Smileyman

I'm running original VW 185/60/R15 alloys purchased second hand from a Skoda dealer, fitted with CrossClimate tyres. I wanted these tyres and they are not available for either the 16" or 17" size wheels. The tyre pressure plate covers this size wheel, they are a standard fit on lower spec cars (and the factory supplied spare is this size so there were no concerns "will it fit"). Tyres were considerably cheaper than the larger sizes. Ride is nicer, and fuel economy does not seem to suffer. Note the speedo will be marginally out, less than 1% so nothing to worry about unless you drive to the wire and play chicken with speed cameras.

The spare tyre that came with the car is 15" - and some cars were supplied with 15" tyres so I knew fitting would not be a problem - I purchased a set of this size alloys (genuine almost new found on ebay from an accredited Skoda dealer) and fitted CrossClimate tyres. The ride, noise and fuel economy are better, and these tyres offer the added benefit of winter capacity when / if it snows (not often in Kent)

won't give this any credit unless I know more about the brand of tyre used .. not all tyres are the same, be it summer. winter. all season etc.

I purchased replacement alloys 185/60/15 ... same size as the spare .. and fitted Michelin CrossClimate tyres, ride is much better, less noisy, more comfortable. This is a win-win situation, I didn't experience any snow last year but this winter is looking different. Tyres are much cheaper too ... gives rise to the question why the 17" were ever fitted in the first place ...

Engines are supposed to prefer frequent oil changes, I've kept to the 9,000 mile routine in preference to the long life oil option, I suppose only time will tell whether it was worthwhile or not.

Yes, I have had this problem. Simple solution, replace the battery!. Do it soon, before the battery dies. It's quick and easy, I searched online and found a video on how to open the key fob, batteries are freely available on the high street. From your comment I'd suggest buying new batteries as a first step, probably best to avoid the dead cheap batteries, they are cheap for a reason!

I've only had that problem after opening the driver's door, my guess is there is a sensor thinking the driver was about to get out.

Must admit, apart from the fact that it needs pushing to keep up on long fast inclines I have not experienced any problems - now am achieving around 50 mpg brim to brim. I do find myself in 3rd more than previous car, it's not unpleasant and overall the car meets my needs. True, the 16" and 17" tyre sizes are both rather silly, there are not many tyres to fit and those that are very expensive to purchase. Come October / November I will put the 15" wheels back on, with CrossClimate tyres, this wheel size is much more sensible with better range and prices for tyres. Over 40k miles on the factory fit Bridgestone tyres can't complain about that!

I drive a SEAT Toledo (Rapid clone) that came with 17" wheels. Come last winter I wanted something more winter friendly, luckily the car came with a 15" factory spare - 185/60 R15 is the size. I purchased a set of 4 alloys found on an auction site from an authorised dealer (priced realistically) and fitted CrossClimate tyres. I would suggest you research this size, there is a wide choice of tyres at realistic prices. Of course you will need to find the wheels, it's a challange but given time something will become available! The Rapid / Toledo also comes with a 16" size wheel too!

I would widen your search to include VW discussion forums for these engines. There are known issues with some of the first 1.4 engines, and developing issues being reported for the 1.5 engines. I'm not aware of reports of issues with the 1.2 or 1.0 engines.

You'll find a much wider selection of tyres and at a cheaper price for the 185/60R15 size ... you know they will fit because the factory supplied spare is this size ... this includes tyres like the CrossClimate which are not manufactured in the 16" or 17" sizes shown in the chart above.

These might help .. give information about sizes that fit cars, and impact on speedo. I would also check the manufacturer's website, look at other size wheels fitted across the model range. If your car has a spare, consider that size too. Just one word of warning, if the brake callipers vary in size across the model range make sure the wheels your select are not too small (sorry, it's not an easy one for me to advise, but I do know may be relevant consideration) https://www.willtheyfit.com// https://www.wheelfitment.eu/car.html https://www.wheel-size.com/size/ research the tyres here ... http://www.tyrereviews.co.uk/

I was wrong, the rear lights are illuminated with the front day running lights .. checked over the weekend!

Neither- I have no association with the motor industry and would never do anything as nasty as report anyone - it's just a friendly "heads up alert" that you have discussed this matter in a public place and need to be aware that it is in the public domain for anyone to read ...

Just be mindful, any matter discussed openly on an open discussion forum (such as this) is open for all to see. This includes any dealers / manufacturers as well as other owners driving the same / similar products.