Sorry for bringing up yeti another tyre thread but having read Petes comments on the front or back new tyre debate I thought I would ask as he seems to be a top rubber man

Dear Pete

I have my Yeti on order and living in the Pennines I am hoping to come to some arrangement with the dealer to swap for all season tyres (Goodyear?)when the car arrives, probablty just as the winter approaches.I have been running on Quatrac 3 `s on the Octavia since last November and swapped them back to front 6 weeks ago after 9000 miles. They seemed an excellent choice and performed very well and made a big difference in last winters snow and are fine in normal driving but are not available in the correct size. All season would appear a very good compromise and much more convenient rather than full winters. Last winter may prove to be exceptional. I am sure that driving in winter conditions is also very much down to the drivers experience and many drivers south of the Midlands are just not used to the conditions encountered last year and to a certain extent the previous winter.Many of us hillbillies up here and in the even steeper parts of our Disunited Kingdom have been struggling through the stuff for years and learned some technique,sometimes after sliding into a solid object! We also are fortunate to have much better local gritting and snow shifting tackle etc, in particular Calderdale where I live.

I would be delighted to hear yours and anybody elses thoughts on the matter and also if anybody thinks the dealer will do a swap and if it will cost me a fortune (I am a proud Yorkshireman!). I know one or two others have had theirs changed before delivery.

Cheers

Peter.

Our Goodyear 4Season tyres cost about £450 delivered from mytyres and £10 each to get them fitted.

That's the standard 17 inch Yeti tyre size for an SE or Elegance.

I know they are not as good as a full winter tyre, but don't feel we need a set of full winter tyres in the UK.

Our Yeti does 3500(ish) miles per year. With such little use I didn't want two sets of rims and tyres.

They handled snow and car park ice very well even though we have the 2WD version.

In warmer weather they have been fine. We did 400+ miles on a holiday weekend in +22c and I have no complaints at all.

The tyres are only a little noiser than the standard Dunlops. There is very little in it. Once I'd driven the car a bit I stopped noticing it.

Personally I would not bother as they will be exactly what you said.... a compromise.

One of the big problems in driving in snow with 'modern' tyres is the width and profile of the tyre, the extra width and lower profiles today's cars use is IMO the biggest single factor of how the tyre will perform (closely followed by the tyres compound) why else do you think that recommended winter tyres are generally narrower and have a higher profile than the 'normal' tyres the car runs on?

The compound of a winter tyre is totally different to that of a summer or all season tyre, which is why they come into there own when the temperatures drop below 7° giving them far superior grip on ice, slush etc.

Once you have tried winter tyres you will understand how good they are.

Personally I would not bother as they will be exactly what you said.... a compromise.

One of the big problems in driving in snow with 'modern' tyres is the width and profile of the tyre, the extra width and lower profiles today's cars use is IMO the biggest single factor of how the tyre will perform (closely followed by the tyres compound) why else do you think that recommended winter tyres are generally narrower and have a higher profile than the 'normal' tyres the car runs on?

The compound of a winter tyre is totally different to that of a summer or all season tyre, which is why they come into there own when the temperatures drop below 7° giving them far superior grip on ice, slush etc.

Once you have tried winter tyres you will understand how good they are.

Thanks

I have had fitted and driven winter tyres many times on both front and rear wheel cars and know how good they are ( 100`s of 1000`s of germans can`t be wrong) but due to lack storage space and all the mucking about changing and wondering when to change them back I am wondering about some more all seasons. The quatracs which are M & S rated actually outperformed some winter tyres in Autocar tests and I found them very capable last winter.

Edited 22 June, 201115 yr by Maffa

I know people will see them as a compromise but I sympathise entirely and will probably do the same. For those who are keeping their Yeti for years I understand the investment of winter tyres. For those who have other financial pressures or those, my circumstance, who lease their car and change it every few years, the extra cost of winter tyres is not warranted. My tyres will be due for a change in August/September and I am highly likely to go for All Season tyres to give an extra little bit of security if we get snow again. I know they will not be as good as winter tyres but this set only have to last me until next July so I don't want to buy a new summer set and then a winter set as well.

