 which has an American/Yankee style handle. This weighs about 36kg, whereas the small ones might only weigh about 8kg...so is in a different league. Takes up a lot of storage space though, and very heavy to move around. You can use it with the Sealey JP04 rubber jack pad...which is very big. https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Sealey-Trolley-Jack-3-Tonne-Standard-Chassis-NA3010/193842613709?hash=item2d21eb8dcd:g:5t0AAOSwm3df-Yt7 In summary, for many owners with an ordinary car like the Fabia, the 2 tonne Halfords trolley jack and 2 tonne axle stands, together with rubber pads off ebay might be all that you need...especially if you don't need to jack the car up very high...for example, getting underneath the car to change the exhaust system...in which case the Halfords 3 tonne trolley jack and 3 tonne axle stands might be a better choice...at a higher price. But if you're just working on things like changing brake pads, shock absorbers, etc. that don't require jacking the car up very high, then the 2 tonne equipment might suffice.

Sachs sells four springs to match the following four OEM numbers: Soft 1K0511115BD Medium 1K0511115BE Hard 1K0511115BF Sachs 996653 https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2x-Sachs-996653-Rear-Suspension-Coil-Springs-ALTEA-OCTAVIA-GOLF-PASSAT/224174520360?hash=item3431d7b828:g:8vsAAOSwC7tde18f Extra Hard 1K0511115BG I've labelled them soft, medium, hard, and extra hard so you can see the hierarchy. Soft and medium was used on the hatchback versions of the Octavia MK2, and hard and extra hard was used on the estate versions of the Octavia MK2. I suggestion you use the hard one from the estate. The extra hard was used on the estate when fitted with a factory towbar. The extra hard will compromise the car's ride quality unless you are carrying a lot of weight in the back, so only use it if you really need to, ie. regularly carrying 5 people, all their lugguage, and towing a caravan at the same time. Sachs are available to match all four of the above rear springs, but I've only shown an ebay link to the hard version. I've compared photos of the hard and extra hard versions, and the only difference is in the number of coil turns...the hard uses 8 coil turns and the extra hard uses 7.5 coil turns (less coil turns when all other things are equal makes the spring harder).

The Karoq 4x4 uses 225/55R17 fitted to the same 17" specification rims as the Yeti, ie. 7Jx17 ET45 as shown in the chart below from wheel-size.com Skoda Karoq 2017 2.0 TDi 4x4 Tire Rim 225/55R17 97V 7Jx17 ET45 2.4 https://www.wheel-size.com/size/skoda/karoq/2017/ The load index of 225/55R17 is higher than 225/50R17, so you can lower the tyre pressures by 3psi when fitting 225/55R17 compared to 225/50R17. It's easy to notice the improved ride comfort with a drop of 3psi.

mytyres.co.uk are listing Alcar 6664 6Jx16 ET35 steel rims from the Skoda Kamiq/Scala which could be used as a spare when fitted with 195/50R16 tyres, on the Fabia MK3. 195/50R16 has the same outside diameter as 185/60R15. The latest Vredestein Quatrac tyres are available in this size. Steel Rims for Skoda SCALA 1.0 TSI Your car Car manufacturer: Skoda Car model: SCALA 1.0 TSI Car type: NW 999ccm 70 kW BJ.: 05.2019- ALCAR Rim type 5-hole steel wheel Size 6 x 16 Bolt pattern 5 x 100.00 x 57.00 Offset 35.00 £ 47.10 Vredestein Quatrac 195/50R16 88V XL https://www.camskill.co.uk/m139b0s8824p202112/Vredestein_Tyres_All_Season_Car_Vredestein_Quatrac_6_-_195_50_R16_88V_XL_TL_Fuel_Eff_%3A_C_Wet_Grip%3A_B_NoiseClass%3A_2_Noise%3A_70dB 6Jx16 ET35 Alloy Rims from the Skoda Kamiq/Scala https://eshop.skoda-auto.cz/cs_CZ/hlinikove-disky/c/alloyWheels?q=%3AscoreDesc%3AcarType%3AScala%2B%282019%2B%29&page=0

