PMS

I've found this to be a problem with my new Fabia SE L 1ltr . In D it changes up to soon and then when you stabilize speed it labours (lugs) and doesn't change down soon enough. So, to compensate I'm either driving in S unless I'm over 40mph and on a dual carriageway or motorway then move into D and it's OK. However as soon as I down speed I have to drop back into S. Would my Skoda service department be able to/ agree to remap the box so that it holds the gears for slightly longer or change the default from D to S ? My previous 1.5 ltr Scala wasn't a problem presumably because it was a higher powered engine and had more torque. Many of you will know of my issues with excessive road noise. Skoda and the dealership pulled out of a solution so I'm stuck with it and it's getting worse just 3000 miles on the clock and the tyres wearing ! I've also confirmed that it's not all down to the tyres, it's the lack of sound deadening in the car and use of brittle plastic inside the cabin.

Yeah, I had considered doing this, however the insurance company I'm with won't cover it as they class it as a modification. I told them it was a rectification by Skoda ! Their underwriters state that the car must not be modified/changed in any way even cosmetically. It states that 'the vehicle must be as it came from the factory and was supplied and invoiced to me'. Crazy I know and they wouldn't even cover the Skoda 15" wheels swap even though these are standard Skoda Fabia and my wheels are an option on the SE Comfort. It's complete madness, but if the insurance won't cover it then you take the risk and hope you don't have to claim !

Yes the KUMHO tyres are very good. These were fitted to the SE Comfort that I test drove when I was trying to resolve the road noise issue with mine. They were a deeper profile (65 not 55) and 15" wheels and completely silent. I haven't got anywhere with Skoda or the dealership who I bought the car through and who eventually pulled out of their original offer to swap my wheels/tyres for the smaller 15" ones off their SE Comfort demo. car. So, my only option now is to either drop the car and find something that isn't noisy or change the tyres for lower db ones, which is at my expense. Also, I was advised by Skoda that as the Fabia doesn't have the 'll me sound insulation as my Scala did, plus the dash/door cards etc. are now made from hard plastic not the soft touch material, that this is a contributing factor. Looks like Il have to live with it for a while until I can get a deal to change it. After 6 new Skoda over 15 years, it'll be my last !

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They've come back with 'gold'. There isn't any issues with fitting 15" to any of the Fabia range. In fact all European models come with 15" ! They have suggested I quote the COC (Certificate of Conformity) relating to wheel sizes and have given me a size chart. Mucho brillianté. Now for some fun with the all knowledgeable Skoda executive services department 🤔

👍 I've messaged @Carlston and asked my question. Thanks for the contact. Will let you know what they come back with !

Hi Rooted Thanks for this. It's roughly what I thought re the warranty. If the 15" and the same 16" as mine are OK on the Comfort then why shouldn't they be on the SE L ! I think I'm just going to go with it, sod it, at least I get a quieter ride and also marginally better MPG according to the spec. on the 15" ones !

Hello Rooted Yeah, this is still all related to the noise issue. Not quite resolved yet but it was escalated to the highest executive level at Skoda and I've got agreement to swap the wheels/tyres but at my risk ! What they are now saying is, they will swap the 16" for the 15" but they will not/ can't confirm that it won't make any difference to the characteristics or mechanical workings of the car. They are saying that if the 15" wheels caused any mechanical failures in the suspension, brakes, steering etc. the warranty would be invalidated. Obviously they don't want responsibility for agreeing the swap. I've pointed out that the SE Comfort can have my 16" wheels as an option so they shouldn't make any difference mechanically. So, that's why I'm trying to speak to a technician at Skoda as the dealership tech. doesn't know the answer or doesn't want to ! I've looked on a wheel calculator and the differences are minimal and would also depend on tyre manufacturers. PMS

Is there a current qualified Skoda Technician out there that can answer a question I have about Fabia (MK4) series wheels, suspension, steering, weight distribution, loadings etc. Thanks PMS

I am aware of how VW group (and other manufacturers) operate regarding contracts. Can't say how though ! Re. my complaint. I am also aware of what you say re. complaints and yes my complaint was escalated to a Senior Resolutions Manager immediately, who I am in direct contact with, which, is why it has all been resolved.

It's all interesting stuff. You'd think that Skoda would be aware of tyre noise problems and just simply fit tyres that are proven to be quiet. It makes sense to make sure customers recommend their cars not slag them off. Maybe they either need new technical people or maybe they don't care enough for these issues to make a difference to sales. I was told by Skoda Customer Services that they were 'working through a backlog of complaints in general' ? I've been a good loyal customer for many many years (6 new cars on 3 year PCP's) and have an excellent relationship with my dealership, so it's in their interest to look after me if they want me to stay !

I think that the KUMHO seem to be the quietest of them all but that might only be the 185/65 ones !

All looking good hopefully. I wonder if Skoda will see the light and offer 15" on all Fabia models as standard with the bigger sizes as options. I suspect that most people buying Fabia would give up trendy looking wheels and low profile tyres for ride comfort ? PMS

Yes, although the noise wasn't helping 🤣 I think I've solved the problem. Yesterday I drove two new Fabia's, one with 15" KUMHO tyres and one with 17" Bridgestone tyres. The 15" were completely quiet, no noise at all ! The 17" Bridgestone were as noisy as my 16" Goodyear's. So, the solution is to swap my 16" wheels and tyres for the 15" ones off the demonstrator. Just awaiting Skoda OK. PMS

Surrey John Yeah got all of this and yes not Goodyear's fault, it's fully down to Skoda fitting inappropriate tyres to UK cars and assuming that we all drive up and down the motorways all day on smooth surfaces, which as we know here in the UK 90% + of our roads are rough to say the least ! Interestingly, no difference between the last week of hot temperatures and the lower temps we've now got. Anyhow I'm waiting for the dealership to locate an identical car with a different tyre type to try. Skoda have agreed that if we find a suitable quiet tyre they will replace the ones on the car. It'll just be a time thing now to get it sorted. Thanks for your thoughts. PMS