I have just insured my 140 DSG fitted with winter tyres and a remap from Shark Performance with Skoda Insurance. They were the most competitive for me. They had no problems with the tyres and only charged me an extra 10% for the remap.

Mike

I have just insured my 140 DSG fitted with winter tyres and a remap from Shark Performance with Skoda Insurance. They were the most competitive for me. They had no problems with the tyres and only charged me an extra 10% for the remap.

Mike

Wow! Thanks for that Mike! That give me an idea of what it will cost should I ever want to do it! I've always wondered. And I'm with Skoda insurance too.

Result there Mike!

Re. Insurance Co.s charging extra for W/T's, classing the fitment as a 'modification'.

After several emails and phone calls I managed to confirm that Co-op Insurance don't regard it as a 'mod' neither do they require that you tell them when you fit / remove them and this relates to used and new cars alike.

It has to be said there was a fair degree of poor information within their call centre staff but it's their underwriters who call the shots - not the operator you speak to - and the conditions they impose are that the wheels have to be OEM (ie. Skoda, in this case), and same overall tyre / wheel circumference as original....and here we speak not of a literally identical size but of a very close tolerance, obviously.

What this proves, to me, is that you can't take at face value what you may be told in the first instance and you need to get confirmation from a bit further up the pecking order and/or insist that the underwriters confirm the facts - for better or worse. I remain of the opinion that some Ins. Co's are more sympathetic than others - and that it's only recent bad weather (past 3 yrs, but this early spell in particular) and increased use of W/T's that have made them aware (and when I say aware, I use the term loosely).

Re. Insurance Co.s charging extra for W/T's, classing the fitment as a 'modification'.

After several emails and phone calls I managed to confirm that Co-op Insurance don't regard it as a 'mod' neither do they require that you tell them when you fit / remove them and this relates to used and new cars alike.

It has to be said there was a fair degree of poor information within their call centre staff but it's their underwriters who call the shots - not the operator you speak to - and the conditions they impose are that the wheels have to be OEM (ie. Skoda, in this case), and same overall tyre / wheel circumference as original....and here we speak not of a literally identical size but of a very close tolerance, obviously.

What this proves, to me, is that you can't take at face value what you may be told in the first instance and you need to get confirmation from a bit further up the pecking order and/or insist that the underwriters confirm the facts - for better or worse. I remain of the opinion that some Ins. Co's are more sympathetic than others - and that it's only recent bad weather (past 3 yrs, but this early spell in particular) and increased use of W/T's that have made them aware (and when I say aware, I use the term loosely).

The Co-op saga drags on...

I'm still waiting for written confirmation of what the Co-operative Insurance told me on the 'phone that providing it was a Skoda recommended tyre size on Skoda supplied wheels it didn't matter that the steel wheels are 16" whereas the original alloys were 17". So no argument about matching circumference in this case.

I will update when I receive something.

(The supervisor's main concerns seemed to be that the wheels were Skoda and no bigger or wider than the original.)

205/55/16 6J X 16

205/55/16 7J X 17

215/60/16 6J X 16

205/50/17 6J X 17

Thanks for pointing this out Tony - I didn't pick up on these discrepancies as I was focussing on the first option as that was the one I thought I'd go for. The second option is clearly wrong given you'd have to fit 16" tyres to 17" wheels. I suspect the third is also wrong as the 215 tyres would be a better fit on the 7J rims. I'll ask SUK to check their information tomorrow and I'll repost the correct information.

UPDATE:

I received a phone call from SUK today to say that the information they initially gave me was wrong and that the 2nd and 3rd options above should (as expected) refer to 7J x 16 wheels. I'll post an update if their written confirmation is any different to this. This is now in line with the German TUV Type Approval for the Yeti 1.2 and with the advice others have been given by SUK.