James hasn't visited this website since 4/2/2021, ie. he's not a regular poster...so you may not get a reply from him. I suspect James' decision to change his 225/50R17 tyres to 215/60R17 had a lot to do with him wanting to keep his current rims and the appearance factor of big wheels. However, a similar improved ride could have been achieved by fitting the standard 215/60R16 tyres...although also needing new rims. The standard Yeti rim width for 215/60R16 tyres is 7J which is quite wide for this size tyre. It's great for sharp responsive steering/handling but the trade off is a little less comfort than fitting 215/60R16 to a narrower rim such as 6.5J or 6J. The Karoq fits its 215/60R16 to a 6J rim, and the Superb MK3 fits its 215/60R16 to a 6.5J rim. So to summarise, Skoda fitted the 215/60R16 tyre size to the following rim widths: 6J on the Karoq 6.5J on the Superb MK3 7J on the Yeti 215/60 is such a comfortable tyre size, that even fitting this size to a relatively wide 7J rim still improves the ride comfort compared to low profile 225/50R17 tyres...as James' found out. But for maximum comfort, 6J and 6.5J is even better...with the narrower 6J being the best out of all three 6J, 6.5J, and 7J rim widths. However, for a balanced approach regarding handling versus comfort then the Superb MK3's approach with its 6.5J rims could be the way to go...although my personal preference is usually for maximum comfort as that's something you can appreciate more on a long drive on UK roads. Skoda Karoq 2017 1.5 TSi Tire Rim 215/60R16 95V 6Jx16 ET43 2.2 215/55R17 94V 7Jx17 ET45 2.2 https://www.wheel-size.com/size/skoda/karoq/2017/ Skoda Superb 2016 2.0TDi Tire Rim 215/60R16 95V 6.5Jx16 ET41 2.3 / 2.1 215/55ZR17 94W 6.5Jx17 ET41 2.3 / 2.1 https://www.wheel-size.com/size/skoda/superb/2016/ Skoda Yeti 2016 2.0TDi Tire Rim 215/60R16 95H 7Jx16 ET45 2.2 225/50ZR17 94W 7Jx17 ET45 2.2 https://www.wheel-size.com/size/skoda/yeti/2016/

"Light" Alloy 19" Karoq Rims weigh 13.7kg https://eshop.skoda-auto.cz/cs_CZ/kolo-z-lehke-slitiny-vega-19-pro-karoq/p/57A071499B+FL8 "Heavy" Steel 16" Karoq Rims weigh 7.7kg https://eshop.skoda-auto.cz/cs_CZ/plechovy-disk-16-/p/5Q0601027CJ03C Why do Skoda dealers call the alloy rims light ???

rear axle | Skoda Octavia 2006, suspension shock absorbers rear sedan: fr.wheel drv PR-1JA (1) 1K0511115BE coil spring 1 paint mark 2 paint marks D >> - 05.03.2006 white yellow Model data: PR-1JA+0YC (1) 1K0511115BE coil spring 1 paint mark 2 paint marks D - 06.03.2006>> white yellow Model data: PR-1JA+0YE (1) 1K0511115BF coil spring 1 paint mark 3 paint marks D >> - 05.03.2006 white yellow Model data: PR-1JA+0YD (1) 1K0511115BF coil spring 1 paint mark 3 paint marks D - 06.03.2006>> white yellow Model data: PR-1JA+0YF http://www.oemepc.com/skoda/part_single/catalog/sk/markt/CZ/modell/OCT/year/2006/drive_standart/419/hg_ug/511/subcategory/511000/part_id/2561497/lang/e If the original rear springs are still fitted, you can look at the coloured dots on the rear springs to determine the OEM part number. As you can see from the chart above 1 white dot and 2 yellow dots means that it's OEM part number 1K0511115BE, and 1 white dot and 3 yellow dots means that it's OEM part number 1K0511115BF. You can also find out what rear springs the car left the factory with from the car's build codes. If the car left the factory with build codes 1JA and 0YC, that means the car had rear springs with OEM part number 1K0511115BE.

My comments apply to both steel and alloy rims.

According to the online catalogue on the bilstein.com/uk/en website, Bilstein B4 22-139191 can replace 1T0413031HP and B4 22-183729 can replace 1T0413031HK bilstein.com/uk/en If you buy them in pairs, they are both available for about £56 each (ie. £112 for two) on ebay.

The online parts catalogue lists two OEM numbers for the front shock absorbers on the Octavia MK2 VRS 2011 1T0413031HK 1T0413031HP front axle, steering | Skoda Octavia 2011, suspension shock absorber (spring cyl.) for vehicles with sports suspension anti-roll bar *RS* sedan: fr.wheel drv PR-A8F+2UC (8) 1T0413031HP gas shock absorber for vehicles with sports suspension Model data: PR-G07+2UC+ L55,L58 (8) 1T0413031HK gas shock absorber for sports suspension Model data: PR-G07+2UC+ L59,L62 http://www.oemepc.com/skoda/part_single/catalog/sk/markt/CZ/modell/OCT/year/2011/drive_standart/663/hg_ug/411/subcategory/411030/part_id/2562471/lang/e According to autodoc 1T0413031HP can be replaced with either Bilstein B4 22-139191 or Bilstein B4 22-183729. Bilstein B4 22-139191 1T0 413 031 CF 1T0 413 031 DB 1T0 413 031 DC 1T0 413 031 DJ 1T0 413 031 EK 1T0 413 031 EL 1T0 413 031 GE 1T0 413 031 GG 1T0 413 031 GJ 1T0 413 031 HP Bilstein B4 22-183729 1T0 413 031 DT 1T0 413 031 EG 1T0 413 031 EH 1T0 413 031 FL 1T0 413 031 GG 1T0 413 031 HK 1T0 413 031 HL 1T0 413 031 HM 1T0 413 031 HN 1T0 413 031 HP 1T0 413 031 JD 1T0 413 031 Q Notice that only two OEM numbers are listed against both Bilstein B4 front shock absorbers above, which would suggest that they are significantly different from each other. They are both described as 55mm outside strut diameters, so that's not different. There are often mistakes in these listings, which further complicates matters.

