As discussed on here many times, the Skoda-approved winter tyres sizes for the Yeti on 16-inch wheels are 205/55 and 215/60. The pros and cons of each have been debated.

Yet neither of these is the obvious best match. That would be the 205/60.

It is closer in diameter to the standard 17-inch summer tyre than either of the approved sizes, as this shows:

225/50 R17 - 25.86 inches (summer tyre on 17-inch alloys)

205/55 R16 - 24.88 inches (-3.81%)

215/60 R16 - 26.16 inches (+1.07%)

205/60 R16 - 25.69 inches (-0.76%)

The 205/60 is thus the closest you can get to standard gearing (unless you go to 195/65, which I think would be an extreme choice that would risk leaving the car under-tyred). It is usefully narrower for winter than the 215/60 and visually bigger in the wheel arches than the rather small 205/55. It is a size suitable for either the 6J or 7J rims. It exists and is obtainable. So it looks like the obvious choice of size for a winter tyre. Why then is it not on the approved list? Can anyone see a drawback that I have overlooked?

Not me, as that's precisely what I've got (*Ultragrip 7+, 205x60R16) for the very same reasons you've mentioned. As far as I'm aware the insurance take on this is that the diameter/rolling circumference needs to be the 'same' as the standard tyre. So strictly those going with 215/60R16 coming from the standard 225/50R17 are further out. Of course the fact that the Yeti has standard sizes of 225/50R17, 215/60R16, or 205/55R16 means that going with the 215/60 is fine but then so is 205/60 given the circumference. I'm still not sure where it says the 205/55R16 is Skoda approved for winter tyres though (in the UK), certainly not in my handbook which just says 'refer to documentation'. Plenty more choice going with the 205/60 and significantly cheaper.

* Probably OTT going with Ultragrips in the UK but at £100 a corner and with the mileage I do they will provide excellent service and last me 5 years until they need replacing through age rather than mileage- and should the ice age return I'm ready!

Edited 5 September, 201114 yr by GJay

I'm still not sure where it says the 205/55R16 is Skoda approved for winter tyres though, certainly not in my handbook which just says 'refer to documentation'. Plenty more choice going with the 205/60 and significantly cheaper.

In the handbook it mentions them regard snow chains as there the only 16" size approved if you wish to fit them at the front. Also the GreenLine runs as standard on 205/55 16's.

Regard the mentioned documents Soda UK don't produce them, they just advise you to speak to kwik fit on matters relating to tyres however Skoda Germany do and it's on-line;

My link

Regards,

TP

In the handbook it mentions them regard snow chains as there the only 16" size approved if you wish to fit them at the front. Also the GreenLine runs as standard on 205/55 16's.

Regard the mentioned documents Soda UK don't produce them, they just advise you to speak to kwik fit on matters relating to tyres however Skoda Germany do and it's on-line;

My link

Regards,

TP

The snow chains bit I get but I don't read that to mean that the 205/55R16 are the approved size of course, just what you'll need to use if you want snow chains, if you don't want snow chains then other sizes can be used. I asked Kwik fit and they said 'tyre er what's a tyre'

And of course you're quite right about the German recommendation - but as we're not in Germany then I guess the recommendations of any other country is equally valid?

I guess a bit like the OP I'm struggling to see what the fixation with 215/60R16 is for winter tyres when 205/60R16 seems to offer the same if not better performance for far less cost, greater choice and good aesthetic 'proportions' to boot. Now if there were any way to get 215/60R16 as standard on our SM's that of course would be perfect, eh TP

As discussed on here many times, the Skoda-approved winter tyres sizes for the Yeti on 16-inch wheels are 205/55 and 215/60. The pros and cons of each have been debated.

Yet neither of these is the obvious best match. That would be the 205/60.

It is closer in diameter to the standard 17-inch summer tyre than either of the approved sizes, as this shows:

225/50 R17 - 25.86 inches (summer tyre on 17-inch alloys)

205/55 R16 - 24.88 inches (-3.81%)

215/60 R16 - 26.16 inches (+1.07%)

205/60 R16 - 25.69 inches (-0.76%)

The 205/60 is thus the closest you can get to standard gearing (unless you go to 195/65, which I think would be an extreme choice that would risk leaving the car under-tyred). It is usefully narrower for winter than the 215/60 and visually bigger in the wheel arches than the rather small 205/55. It is a size suitable for either the 6J or 7J rims. It exists and is obtainable. So it looks like the obvious choice of size for a winter tyre. Why then is it not on the approved list? Can anyone see a drawback that I have overlooked?

Sorry, may have added two posts...

