Would this tyre work for the SE?

VREDESTEIN TYRES / WINTER SNOW CAR / VREDESTEIN WINTRAC XTREME - 225/50RF17 94H RFT TL

I have Vredestein Wintrac Extreme on my BMW - they do the job well considering I'm running them on 275/30/19 width.

The ones you specify have Run Flat Technology (RFT) - which is convenient if you have a flat, they will run at 50mph for about 150miles (depending on puncture damage). The downside is that they're slightly heavier and stiffer, some people complain of a less comfortable ride. I had them on my BMW 4 years ago and changed them to normal ones. I guess technology has advanced though and I hear better things of 2nd generation RFT's...

Nevertheless, we don't have a spare (goo kit) and I will seriously consider them when I purchase the Yeti's winter setup next winter. I prefer the wife and kids to be able to drive on to help, if for example it's snowing while driving on the motorway...Further, one of the requirements with RFT, is that the car is equipped with tire pressure monitor system (TPM) - which most Yetis have I believe (on Elegance at least it's standard).

Would this tyre work for the SE?

VREDESTEIN TYRES / WINTER SNOW CAR / VREDESTEIN WINTRAC XTREME - 225/50RF17 94H RFT TL

I am facing the same question, and at the moment my preference will be the Dunlop SP Winter Sport D3 as I have them on my current car, and they have performed well. They also do OK in independent tests. The Monster tyre size in 17" is not very common here in Switzerland, so there isn't as much choice as there could be.

ADAC test for SP Winter Sport

Auto Bild test

I ran a cheap Chineese tyre. They were extremely impressive in the snow. Never faltered were 4x4's with summer tyres did.

INFINITY INF 049 M+S XL 94V size 225/45 R17 was nearest size.

Including fitting, balance, tyre valves, old tyre disposal and VAT, they worked out at £59.00 each.

I presume this means that we do not have to buy 16" rims, with any problem that causes to speed and distance readings, but can change like for like summer to winter?

The issue behind the winter 16" wheels and lower rollling diameter is for those using snow chains and the necessary clearance they may require.

However if you have no plans for snow chains (I live in Switzerland and I don't carry them), then it strikes me as sensible to replace the tyres like for like (225/50 R17). I can't see why that would not be a good solution. Don't know what Skoda think.

Edited 15 March, 201016 yr by rand

Rand, I've been running them for a while on my beasty....they are excellent!

edit: I don't use run flats!

Edited 15 March, 201016 yr by scunjee

Rand, I've been running them for a while on my beasty....they are excellent!

edit: I don't use run flats!

What are you running and what size are they, 16 or 17"? Sorry to sound dim but Rand has made a couple of comments and it would be good to know what your reply relates to exactly.

Very informative thread this one.

SORRY - Have just read your car description attached to your posts and my questions were answered.

Edited 15 March, 201016 yr by Harvey1512

How many winters, UK ones, can you get out of a set of Winter tyres? Take this last winter and assume that you do 1,000 miles per month.

Well if you put them on start of November and took them off end March, around 5000 miles per year.

I would guess around 3 year as you should change them at 4mm tread remaining.

The issue behind the winter 16" wheels and lower rollling diameter is for those using snow chains and the necessary clearance they may require.

However if you have no plans for snow chains (I live in Switzerland and I don't carry them), then it strikes me as sensible to replace the tyres like for like (225/50 R17). I can't see why that would not be a good solution. Don't know what Skoda think.

16" tyres do not need to have a smaller rolling diameter thän 17". They are 215/60-16" and have damn near the same diameter. Narrower is better in winter - particularly in snow. I have had very good experiences witht eh Goodyear SuperGrips in a 215/60-16" size this year.

16" tyres do not need to have a smaller rolling diameter thän 17". They are 215/60-16" and have damn near the same diameter. Narrower is better in winter - particularly in snow. I have had very good experiences witht eh Goodyear SuperGrips in a 215/60-16" size this year.

Er..... I was referring to the stock Skoda 16" sizes, Summer = 215/60 R16, or Winter specific 205/55 R16 if you want to use snow chains (gosh... not becomming a snow chain thread). I drive in snow a great deal, and agree narrower is better, but mhy point was about the Skoda recommended sizes. Here you can fail an MOT if you run non-stock (manufacture recommended) wheel / tyre sizes.

...the car is equipped with tire pressure monitor system (TPM) - which most Yetis have I believe (on Elegance at least it's standard).

Are UK spec Yetis fitted with TPM?

Just taken the winter wheels off my Passat. This is how I store them in the garage.

Tyres are 215-55/16 Avon Ice Touring ST.

John

Edited 15 March, 201016 yr by jst_at_home

TPM is an option on UK Yetis (not sure if available for all) definitely not standard on any spec.

Er..... I was referring to the stock Skoda 16" sizes, Summer = 215/60 R16, or Winter specific 205/55 R16 if you want to use snow chains (gosh... not becomming a snow chain thread). I drive in snow a great deal, and agree narrower is better, but mhy point was about the Skoda recommended sizes. Here you can fail an MOT if you run non-stock (manufacture recommended) wheel / tyre sizes.

I will confess that I do not really understand the snow chain issue.

My opinion is that 4WD as on the Yeti, with good winter tyres are as effective as a car with 2WD and chains. The Yeti is not allowed to use chains on the standard wheel and tyre combinations - for what reason has not been clarified.

If the reason is wheel well clearance, it is a load of bunk. Chains are to be used at low speeds - <50 km/hr - so no great wheel movements and there should be no chain dfficulties.

For all but mountain passess at high snowfall, chains are not necessary for normal driving, so the standard tyre sizes with appropriate rubbber should suffice. How that affects Swiss/Austrian/Italian chain requirements, I do not know. I do not livei n a mountaneous area and I do not ski, so in my case, chains are not a consideration. Crossing the Pyrenees last week with a 15 cm snowfall, where trucks were banned and the locals with summer tyres were stuck caused no difficulties for the SM with winter rubber.

For most people, even those in the Alps, snow chains are something carried in the boot and never used. If you feel the need, then you have to reduce the size of tires and live with the different speedo readings and that is it.

For most people, even those in the Alps, snow chains are something carried in the boot and never used. If you feel the need, then you have to reduce the size of tires and live with the different speedo readings and that is it.

I totally agree.

Without wishing to prolong the snow chains debate, Agerbundsen is right on the button. Let's not forget that we live in an age where product liability issues and the risk of legal challenge is uppermost in the manufacturer's mind.

Skoda have said that chains should not be used with certain tyre sizes and therefore if an owner goes against this advice, Skoda (or any other manufacturer because they almost all have restrictions on snow chain use) are covered against claims.

I am a skier and have been driving to the alps for the last 30 years. I could count on 1 hand the number of times I've had to use chains but on certain roads, you are legally required to have them in the car.

Chains are available that in my opinion as the car owner/user are suitable for the Yeti and when the time comes I will consider Skoda's advice but in the end will use my own judgement.

Again as Agerbundsen says, when you put chains on, you are not going to be exceeding 50kph and in reality much less. The chains are only going to be used to get you out of a situation that has defeated the tyres on the car.

John