I'm not surprised they are all buckled. 205/45R16 tyres are not suitable for UK roads...there's too many potholes. The low sidewalls don't provide the rims with enough cushioning...hence all the buckles. With the 1.9TDI I would go for something like this with 195/55R15 (or oversize 195/60R15) tyres. The 5.5Jx15 ET40 rims are a standard fitment on the latest VW Polo. The ride will be so much more comfy and potholes won't bend the rims. Alcar 4055 5.5Jx15 ET40 5/100 57.1 Steel Rim https://www.oponeo.pl/felga-stalowa/alcar-kfz-4055#20346887 ALCAR 4055 Rim type 5-hole steel wheel Size 5½ x 15 Bolt pattern 5 x 100.00 x 57.00 Offset 40.00 mytyres.co.uk price £ 34.40 Vredestein Quatrac 195/60R15 88H https://www.camskill.co.uk/m138b0s7993p202144/Vredestein_Tyres_All_Season_Car_Vredestein_Quatrac_6_-_195_60_R15_88H_TL_Fuel_Eff_%3A_C_Wet_Grip%3A_B_NoiseClass%3A_2_Noise%3A_70dB

I would swap them right away including the alloys. Vredestein Quatracs can last up to 45,000 miles, so if for example you only did 4,500 miles before winter the Quatracs might still have 90% of usable tread remaining...although it's a good idea to replace winter and all-season tyres when they wear down to 4mm of tread remaining to retain maximum winter performance. 16" tyres are often a lot cheaper than 17", 18", 19", sizes. 215/60R16 fitted to 6Jx16 ET43 is standard on the 2WD Karoq, but here's a non-standard option that would look even better...(the 7Jx16 ET45 rims were standard fit on the Yeti and Superb MK2) Steel Rims for Skoda YETI and Superb MK2 ALCAR 9257 Rim type 5-hole steel wheel Size 7 x 16 Bolt pattern 5 x 112.00 x 57.00 Offset 45.00 7Jx16 ET45 5/112 57.1 Steel Rim (they are listed for £39.80 on mytyres.co.uk) The above photo is what the Alcar 9257 7Jx16 ET45 actually looks like, it's not a generic photo. Notice the attractive 18-hole design, and the valve hole is inline with one of the wheel bolt holes. https://www.oponeo.pl/felga-stalowa/alcar-kfz-9257#21696953 Vredestein Quatrac 5 225/55R16 95V Euro Label B C 70dB https://www.camskill.co.uk/m139b0s8009p144820/Vredestein_Tyres_All_Season_Car_Vredestein_Quatrac5_Vredestein_Quatrac_5_-_225_55_R16_95V_TL_Fuel_Eff_%3A_B_Wet_Grip%3A_C_NoiseClass%3A_2_Noise%3A_70dB Vredestein Quatrac 215/60R16 99V XL Euro Label C B 71dB https://www.camskill.co.uk/m139b0s8007p202130/Vredestein_Tyres_All_Season_Car_Vredestein_Quatrac_6_-_215_60_R16_99V_XL_TL_Fuel_Eff_%3A_C_Wet_Grip%3A_B_NoiseClass%3A_2_Noise%3A_71dB

Officially, 7J is too narrow for a 235/45 tyre. It really needs at least 7.5J Have you had a look at the 7.5Jx18 ET50 5/112 57.1 alloy rims on the new VW ID.3 ? You would need to check that this specification is correct because wheel-size.com could be wrong. https://www.volkswagen.co.uk/electric/electric-cars/id3.html Just replace the VW centre cap with a Skoda centre cap. Skoda Centre Cap https://eshop.skoda-auto.cz/cs_CZ/ozdobny-stred-kola-skoda/p/5E0601151++FOD

What is the OEM part number of the new shocks from the Skoda dealer? Is it 1J0413031CM ?