UPDATE:

I received a phone call from SUK today to say that the information they initially gave me was wrong and that the 2nd and 3rd options above should (as expected) refer to 7J x 16 wheels. I'll post an update if their written confirmation is any different to this. This is now in line with the German TUV Type Approval for the Yeti 1.2 and with the advice others have been given by SUK.

Further Update 22/12/2010:

I have now received a written response from SUK which is as follows:

"Here are the revised figures.

205/55/16 6Jx6

205/55/16 7Jx16

215/60/16 6Jx16

205/50/17 6Jx17"

In other words they have corrected option 2 (now 7J rather than 6J) which is the option I'l go with. However option 3 still seems odd in that the TUV Approvals (and advice given by SUK to other 1.2 owners) is that the 215 tyres should be matched with the 7J wheels, not the 6J's as stated by SUK.

I queried this with SUK and referred them to the German TUV approval table for my specific Type Approval Number / Engine Code and their response was as follows:

"I have checked this with the technician and he says that you could have either or in theory as the 7j/6j refers to the flange size. However, as far as insurance goes the below combinations (above in this post) are the ones that you could use without implication as they are specific to your chassis"

This makes little sense to me. I sent the first email on this subject to SUK on 20th October and still don't have winter tyres on the Yeti which is currently marooned in my driveway. One of my neighbours recently joked: "Are they called Yetis because they're abominable in the snow?"

Hi Del,

got the same thing with the wife's Fabia but in that instance one of the options given by SUK went against the tyre manufacturers charts on compatible rim size;

165/70 R14 on a 6Jx14 rim; Avon Tyres state for this tyre size 5.5J max Double checked with them and they still insisted they were correct :S

At least you can fit a 215/60 to a 6J rim although a 6.5 or 7 would be better.

Regards,

TP

Edited 22 December, 201015 yr by The Plumber

Hi Del,

got the same thing with the wife's Fabia but in that instance one of the options given by SUK went against the tyre manufacturers charts on compatible rim size;

165/70 R14 on a 6Jx14 rim; Avon Tyres state for this tyre size 5.5J max Double checked with them and they still insisted they were correct :S

At least you can fit a 215/60 to a 6J rim although a 6.5 or 7 would be better.

Regards,

TP

In practice, if you fit the 6J instead of a 7J, does this mean that the tyre would "bulge out" more? By this I mean does the tyre wall stick out further from the rim.....ie. the 6J combination would make it less likely that you scraped the wheel on a kerb as the tyre is sticking out further and thus 'protecting' the wheel from scuffs? Probably not the best use of English but hope you understand what I'm trying to say.

I notice that on my present car it's easy to scuff the alloys as the wheel and tyre are almost lined up with each other - on other wheel/tyre combinations I see the tyre 'balloons' out more and the wheels don't catch the kerb.

In practice, if you fit the 6J instead of a 7J, does this mean that the tyre would "bulge out" more? By this I mean does the tyre wall stick out further from the rim.....ie. the 6J combination would make it less likely that you scraped the wheel on a kerb as the tyre is sticking out further and thus 'protecting' the wheel from scuffs? Probably not the best use of English but hope you understand what I'm trying to say.

I notice that on my present car it's easy to scuff the alloys as the wheel and tyre are almost lined up with each other - on other wheel/tyre combinations I see the tyre 'balloons' out more and the wheels don't catch the kerb.

You're correct! The 7J rim will 'spread' the sidewall and make it more likely that you may scuff it on a kerb.

Additionally, in spreading the sidewall it will stiffen it slightly (relative to when on a 6J rim). This will make the handling 'tighter'; fine in the dry, but less good in the wet/cold/snow.

Further Update 22/12/2010:

I have now received a written response from SUK which is as follows:

"Here are the revised figures.

205/55/16 6Jx6

205/55/16 7Jx16

215/60/16 6Jx16

205/50/17 6Jx17"

In other words they have corrected option 2 (now 7J rather than 6J) which is the option I'l go with. However option 3 still seems odd in that the TUV Approvals (and advice given by SUK to other 1.2 owners) is that the 215 tyres should be matched with the 7J wheels, not the 6J's as stated by SUK.

