I will try to keep this brief. I have trawled the forums but can't find what I'm looking for.

Standard Scout tyres are 225/50R17.

Recommended winter tyres are 205/55R16 when fitted to 6Jx16 wheels.

However, 205/60R16 tyres are much closer size (circumference) to the standard tyres, also they are available and they are cheaper (quite a bit cheaper as it turns out).

I don't have an issue fitting 60 profile tyres to steel winter wheels (6Jx16) if I wasn't wanting to get a set of snow chains too (ski trips so have valid reason).

Would the 60 profile tyres, fitted to 6Jx16 wheels, work with snow chains or would there be clearance issues? I thought the slimmer steel wheel (6J as opposed to 6.5J) was what was important in terms of suspension clearance etc, and not the actual diameter/circumferance.

If anyone has fitted 205/60R16 tyres I'd love to hear how you got on.

Hi - I looked at 60 series tyres for my Scout, and was absolutely sure they would be OK, in fact ideal for winter conditions, being the same circumference and narrower than the OEM tyres.

BUT, my concern is that using a non-recommended size could provide a loop hole for the insurance to not pay out in the event of an accident. I ended up sticking with 225/50R17 winters on some secondhand Yeti alloy wheels.

It seems daft to me that the approved winter wheels are smaller circumference and therefore lower sump clearance than the summers - but I guess that is the price you pay for snow chain clearance on a car not originally designed for such use.

The other option - Flash 205/50R17s look rather smart by the way - if you put Octavia Scout Haldex in YouTube there is some footage of a test of the car on some rollers in a ski resort somewhere.

Edited 1 September, 201114 yr by London Les

I fit 205/55/16 Winter Tyres and 16" Alloys on my vRs in the winter

Standard is 225/40/18

The 16" Alloys and tyres are the correct circumference...60's will not be

I fit 205/55/16 Winter Tyres and 16" Alloys on my vRs in the winter

Standard is 225/40/18

The 16" Alloys and tyres are the correct circumference...60's will not be

The difference is the standard fit wheels are different sizes to begin with, the Scout's unusual size seems to make it an odd one out!

vRS: Standard 225/40R18 to optional 205/55R16 gives a 0.8% difference (so really close and I expect within what you'll see with just a worn tyre).

Scout: Standard 225/50R17 to optional 205/55R16 gives a 3.8% difference whereas a (non-recommended) 205/60R16 is only 0.7% out - so 60 profile is much closer than the recommended 55 profile.

I appreciate the insurance implications though, even though I don't think there will be any safety issues; I'd never put myself at risk, I mean too much to myself

The difference is the standard fit wheels are different sizes to begin with, the Scout's unusual size seems to make it an odd one out!

vRS: Standard 225/40R18 to optional 205/55R16 gives a 0.8% difference (so really close and I expect within what you'll see with just a worn tyre).

Scout: Standard 225/50R17 to optional 205/55R16 gives a 3.8% difference whereas a (non-recommended) 205/60R16 is only 0.7% out - so 60 profile is much closer than the recommended 55 profile.

I appreciate the insurance implications though, even though I don't think there will be any safety issues; I'd never put myself at risk, I mean too much to myself

If I were you I would go with the 60 profile and inform your insurance company of the change and the reasons why. Also do you have a full size spare, if so check what size that is.

If I were you I would go with the 60 profile and inform your insurance company of the change and the reasons why. Also do you have a full size spare, if so check what size that is.

Spare is 205/55R16. I've asked Skoda Customer Services the question too, although I don't hold out much hope of getting anything back except a standard quote repeated parrot-fashion and with absolutely no thought having gone into answering my question. Oh well, I have a decision to make.

Update, I got an answer back from Skoda in the Czech Republic, it reads:

"Dear ***,

As far as your question concerning “rim-tyres” combination is concerned unfortunately I must disappoint you.

Tyres 205/60 R16 were never tested for Skoda vehicles Octavia Scout included. Skoda company uses tyres 205/60 R15 only.

For this reasons I can confirm you that only combination of rim 6Jx16 ET 50 & tyre 205/55 R16 91H is permitted from the side of “Technical Development” Skoda Auto a.s.

I hope I helped you.

With best regards

Jiri V****"

I was surprised at the load rating quoted, but seeing as the manufacturer ruled out 60 profile tyres I guess my decision has been made .... I was born to conform

There are many modifications Skoda don't test their cars with and I think Type Approval is a complete red herring anyway once you are into the area of modifications. The 60 profile tyre would certainly be a modification and that is what Skoda have made clear. My own opinion is that you just need to balance the benefits of using the 60 profile tyres against the cost of registering a modification with the insurance company. If you already have other modifications then this is less of a worry but you still need to do it.

The same argument would apply to wheel spacers, non-standard brake pads, lowered springs, etc etc.

OK, at the end of the day I conformed and went for the 55 profile tyres; I didn't want any issues with insurance so went with the Skoda recommended size (matches the spare I have in the boot too).

I ordered 4 x Goodyear Ultragrip 8 in 205/55R16 94H fitted to 6Jx16 steel wheels, including delivery came to £637 (from Mytyres). They are due to arrive next week sometime.

I wanted top-spec tyres so was prepared to pay for them; the previous incarnation, the Ultragrip 7+, were top-rated and won a lot of tyre tests so these should be as least as good. Even though places like Camskill now have stock at a reasonable price once I included buying steel wheels and paying for the fitting of tyres (as well as the faff of organising it all) buying online was cheaper and easier for me.

How much????

I paid £200 for Audi A6 alloys and £180 for 4 Khumo Winters

How much????

I paid £200 for Audi A6 alloys and £180 for 4 Khumo Winters

I paid £165 for Audi A4 alloys and £390 for 4 Goodyear ULTRA GRIP 7+ 205/55 R16 91H. Thats £555 in total.

I didn't need to spend that much on tyres but I figured if I am going to be shelling out I might as well get the ones that perform consistently well in the winter tyre reviews. I was put off Khumos a bit as I had them on my last vRS (not winter ones) and they really weren't great in the wet.

How much????

I paid £200 for Audi A6 alloys and £180 for 4 Khumo Winters

I agree it was a lot of money to pay out in one go, but I wanted top-spec winter tyres and the Goodyears definately fit the bill (if bought seperately from Camskill they're approx £415 delivered which was the best price I could find), and then there's the fitting (another £40 as average is £10 a corner) - which means the sub-total is £455; in effect the 4 brand new steep wheels were the equivalent of £182 (or £45.50 each which is cheaper than from the dealer).

The reason it worked for me is that it was all done online, there was no running around getting tyres and wheels together, I saved a lots of time and effort (which is important to me), and I have a set-up that will last me for years to come. Could I have done it cheaper and used second hand items? Possibly, but I didn't really want alloys as I wanted snow chain compatible rims. Am I happy with what I did? Definately, it worked for me and after all the deliberation and investigation I think it was the right thing to do, not for everyone but if we were all the same (esp if we were all like me) the world would be a scary place to live