I agree with the comments about tyre profile etc but speak to Skoda about that. If I get another Yeti then I will follow The Plumber's example and ask for 16" tyres to be fitted instead of the 17" ones. That should help as well.

All Season tyres are a compromise but for many they are a good compromise.

I know people will see them as a compromise but I sympathise entirely and will probably do the same. For those who are keeping their Yeti for years I understand the investment of winter tyres. For those who have other financial pressures or those, my circumstance, who lease their car and change it every few years, the extra cost of winter tyres is not warranted. My tyres will be due for a change in August/September and I am highly likely to go for All Season tyres to give an extra little bit of security if we get snow again. I know they will not be as good as winter tyres but this set only have to last me until next July so I don't want to buy a new summer set and then a winter set as well.

I agree with the comments about tyre profile etc but speak to Skoda about that. If I get another Yeti then I will follow The Plumber's example and ask for 16" tyres to be fitted instead of the 17" ones. That should help as well.

All Season tyres are a compromise but for many they are a good compromise.

Thanks Edmund

Problem is I am a bit of an old poser and think the Annapurnas will look cool with my colour scheme!

Yours

Baldrick

My dealer changed my dunlops to Goodyear all season before i picked the yeti up, all i had to pay was the difference in cost of the tyres, at that time a total of wait for it £7.50 in the end no extra to pay.

I have found that in the wet weather of late the goodyear all seasons do shift water very well, very little pull to the left or right when you hit a very large puddle, and the handling in dry warm weather is good as well will never go back to the dunlops. (hoping to find some mud soon to try it in but don't tell swmbo)

Also i like the look of them on the yeti

Hi Maffa,

besides CT17 wakev is also running Goodyear Vector 4season and very happy with them so far as I understand. mbrock has the Nokian eNtyre and likewise happy with that set-up.

The Goodyear is full winter rated like the Quatrac 3, having the mountain and snowflake symbol. The Nokian however is more a cold wet weather specialist with a limited snow capability.

Quite sure in my own mind that either of these would be a better option to the standard Dunlop Sport 01 no matter what the weather.

Regards,

TP

Hi Maffa

I agree with most comments made above especially the narrower sections for snow and would urge you to try the goodyear vector four season , this should meet all your needs .

Granted it's not as good as a full winter tyre which has a non cured compound to make it more flexible but in the same respect you can use them all year in england without wearing them out as quickly and have a better grip level in bad conditions .

I would also urge you to approach the dealer they should be able to accommodate your request , i have done this a few times for local dealers including marlborough skoda .

Peter

Thanks for your help and thoughts in particular Peter and the legend that is TP.

Cheers

Peter

Ps Going to sign up for FREEDOM forum membership as the info we can get on here is worth such a modest contribution!

Kumho is bringing out a new all season tyre later this year called the Ecsta4x.

It should make a good budget alternative to the Goodyear and eNtyre.

You can see it on the U.S.website: drivekumho.com

Shall keep a look out for them, as I am currently running with 2 Kumho's.

Thanks

I have had fitted and driven winter tyres many times on both front and rear wheel cars and know how good they are ( 100`s of 1000`s of germans can`t be wrong) but due to lack storage space and all the mucking about changing and wondering when to change them back I am wondering about some more all seasons. The quatracs which are M & S rated actually outperformed some winter tyres in Autocar tests and I found them very capable last winter.

I have been reading everyone's comments on the winter tyre debate. I agree with GIZMO 68, that the main problem with modern cars is their big low profile fat tyres. I'm sure I use to get round in my Morris 1000 Traveller, and even Mini, but always struggled with the wide tyres. To this end I have bought from Skodaparts 4 x 7J x 16" steel wheels with fitted Goodyear Eagle Ultra Grip GW3 winter tyres 205/60/R16. When I hopefully get delivery of my Yeti (ordered 6 May 11) - no build date, but maybe December... I will swap the 225/50/R17 alloys. Not too cool with black painted steel wheels! As commented, I will change back to the wide tyres in the spring. This way I will have good winter tyres for some time...