I queried this with SUK and referred them to the German TUV approval table for my specific Type Approval Number / Engine Code and their response was as follows:

"I have checked this with the technician and he says that you could have either or in theory as the 7j/6j refers to the flange size. However, as far as insurance goes the below combinations (above in this post) are the ones that you could use without implication as they are specific to your chassis"

This makes little sense to me. I sent the first email on this subject to SUK on 20th October and still don't have winter tyres on the Yeti which is currently marooned in my driveway. One of my neighbours recently joked: "Are they called Yetis because they're abominable in the snow?"

Edited 22 December, 201015 yr by jessica

This makes no sense to me either! Will Fishers email told me (copied in my previous post on the subject), that according to my chassis number if I wanted 215/60/16 tyres I would have to have 7J wheels, which is why I changed my wheel order. I have the same model as you, so what's going on? Incidentally, the Yeti E and S models have 215/60/16 on 7J wheels as standard. The mind boggles, well mine does anyway! Tony

This makes no sense to me either!

Just remember that SUK is run by a bunch of housewives that do this job part time (seemingly). None of them can drive or have any idea what the difference is between FWD and RWD let alone 6J and 7J. So take ANY advice they give you with the biggest pinch of salt (mine) you can find.

I think in fact going on about them not knowing FWD from RWD that this picture was taken outside the SUK head office:

Can only be one of the SUK housewives that can do something THAT stupid!

I think in fact going on about them not knowing FWD from RWD that this picture was taken outside the SUK head office:

Can only be one of the SUK housewives that can do something THAT stupid!

Brilliant!! But are they 6J or 7J ??

I'm completely mad then, got 6.5Js!!!

I'm completely mad then, got 6.5Js!!!

You've got 'issues' and should seek help immediately. :S

This makes no sense to me either! Will Fishers email told me (copied in my previous post on the subject), that according to my chassis number if I wanted 215/60/16 tyres I would have to have 7J wheels, which is why I changed my wheel order. I have the same model as you, so what's going on? Incidentally, the Yeti E and S models have 215/60/16 on 7J wheels as standard. The mind boggles, well mine does anyway! Tony

I would bet my Christmas lunch that the information given to me by SUK re. the 215/60/16 tyres is incorrect and I suspect they are too lazy/incompetent to check their records. I am equally confident the Will Fisher version is correct.

Why on earth would they approve 6J and 7J wheels with 205 tyres but only approve the NARROWER 6J wheels for the WIDER 215 tyres (what's so mechanically different about my car that makes it unsuited to the 7J wheels and 215/60 tyres that are OK for every other 1.2 Yeti).

Remember SUK initially told me in October that I could only fit OEM 215/50/17 tyres on 7J wheels or I might invalidate my warranty. I challenged this position when I learned about the conflicting information provided by Will Fisher/SUK to other Yeti owners. SUK then acknowledged I could fit a variety of sizes but the information they gave me contained some crucial errors and was clearly wrong. They then corrected one of their mistakes but still insist the second 'error' is in fact correct (when it is clearly not).

If I get made redundant, I'm going to apply to go and work at Milton Keynes for Skoda UK.

I'll sort out the mistakes on their website, tidy up the brochure, find out what potential buyers really want as options on their UK cars and try and drum some common sense into their tech people when they are asked a simple question such as about matching tyre sizes to wheel sizes.

No doubt they'll reject me at interview for not having the degree in marketing that they seem to think is a good replacement for plain old common sense. :no:

When I worked out the wheel/tyre size options for winter tyres on our two Skodas I researched the net myself - including this forum (thanks mainly to TP but others too). As someone with no formal engineering qualifications, just some common sense built up over 30+ years of driving and restoring several classic cars, I was able to suss it all out. A shame that the 'professionals' at Skoda UK seem lacking even a part of my (amateur) nouse on subjects that they really should be able to answer very quickly and accurately!