I have purchased from SkodaParts (and have mentioned before) 4x Goodyear Eagle Ultra Grip GW-3 205/60 R16 92H BSW with Skoda 16" 7J steel rims (£700). My choice was because they would be less than 1% error on the speedo and that big fat tyres are not that good in the snow! I read the info' in the online manual and the comments here. My only slight concern is that the load rating is 92 as opposed to the manual stating 94. On the charts 92 = 630kgs and 94 = 670kgs. Is that significant?

Still patiently waiting for my Yeti - due mid December...

Peter

As discussed on here many times, the Skoda-approved winter tyres sizes for the Yeti on 16-inch wheels are 205/55 and 215/60. The pros and cons of each have been debated.

Yet neither of these is the obvious best match. That would be the 205/60.

It is closer in diameter to the standard 17-inch summer tyre than either of the approved sizes, as this shows:

225/50 R17 - 25.86 inches (summer tyre on 17-inch alloys)

205/55 R16 - 24.88 inches (-3.81%)

215/60 R16 - 26.16 inches (+1.07%)

205/60 R16 - 25.69 inches (-0.76%)

The 205/60 is thus the closest you can get to standard gearing (unless you go to 195/65, which I think would be an extreme choice that would risk leaving the car under-tyred). It is usefully narrower for winter than the 215/60 and visually bigger in the wheel arches than the rather small 205/55. It is a size suitable for either the 6J or 7J rims. It exists and is obtainable. So it looks like the obvious choice of size for a winter tyre. Why then is it not on the approved list? Can anyone see a drawback that I have overlooked?

I will be running 215/55-16 winter tyres again this winter. I had no problem last winter.

John

Sorry, may have added two posts...

I have purchased from SkodaParts (and have mentioned before) 4x Goodyear Eagle Ultra Grip GW-3 205/60 R16 92H BSW with Skoda 16" 7J steel rims (£700). My choice was because they would be less than 1% error on the speedo and that big fat tyres are not that good in the snow! I read the info' in the online manual and the comments here. My only slight concern is that the load rating is 92 as opposed to the manual stating 94. On the charts 92 = 630kgs and 94 = 670kgs. Is that significant?

Still patiently waiting for my Yeti - due mid December...

Peter

I commented in an earlier post that the Greenline versions have a 92 rated tyre so it probably isn't significant. My 215/55-16 winters are rated 93.

John

Sorry, may have added two posts...

I have purchased from SkodaParts (and have mentioned before) 4x Goodyear Eagle Ultra Grip GW-3 205/60 R16 92H BSW with Skoda 16" 7J steel rims (£700). My choice was because they would be less than 1% error on the speedo and that big fat tyres are not that good in the snow! I read the info' in the online manual and the comments here. My only slight concern is that the load rating is 92 as opposed to the manual stating 94. On the charts 92 = 630kgs and 94 = 670kgs. Is that significant?

Still patiently waiting for my Yeti - due mid December...

Peter

I think the reality is fine with 92 load index given 630kg per corner BUT technically as Skoda suggest 94 index minimum (I believe for diesel engined Yeti's) then in the event of an accident and the investigator spotting the incorrect load index then I think you might have insurance issues. A few if's and but's I know and had you not already purchased then the the answer is clear - you go for the easily sourced 94+ index but as you have purchased you'll have to decide whether you want the hassle of swapping with inevitable financial loss.

Sorry, may have added two posts...

I have purchased from SkodaParts (and have mentioned before) 4x Goodyear Eagle Ultra Grip GW-3 205/60 R16 92H BSW with Skoda 16" 7J steel rims (£700). My choice was because they would be less than 1% error on the speedo and that big fat tyres are not that good in the snow! I read the info' in the online manual and the comments here. My only slight concern is that the load rating is 92 as opposed to the manual stating 94. On the charts 92 = 630kgs and 94 = 670kgs. Is that significant?

Still patiently waiting for my Yeti - due mid December...

Peter

The following is taken from the tyre bible;

"For the sake of simplicity, if you know your car weighs 2 tons - 2000kg - then assume an even weight on each wheel. 4 wheels at 2000kg = 500kg per wheel. This is a load index of 84. The engineer in you should add 10% or more for safety's sake. For this example, I'd probably add 20% for a weight capacity of 600kg - a load index of 90. Generally speaking, the average car tyre is going to have a much higher load index than you'd ever need. It's better to have something that will fail at speeds and stress levels you physically can't achieve, than have something that will fail if you nudge over 60mph with a six pack in the trunk".