VW online parts catalogue http://www.oemepc.com/skoda Front suspension 8 6R0413031AG shock absorbers front Model data: PR-G07 http://www.oemepc.com/skoda/part_single/catalog/sk/markt/CZ/modell/FAB/year/2011/drive_standart/697/hg_ug/411/subcategory/411030/part_id/2561497/lang/e https://www.skoda-parts.com/spare-part/6r0413031ag-shock-absorber-skoda-39144.html Rear shock absorber 7 6R0513025AF gas shock absorber for sports suspension rear Model data: PR-1JE RS http://www.oemepc.com/skoda/part_single/catalog/sk/markt/CZ/modell/FAB/year/2011/drive_standart/697/hg_ug/511/subcategory/511020/part_id/2561497/lang/e https://www.skoda-parts.com/spare-part/6r0513025af-rear-shock-absorber-rs-skoda-18969.html Check that these are the correct OEM part numbers for your car. One way is to check your car's build codes. If your Fabia MK2 has build code G07, then front shock absorber with OEM part number 6R0413031AG fits. If your Fabia MK2 has build code 1JE then rear shock absorber with OEM part number 6R0513025AF fits. Some of the build codes will be on a white label stuck under the carpet in the boot area. You can also check the OEM part numbers on your current shock absorbers if they are original. The OEM part number should be stamped on each shock absorber if they are genuine VW group ones.

195/50R16 tyres on 6Jx16 ET35 rims will increase the front and rear track by 22mm compared to the ET46 offset, reduce the unsprung weight, and reduce the drag...thereby making the car go faster. 18" tyres are better suited to a car that uses bigger outside diameter tyres such as the Octavia. I've seen Fabia MK3s driving about on 215/45R16 tyres fitted to 7Jx16 ET46 rims and the front and rear track looks too small, ie. the wheels on the same axle are too close together.

7Jx16 ET45, it won't be 7.5J There's also a 6Jx16 ET50 option for the Superb MK2. Steel Rims for Skoda SUPERB COMBI 2.0 TDI Your car Car manufacturer: Skoda Car model: SUPERB COMBI 2.0 TDI Car type: 3T 1968ccm 125 kW BJ.: 01.2010-02.2015 ALCAR Rim type 5-hole steel wheel Size 7 x 16 Bolt pattern 5 x 112.00 x 57.00 Offset 45.00 ALCAR Rim type 5-hole steel wheel Size 6 x 16 Bolt pattern 5 x 112.00 x 57.00 Offset 50.00

Skoda Option Codes Decoder https://www.briskoda.net/forums/topic/52603-skoda-option-codes-decoder/

It looks like the OEM part number for Octavia MK2 vRS front shock absorbers is 1J0413031CM 22A 1J0413031CM shock absorbers for sports suspension Model data: PR-G85 http://www.oemepc.com/skoda/part_single/catalog/sk/markt/CZ/modell/OCT/year/2010/drive_standart/252/hg_ug/411/subcategory/411000/part_id/2561497/lang/e If the car has build code G85, then this is the OEM part number. You can also look for an OEM part number on the original front shock absorbers.

Bilstein list both the Bilstein B4 22-131614 and the Bilstein B4 22-139191 front shock absorbers in their online catalogue http://web1.carparts-cat.com/default.aspx?34=0,100011,100121&240=0&32=26623&230=29&1271=48&1272=8973a092-71b4-460d-bca3-49d36fbca2c8&1273=1&10=81E0E77E2399416EBBB40354B6A14873018004&14=4&12=130

I can't see any Bilstein B4 shock absorbers with part number 22-132614 Do you mean 22-131614 ? https://www.autodoc.co.uk/car-parts/shock-absorber-10221/skoda/octavia/octavia-1z3/26623-2-0-tdi-rs?supplier[0]=16&criteria[100]=VA What is the diameter of the original shock absorber rod that fits into the top mount? And what is the diameter of the Bilstein B4 shock absorber rod that fits into the top mount? It maybe that they are the same, but that the original shock absorber rod is a bigger diameter that the B4 replacement shock absorbers. Take a look at the photos of the B6 shock absorbers in the above link. You will see that the B6 has a larger rod diameter than the B4, except at the top where the B6 has a step down to fit into the top mount.

The standard 19" rims on the Octavia MK3 are 7.5Jx19 ET51. The outside edge of the rim on 9Jx19 ET33 rims would be about 37mm further out on each side of the car. That's 74mm or almost 3" wider. It might be difficult getting through 2metre width restrictions without kerbing the rims. The edge of the 225/35R19 tyres will stick out 18mm more, so might stick out of the wheelarches. 9J is stretching the 225/35R19 tyres to the max...although maybe that's the point. 235/35R19 tyres will give a far harder ride on 9J rims than on 7.5J rims. The rims will be very exposed to kerbing damage.

There are two space saver spare wheels shown. 125/70R18 and 215/60R16. You can select the variable boot floor with the 125/70R18 space saver spare wheel, but not the 215/60R16 space saver spare wheel. If you had four 215/60R16 tyres on the vehicle, then the 215/60R16 spare wheel wouldn't be a space saver (it would be a full size spare wheel) and the 50mph top speed limit would not apply.