You're correct! The 7J rim will 'spread' the sidewall and make it more likely that you may scuff it on a kerb.

Additionally, in spreading the sidewall it will stiffen it slightly (relative to when on a 6J rim). This will make the handling 'tighter'; fine in the dry, but less good in the wet/cold/snow.

So, on that basis, I might actually benefit from the 6J's if I'm concerned about damage to the wheel,...on the other hand you point out some handling benefits / drawbacks,.....and on the other, other hand, if we're talking about steelies, does it matter quite so much if they get a little touch on the kerb now and again?.....but on the other hand......Doh, I've run out of hands!

If I get made redundant, I'm going to apply to go and work at Milton Keynes for Skoda UK.

I'll sort out the mistakes on their website, tidy up the brochure, find out what potential buyers really want as options on their UK cars and try and drum some common sense into their tech people when they are asked a simple question such as about matching tyre sizes to wheel sizes.

No doubt they'll reject me at interview for not having the degree in marketing that they seem to think is a good replacement for plain old common sense. :no:

When I worked out the wheel/tyre size options for winter tyres on our two Skodas I researched the net myself - including this forum (thanks mainly to TP but others too). As someone with no formal engineering qualifications, just some common sense built up over 30+ years of driving and restoring several classic cars, I was able to suss it all out. A shame that the 'professionals' at Skoda UK seem lacking even a part of my (amateur) nouse on subjects that they really should be able to answer very quickly and accurately!

A few of us have become "Plumber Cadets"!

"Here are the revised figures.

205/55/16 6Jx6

205/55/16 7Jx16

215/60/16 6Jx16

205/50/17 6Jx17"

Ok, so SUK are recommending the 215/60/16 on a 6J wheel, even though that combination has not been subject to type approval for the car? Isn't that a bit dodgy?!

Mind you, back in October, SUK told me that 205/60/16 on a 6J wheel was the ONLY recommended steel wheel for the 4x4 TSi, because that was the nearest overall diameter to the standard fit 225/50/17. Which seems perfectly logical in order to maintain the correct reading on the speedo.

However, that size hasn't been type tested either, and is absent from the TUV lists.

Now, lets say you drive to Germany on the non TUV approved 215/60/16 on 6J's are you committing an offence?

Edited 22 December, 201015 yr by speedsport

"Here are the revised figures.

205/55/16 6Jx6

205/55/16 7Jx16

215/60/16 6Jx16

205/50/17 6Jx17"

Ok, so SUK are recommending the 215/60/16 on a 6J wheel, even though that combination has not been subject to type approval for the car? Isn't that a bit dodgy?!

Mind you, back in October, SUK told me that 205/60/16 on a 6J wheel was the ONLY recommended steel wheel for the 4x4 TSi, because that was the nearest overall diameter to the standard fit 225/50/17. Which seems perfectly logical in order to maintain the correct reading on the speedo.

However, that size hasn't been type tested either, and is absent from the TUV lists.

Now, lets say you drive to Germany on the non TUV approved 215/60/16 on 6J's are you committing an offence?

I think TP should be appointed Part-time Technical Consultant to SUK, he'd have it all sorted in 10 minutes. There's more sense in his technical guides on Briskoda than all the conflicting emails we are getting from"the professionals" put together!

I think TP should be appointed Part-time Technical Consultant to SUK, he'd have it all sorted in 10 minutes. There's more sense in his technical guides on Briskoda than all the conflicting emails we are getting from"the professionals" put together!

+1

Why on earth would they approve 6J and 7J wheels with 205 tyres but only approve the NARROWER 6J wheels for the WIDER 215 tyres (what's so mechanically different about my car that makes it unsuited to the 7J wheels and 215/60 tyres that are OK for every other 1.2 Yeti).

Would it be something to do with compatibility for Snow Chains?

i.e. you may use snow chains on the 6J rim but not on the 7J rim; a matter of clearance between the wheel rim and suspension strut.