My link

Therefore the 92's just fall in the above guidelines as a DSG 4x4 has a gross weight of 2100Kg

TP

I think the reality is fine with 92 load index given 630kg per corner BUT technically as Skoda suggest 94 index minimum (I believe for diesel engined Yeti's) then in the event of an accident and the investigator spotting the incorrect load index then I think you might have insurance issues. A few if's and but's I know and had you not already purchased then the the answer is clear - you go for the easily sourced 94+ index but as you have purchased you'll have to decide whether you want the hassle of swapping with inevitable financial loss.

Indemnity is what the Insurance companies call it. Best to comply for peace of mind. (you really don't want to have to pay not only for the damage to the other vehicle, for the third parties hire vehicle and whiplash injury do you? because if you have an indemnity issue, they will try and recover all costs from you) I know. Its my job

I have 99H XL Winter tyres fitted to my steelies.

The 205/60/16 tyre is not a formally TUV approved tyre size for the Yeti. Frankly you can fit any size of tyre and wheel combination you want to your vehicle, but in event of an accident, your insurance company could theoretically decline to pay out as the tyre size is not of an approved size for the vehicle, unless of course you can otherwise provide some alternative approved testing certification. TUV Approval is an EEC rating and required by all manufacturers of vehicles for cars and motor products registered and used in Germany, and been adopted by Skoda as their primary means of satisfying worldwide approvals.

The 205/60/16 tyre is not a formally TUV approved tyre size for the Yeti. Frankly you can fit any size of tyre and wheel combination you want to your vehicle, but in event of an accident, your insurance company could theoretically decline to pay out as the tyre size is not of an approved size for the vehicle, unless of course you can otherwise provide some alternative approved testing certification. TUV Approval is an EEC rating and required by all manufacturers of vehicles for cars and motor products registered and used in Germany, and been adopted by Skoda as their primary means of satisfying worldwide approvals.

But the tyre size and specification would more than meet the requirements of UK construction and use regulations and the MOT testing requirements.

The UK isn't covered by TUV.

This discussion I getting into the same ground as in previous years. My Yeti came with 225/50-17 tyres. As far as I know there is no other tyre size available as an official option on a 140 Tdi so will I affect my insurance if I fit something different?

John

But the tyre size and specification would more than meet the requirements of UK construction and use regulations and the MOT testing requirements.

The UK isn't covered by TUV.

This discussion I getting into the same ground as in previous years. My Yeti came with 225/50-17 tyres. As far as I know there is no other tyre size available as an official option on a 140 Tdi so will I affect my insurance if I fit something different?

John

I can quite understand the insurance companies accepting a 'different' tyre size, which is the same diameter, but NOT the reduced loading. You shouldn't ever use a lesser loading than recommended in the handbook.

I can quite understand the insurance companies accepting a 'different' tyre size, which is the same diameter, but NOT the reduced loading. You shouldn't ever use a lesser loading than recommended in the handbook.

And yet as I said in an earlier post, the Greenline Yeti which has a maximum vehicle weight of 1,955kg against the 140 Tdi max weight of 2,070kg so only 115kg less or 28.75kg less per wheel comes with 205/55-16 91H tyres?

John

You shouldn't ever use a lesser loading than recommended in the handbook.

Would you please be kind enough to tell me where to find that recommendation in the handbook?

Would you please be kind enough to tell me where to find that recommendation in the handbook?

Try TP's tyre & rim guide for starters.

Try TP's tyre & rim guide for starters.

I am familiar with that, and among its 'Tested and recommended' tyres is one with a load factor of 91. Not quite in harmony with information elsewhere (or even in this thread), then. But I asked about the handbook, which you mentioned as making a recommendation. Unless you can show me otherwise, it seems there is no information in the (UK) handbook about minimum load factors. Once again Skoda UK makes it hard to find important information, even when it is safety-related.

Once again Skoda UK makes it hard to find important information, even when it is safety-related.

I'm not aware of any car manufacturer that makes minimum load index information readily available. Most people look at what's fitted new and use that as gospel but if you want to make your own decision look at the maximum axle weights stamped on the ministry plate and use that as a starting point, adding a margin of safety with which you feel comfortable, (for example, an extra 10-20%).

I went to a local Skoda Dealer for steel wheels and tyres for my Yeti 4x4 and they've supplied 16 inch(7J) wheels with Cooper Weathermaster ST3 tyres which are 205/60/R16 and rated 96T. So it seems from other posts that this is closet to the standard fitted Dunlop 225/50/R17 94W in circumfrence and no concern re load factor index. It's not a drawback to me that I would only be able to fit snowchains to the rears as I have no intention of going anywhere that needs them and a T speed rating is not a problem as I won't be driving at anything near their maximum.

its to allow for snow chains.