I live 1400' on the side of a Welsh mountain - rising to close on 2000', the snow ploughs don't usually get to us - they just "flip" down the sign saying "mountain road closed due snow"!

On a different thread, I notice that MAFFA's Yeti order he has electric folding mirrors. It was not an option when I ordered, but the new online brochure shows that with the electrically ajustable drivers seat you get 'heated & foldable door mirrors' - will this be a standard fit if electric seat ordered, and the car not built yet?

Welcome Tristar.

Knowing where you live I'm not surprised you need winter boots!! Those Goodyears do seem to be getting a good write up.

If you want to look at a Yeti whilst waiting for yours, I'm only down the hill!! It can normally be found parked by the Chapel beyond the kebab shop.

I have been reading everyone's comments on the winter tyre debate. I agree with GIZMO 68, that the main problem with modern cars is their big low profile fat tyres. I'm sure I use to get round in my Morris 1000 Traveller, and even Mini, but always struggled with the wide tyres. To this end I have bought from Skodaparts 4 x 7J x 16" steel wheels with fitted Goodyear Eagle Ultra Grip GW3 winter tyres 205/60/R16. When I hopefully get delivery of my Yeti (ordered 6 May 11) - no build date, but maybe December... I will swap the 225/50/R17 alloys. Not too cool with black painted steel wheels! As commented, I will change back to the wide tyres in the spring. This way I will have good winter tyres for some time...

I live 1400' on the side of a Welsh mountain - rising to close on 2000', the snow ploughs don't usually get to us - they just "flip" down the sign saying "mountain road closed due snow"!

On a different thread, I notice that MAFFA's Yeti order he has electric folding mirrors. It was not an option when I ordered, but the new online brochure shows that with the electrically ajustable drivers seat you get 'heated & foldable door mirrors' - will this be a standard fit if electric seat ordered, and the car not built yet?

I wouldn't count on the mirrors being electrically foldable! Many others have been previously disappointed by this.

Welcome Tristar.

Knowing where you live I'm not surprised you need winter boots!! Those Goodyears do seem to be getting a good write up.

If you want to look at a Yeti whilst waiting for yours, I'm only down the hill!! It can normally be found parked by the Chapel beyond the kebab shop.

Thanks Graham - but I have already sat in your Yeti; but you were still in bed!! I do keep a look out for it when in Llani', just to remind me what I hope to get in December...

Peter

Thanks Graham - but I have already sat in your Yeti; but you were still in bed!! I do keep a look out for it when in Llani', just to remind me what I hope to get in December...

Peter

My wife didn't tell me that!!

No problem, pop down any time.

I found that in the snow earlier this year the Dunlops were truly disgraceful when it came to braking - seemed to have no adhesion at all. The summer Michelins I had on our old Civic were far superior. No problem with grip, however, I suspect the haldex doing its stuff, so I just used the gears through the DSG and left the brakes alone as much as possible. Like most other contributors, I'm sure that 2 sets of tyres is the ideal, but again like others I simply haven't the space, so will have to go to a 4 seasons tyre. The Goodyears sound good, tho I've had Khumo in the past and found them excellent. Shall be looking out for them when they become available too.

My wife didn't tell me that!!

No problem, pop down any time.

Thanks for the offer Graham, yes I will call in soon, yours will be fairly close to mine apart from the DSG. I must admit I chose the Yeti on just the write ups, and the favourable comments on this website...

Peter

Thanks for the offer Graham, yes I will call in soon, yours will be fairly close to mine apart from the DSG. I must admit I chose the Yeti on just the write ups, and the favourable comments on this website...

Peter

If the car's there I should be in, might just depend on what shift I'm on.

Sorry, please refer to post below. I can't figure out how to take out this unwanted version.

Edited 28 June, 201115 yr by Meh-Te-Now

I have some all-weather tyres (Bridgestone A001) retrieved from my last vehicle. I thought they were pretty good and I was intending to run them on my Yeti on some steel wheels which were thrown in as part of the purchase deal. Unfortunately, they're 205/55/R16, which probably makes them less than ideal as I don't intend to use them with snow chains. Accordingly, I've been thinking about sending them to eBay and getting a set of bigger tyres.

