I managed to pick up some new 15" 6J steel wheels in readiness for some nice winter tyres later this year. These came off a Seat, with an off set of ET38. The standard VRS spare wheel has an off set of ET43. Does the extra 5mm protrusion on the steelie have any effect at all in terms of handling? I know that arch clearance won't be an issue as I'll be dropping the winter tyre size to 185/60. Just curious to know as the ET38 wheels seem to be easier to get hold of.

ET38 was standard before the FL2 Fabia. I`ve also a set of wintertyres with ET38, according to the mechanic it wouldn`t make any difference (haven`t used them yet)

Maybe someone else knows what difference it makes.

A 10mm overall increase in the track of the car, Might make it a teeny tiny bit more stable, Which would be negated by the reduction in tyre width!

So basically, Not a blind bit of difference!

My gut feeling was that it shouldn't make a difference, I would think the main reason for correct ET is to preserve the clearance between wheel arch and strut? Anyway, I got a good deal on the rims, £45 for four,better than the £57 apiece that Skoda wanted. I got them from Gilders Seat in Sheffield, they replace the steel wheels on their new basic models with alloys to make them more saleable. If anyone else is interested they may well have some more, I know they've got a set of 15" off a Leon, but I think the PCD is 112 on these?

Regarding these type of steel wheels are they heavier or lighter than your typical stock alloy wheels?