TUV is important if you ever intend to take your Yeti abroad, especially to a country that requires winter tyres by law and you to have make chains. You'll essentially void your eu insurance cover. As the TUV testing and approval is quite extensive and based on the fact they get a shed load of snow in most of Europe every year, and UK insurers are mostly underwritten by eu insurers, it will still have a bearing in a prang.

I know someone who goes skiing regularly and got caught out this way.

Insurers have warmed to and accept winter tyres if you tell them, but will expect you to conform to what's written in the handbook and I expect them to check if you have an accident in the snow they're correct just as most do anyway with summer tyres by default.

its to allow for snow chains.

TUV is important if you ever intend to take your Yeti abroad, especially to a country that requires winter tyres by law and you to have make chains. You'll essentially void your eu insurance cover. As the TUV testing and approval is quite extensive and based on the fact they get a shed load of snow in most of Europe every year, and UK insurers are mostly underwritten by eu insurers, it will still have a bearing in a prang.

I know someone who goes skiing regularly and got caught out this way.

Insurers have warmed to and accept winter tyres if you tell them, but will expect you to conform to what's written in the handbook and I expect them to check if you have an accident in the snow they're correct just as most do anyway with summer tyres by default.

TUV/SUK

I went down the SUK route last December to try to ascertain the manufacturer's 'approved' tyre/wheel combinations. Initially they told me they would only approve the wheel/tyre sizes already fitted to the Yeti but when I approached them a few weeks later they provided a range of recommended sizes which incidentally included fitting 16" tyres to 17" rims! (or vice versa, I can't remember). There was one other anomaly I pointed out per the correspondence below (item in red text) but they refused to acknowledge it was an error.

Final position from SUK:

Here are the revised figures.

205/55/16 6Jx16

205/55/16 7Jx16

215/60/16 6Jx16

205/50/17 6Jx17

My response re. anomaly:

"I think the third option should read "215/60/16 7Jx16" - please see the bottom section in the table on page 184 of 212 of the attached Skoda TUV 'standard tyre' document. [Also, throughout this document, the 215 tyres are matched only with the 7J wheels for all Skoda models]"

Reference to Skoda TUV 'standard tyre' document

"The table heading "Gen-Nr. e11*2007/46*0010*07" refers to the Type Approval Number that appears on my V5c registration documents and "CBZB" is the Skoda Engine Code for the 1.2 petrol engine. Other 1.2 Yeti owners on the Briskoda forum have already been advised by SUK that the 215 tyres should be fitted to the 7J wheels and I've promised to update them with the corrected information. I would therefore appreciate your confirmation that my understanding is correct."

Thanks for replies. I told my insurer, Direct Line, that the winter tyres weren't a recommended size and they were fine about it - no increase to premium. I'm not taking the Yeti abroad and not fitting snow chains so thse tyres should be no problem for me.

ps it also doesn't make sense to me that if 205/55/16 and 215/60/16 are approved sizes then why shouldn't the intermediate size of 205/60/16 not be OK (other than too big for chains)

Edited 30 October, 201114 yr by calv123

Thanks for replies. I told my insurer, Direct Line, that the winter tyres weren't a recommended size and they were fine about it - no increase to premium. I'm not taking the Yeti abroad and not fitting snow chains so thse tyres should be no problem for me.

ps it also doesn't make sense to me that if 205/55/16 and 215/60/16 are approved sizes then why shouldn't the intermediate size of 205/60/16 not be OK (other than too big for chains)

Is common availability or increase in cost an issue? Obv this would be EU biased info in the handbook, so could the size you mention be an issue?

The works Mondeo uses a size which is more expensive than other more common sizes in 16" which adds around £20 to the price. It's also not always commonly stocked size for every brand for a drive-in need one now.

Select the same tyre in the Octy 16" size and it's cheaper. Even the 17" size on my own Octavia works out cheaper.

The only bearing I can think of.

Is common availability or increase in cost an issue? Obv this would be EU biased info in the handbook, so could the size you mention be an issue?

The works Mondeo uses a size which is more expensive than other more common sizes in 16" which adds around £20 to the price. It's also not always commonly stocked size for every brand for a drive-in need one now.

Select the same tyre in the Octy 16" size and it's cheaper. Even the 17" size on my own Octavia works out cheaper.

The only bearing I can think of.

I've just put my winter wheels on. 215/55-16 on steels as fitted to my previous Passat. This is the second season on my Yeti. Insurance company is aware and the car is fully compliant with UK MOT requirements.

John