The literature I've seen quotes the only other valid Yeti (16 inch) size as being 215/60/R16. However, I notice that Tristar 1011 has ordered (direct from Skoda, I believe) 205/60/R16.

According to the Tyre Size Calculator:

205/55/R16 = Speedometer reading 3.8% too fast. My tyre fitter isn't keen on this scale of adjustment, but they are the correct size if one intends to use snow chains.

215/55/R16 = Speedometer reading 1.2% too slow. Acceptable.

205/60/R16 = Speedometer reading 0.7% too fast. Of the three this seems to yield the nearest approximation to the circumference of the 17 inch wheels with 225/50 tyres.

Before I commit to another purchase, could anyone shed light on why 205/60/R16s don't appear in the Skoda literature?

Thanks.

I have some all-weather tyres (Bridgestone A001) retrieved from my last vehicle. I thought they were pretty good and I was intending to run them on my Yeti on some steel wheels which were thrown in as part of the purchase deal. Unfortunately, they're 205/55/R16, which probably makes them less than ideal as I don't intend to use them with snow chains. Accordingly, I've been thinking about sending them to eBay and getting a set of bigger tyres.

The literature I've seen quotes the only other valid Yeti (16 inch) size as being 215/60/R16. However, I notice that Tristar 1011 has ordered (direct from Skoda, I believe) 205/60/R16.

According to the Tyre Size Calculator:

205/55/R16 = Speedometer reading 3.8% too fast. My tyre fitter isn't keen on this scale of adjustment, but they are the correct size if one intends to use snow chains.

215/55/R16 = Speedometer reading 1.2% too slow. Acceptable.

205/60/R16 = Speedometer reading 0.7% too fast. Of the three this seems to yield the nearest approximation to the circumference of the 17 inch wheels with 225/50 tyres.

Before I commit to another purchase, could anyone shed light on why 205/60/R16s don't appear in the Skoda literature?

Thanks.

You've got a bit of a glitch in your figures.

All those tyre sizes are smaller in cicumference than your standard 225/50/17 wheels.

By my calculations.

205/55/16=3.8 fast.

215/55/16=2.1%fast.

205/60/16=.7%fast.

Bear in mind that your speedo is already around 5%optimistic.:yes:

Yes, I made a mistake on the middle figure (After I edited the post twice - grrr). The list should read as follows:

205/55/R16 = Speedometer reading 3.8% too fast.

215/60/R16 Speedometer reading 1.2% too slow.

These are the approved sizes mentioned in the Skoda literature. And finally:

205/60/R16 = Speedometer reading 0.7% too fast.

In another post, member 90000 says the 215/60/R16s are what he settled on after finding the 205/55/R16s unacceptable - but it's the 205/60/R16 size I'm interested in because it seems to get closest to the circumference of the original wheels. I just wondered if there could be some technical reason why this size shouldn't get approval, or whether the sizes mentioned in the literature are just recommendations.

Yes, I made a mistake on the middle figure (After I edited the post twice - grrr). The list should read as follows:

205/55/R16 = Speedometer reading 3.8% too fast.

215/60/R16 Speedometer reading 1.2% too slow.

These are the approved sizes mentioned in the Skoda literature. And finally:

205/60/R16 = Speedometer reading 0.7% too fast.

In another post, member 90000 says the 215/60/R16s are what he settled on after finding the 205/55/R16s unacceptable - but it's the 205/60/R16 size I'm interested in because it seems to get closest to the circumference of the original wheels. I just wondered if there could be some technical reason why this size shouldn't get approval, or whether the sizes mentioned in the literature are just recommendations.

Realistically, I'd just go for the 215. I, and others here, have looked, asked and looked again and asked again (including insurance companies, tyre companies and manufacturers and Skoda UK (and Skoda further abroad) in order to get an accepted, acceptable and practical size for the winter's and that's what, in the main, I / we / they arrived at. All the aforegoing having regard to size relative to the standard 17 inch tyre and not forgetting the 215 is fitted as standard to lower spec. Yetii.

I'm a worryer and if I sleep at night, then anyone else ought to be able to

Edited 28 June, 201115 yr by oldstan