Hi everyone,

I had a mazda mx-5 for 2 years -which was my childhood's dream- so I bought it and really had a great time with it....

Until my needs changed and wanted a car to drive me to the mountains for snowboarding... So I had to replace the beloved one and search for another car which could do the job right. It also had to be good looking and reliable as my Japan friend.

My goal was to get the Yeti 4x4 but after some calculations I could't get it cause was out of my budget and the Yeti 1.2 looked very small engine for me. After my research that evening I ve noticed that the 1.4 tsi engine was there some days before.!!! So went to the dealer for test drive it, but they only had the 1.2 engine. Thinking that if i liked the 1.2 tsi, then the 1.4 would be definetely a little better I did make the test drive!

I was amazed by the the engine's performance, steering wheel, driving position, brakes, interior, exterior (i think it's the most beautiful SUV on planet) and everything.

Before the Yeti I have made a test drive to a daihatsu terios, a Nissan Qashqai 1.6. Not to mention that the difference between those cars are huge. The Yeti 1.2 is light years ahead in almost every way, except for the 4wd of the Terios.

However, I am not sure about the Yeti's 1.4 2wd performance in roads covered with snow.. This is my main concern cause it would be very-very disappointing to wear snow chainswith few centemeters of snow like all normal cars need... I know that it isn't a 4wd car which no snow chains is needed in almost any case (except ice) but how would this 2wd performs in few centemeters of snow???

Anyone can imagine/??

Regards,

petros

Put some winter tyres on all 4 wheels and off you go.

Mike

Put some winter tyres on all 4 wheels and off you go.

Mike

I live and work in the city (Athens)... I don't know if winter tyres is the solution...

I live and work in the city (Athens)... I don't know if winter tyres is the solution...

Winter tyres are definitely the solution to snow and ice no matter whether you are driving up hills or around town.

I drive with Snowtrac3 tyres on my Nissan Micra and can confirm they make a HUGE difference, so a 2WD Yeti with great ground cleareance will be even better.

It is all down to how willing you are to pay for a second set of wheels with winter tyres and change them over each winter...

...but when I spend a small fortune buying a new Yeti, I will not be putting the car or my family at risk on snow by not putting winter tyres on the car...!

Winter tyres are definitely the solution to snow and ice no matter whether you are driving up hills or around town.

I drive with Snowtrac3 tyres on my Nissan Micra and can confirm they make a HUGE difference, so a 2WD Yeti with great ground cleareance will be even better.

It is all down to how willing you are to pay for a second set of wheels with winter tyres and change them over each winter...

...but when I spend a small fortune buying a new Yeti, I will not be putting the car or my family at risk on snow by not putting winter tyres on the car...!

Yes but how about the fuel consuption in the city and the behaviour of the winters tyres in everyday use?

p.s The Yeti 1.4 ambition wears 215/65/16 tyres. Is this a problem wearing snow chains?

Yes but how about the fuel consuption in the city and the behaviour of the winters tyres in everyday use?

p.s The Yeti 1.4 ambition wears 215/65/16 tyres. Is this a problem wearing snow chains?

You can forget about about wheel chains - you will not need them !

I have driven through deep snow and ice with the Snowtrac3 tyres and I was never stuck.

As for fuel economy, there is not such a huge difference.

Some people leep their winter tyres on their car all year round, so you do not need to worry about their usability.

Just swap the wheels over to the spare set of wheels with winter tyres when winter arrives and swap back when spring arrives - it's that simple.

Happy winter driving and stay safe.

@Blackpete

Everything about Yeti tyres and snow-chains:

http://briskoda.net/forums/topic/148948-yeti-tyre-and-rim-guide/

Also, welcome to the club, mine 1.4TSI is coming in Decembar

trekker told you about economy with winter tyres, I can only confirm that.

p.s The Yeti 1.4 ambition wears 215/65/16 tyres. Is this a problem wearing snow chains?

Yet another size - 215/65 R16. 'tis a new one to me. Even bigger than my 215/60 R16's.

I don't think that size is in the owners manual as being a recommended size for use with snow chains.

The only ones in the owners manual are

205/55 R16

205/50 R17

for use with snow chains.

Mike

Edited 29 October, 201015 yr by rockhopper

Yes but how about the fuel consuption in the city and the behaviour of the winters tyres in everyday use?

p.s The Yeti 1.4 ambition wears 215/65/16 tyres. Is this a problem wearing snow chains?

Not a listed size I've come across either, typo :wonder:

Regard chains yes you can fit them to 215/60 R16 but to the rear wheels only, so only suitable for 4x4 versions. Would need to fit 205/55 R16 all round on the 2wd versions to use chains on the front. However as alluded to above a good set of winter tyres should negate the use of chains.

Regards,

TP

Yet another size - 215/65 R16. 'tis a new one to me. Even bigger than my 215/60 R16's.

I don't think that size is in the owners manual as being a recommended size for use with snow chains.

The only ones in the owners manual are

205/55 R16

205/50 R17

for use with snow chains.

Mike

Oh, you are right, just looked to the manual tha actual size is 215/60/16 like yours.... So we can't use snow chais? I can';t believe i ordered a Yeti which cannot wear snow chains...

Thats right. a change of tyres is required to use snow chains.

Or just put on a set of winter tyres.

Mike

Please help!!!!

I can't wait another 10 days for my little monster!!! I want to be frozen and wake up few days later....

I live in a snowy cold Norway. And I go to skiing all the time. Never used chains.

Good vinter tires and off you go.

I have Yeti 1.2 but have not yet tested it on snow. Anyway I se no problems at all.

And I just bought Continetal winter tires in 205/55 16 dimension. Dont plan to use them with chains but they were cheaper then 215/60.

If you gonna buy winter tires look for m+s mark. (mud+snow).

Last winter I drove low Yaris TS with 17" wheels. No problems there either. Nokian winter tires.

But just to say I drive only on roads. No off roading or so.

So if you plan to go off road in snow then you might get into trouble with 2wd.

You can use snow sock on 215/60.

Have not used them so no experience here but heard they are good alternative to chains.

google snow sock for more info...

The problem is that buing an extra set of tyres is out of bugdet right now, not to mention that i don't have a garage to place them. Here in Athens we live in apartments and i guess that four tyres needs plenty of room!

However, through my research I can understand that winter tyres are the best solution.

p.s Autosocks look cheap, ugly and will get pain in the ass to wear them during a sudden snowstorm on the mountain...

I used snow socks a few times last years towards the end of the snow falls and was amazed how good their were .

You can try and ask your dealer to change your tires for 205/55 dimension.

I keep my tires in basement. I live also in a apartment. Not in Athens thought....