I'm still not sure what is the physical difference between 16" and 17" tyres. Is it the width of the tyre (the bit that is on the road, if i can put it like that?" Are 17" wheels 'thicker', with more rubber on the road, is that it?

Why do they put 17" wheels on if it makes a worse ride? Are there no advantages to 17"? I mean why are they only putting them on the higher spec models?

When you say 'higher profile 16" tyres rather than harsher low profile 17"' I dont understand. Higher profile 16"? Lower and harsher 17" profile? Whats that all actually mean? profile??

You've got me worried now - I'm feeling that if I get the Yeti with 17" wheels its going to be uncomfortable and unsuitable . . . but getting 16" will be a hassle. I cant just ask for 16", I have to persist and demand them . . . I really don't want to be calling Skoda HQ in The Czech Republic and arguing for a change . . . when I dont even know what 'Im changing from or to.

Feeling confused.

Is there nobody thinks that a Skoda Yeti DSG 1.2 TSI fitted as per the normal spec with 17" wheels is OK? is it the general consensus that the car really needs 16" for ordinary average use? In which case sounds like I've been sold a pup.

The difference is the size of the rim hight, so 17in rim less side wall between the rim and the road, 16in more side wall between the rim and the road.

I had a 1.2 on 17in wheels and never found it a problem, my current 110 4x4 is on 17in rim s as well, and the test drive you had was on 17in wheels did you find it uncomfortable if you did you would not have ordered the 1.2, if you are worried go back to the dealer and try a E or S spec yeti as they are on 16in rims

Don't panic!

16" or 17" is the diameter of the actual wheel. The profile of a tyre is the proportion of its width represented by its height-(the distance from the metal of the wheel to the road surface).

Many Yetis are supplied with 17" wheels and most people are happy with the factory choice. The overall circumference of both16" and 17" wheels is the same. In order to achieve this the smaller wheel is fitted with a taller tyre. Some people find this more comfortable over poor tarmac-I have tried both and prefer the 17" wheels.

Wakev is correct if you have driven a standard one and liked it you are fine-if you want to try the feel of the smaller wheels test a lower spec car and see if you are happier.

My guess is you will be just fine with either.

Is there nobody thinks that a Skoda Yeti DSG 1.2 TSI fitted as per the normal spec with 17" wheels is OK? is it the general consensus that the car really needs 16" for ordinary average use? In which case sounds like I've been sold a pup.

It really is a matter of preference, higher spec Yetis (and most other cars) come with lower profile tyres in the UK because they are deemed to be more fashionable and 'cool'. If you were happy with the test drive on 17" wheels then fine, but, as JCP suggests why not try a low spec Yeti with 16" wheels and feel the difference? I test drove a Yeti with 16" wheels and one with 17" wheels back-to-back and the one with 16" wheels was definitely more comfortable with a smoother ride. I contacted Skoda UK (not the Czech Republic!) on 0845 7745745 and got the 16" wheels included on the order at no cost without much problem, just as many others on this forum have done.

With the standard tyres you will find they are available from Dunlop, Continental,, Goodyear and Pirelli but not as widely in stock

at you local Kwikfit type outlet.....occasionally they need a day or two to get them in.

Also not being a popular size they are a bit more expensive (around £150 per tyre fitted).

The optional 16" on Moon alloys not Dolomite as on 17" tyres are less expensive to buy as a more common size..£100-£120 per tyre.

I do not find the 17" tyres uncomfortable. The car doesn't roll on corners/roundabouts even with it's high stance/centre of gravity.

The Dunlops SP Sport 01 's on mine are quiet and give good wear about 20-22k miles front and probably 28k miles rear.

Is there nobody thinks that a Skoda Yeti DSG 1.2 TSI fitted as per the normal spec with 17" wheels is OK? is it the general consensus that the car really needs 16" for ordinary average use? In which case sounds like I've been sold a pup.

Yes.

It's fine.

If you put 16" wheels on you get a slightly softer ride but it rolls more in the corners. It's a personal choice, but look at how well the Yeti has been recieved and how good the reviews are. All these 1.2 cars are on 17" rims. Most of the 1.2 cars on this forum are on 17" rims.

The actual wheel and tyre combined size in 16" or 17" are almost identical, the only difference is the wheel rim is smaller on the 16, so the tyre has more sidewall. Hence more flex which gives a slight improvement to comfort and less direct handling.

I have driven a Greenline on 16" rims and I prefer 17"s.

It's a question of horses for courses.

When I began looking at the yeti, the size if the wheel (not the tyre, just the metal bit) was not a consideration. In fact I didn't even know what size they were.

(un)fortunately I am one of those people who has to research as much as possible about things before committing to a purchase.

So I started reading reviews by the trade press, and came here.

A number of press reviews referred to the handling being "skittish or lively" on some surfaces.

Then I began to read on here that the 17" rims and lower profile tyres gave a harsher ride.

I also thought about the possibility of damage to tyres, if you hit a pothole with a 17" rim and a low profile tyre there is less rubber to cushion the blow and you could be more likely to "pinch" the tyre between rim and hole.

The state of the minor roads in Dorset make this more than just a passing consideration.

I had no less than 3 test drives, the first was on 17's and accompanied by the sales guy over his 'preferred' test route. I was not given the choice of an extended drive. Needless to say I went elsewhere for the next ones.

Heritage in Yeovil allowed me an unattended drive for as long as I wanted (within reason). I then drove a mixed route of major an minor roads with two models, one with 16's and one with 17's. I then came to the conclusion that the 16's more suited my driving needs.

I have owned 2 golf tdi's and an octavia estate all on 16" rims and never felt I was pushing them to the limit. I do not hang about either, I drive as fast as the conditions, speed limits and my abilities dictate.

If you feel unsure about this advice, seek extended test drives in as many models as you feel you need to before making the final decision.

If you want to go down the 16" route your dealer cant make that change, that has to be done by skoda Uk, as others have mentioned.

There are plenty on here who have achieved the change to the spec and will be more than willing to help!

I'm still not sure what is the physical difference between 16" and 17" tyres. Is it the width of the tyre (the bit that is on the road, if i can put it like that?" Are 17" wheels 'thicker', with more rubber on the road, is that it?

Why do they put 17" wheels on if it makes a worse ride? Are there no advantages to 17"? I mean why are they only putting them on the higher spec models?

When you say 'higher profile 16" tyres rather than harsher low profile 17"' I dont understand. Higher profile 16"? Lower and harsher 17" profile? Whats that all actually mean? profile??

You've got me worried now - I'm feeling that if I get the Yeti with 17" wheels its going to be uncomfortable and unsuitable . . . but getting 16" will be a hassle. I cant just ask for 16", I have to persist and demand them . . . I really don't want to be calling Skoda HQ in The Czech Republic and arguing for a change . . . when I dont even know what 'Im changing from or to.

Feeling confused.

Hi Mike,

You might like to have a read through this http://www.carbibles...tyre_bible.html which gives a very comprehensive guide to wheels & tyres.

Then follow the link through to wheel dimensions & matching wheels and tyres http://www.carbibles..._bible_pg4.html

I hope this helps and enlightens, not confuses, you. Good luck.

PS> For what it is worth, in my humble opinion, the 17" wheels/tyres on Yeti are fine for ride quality, not too soft nor too firm, and contribute to the Yeti's fabled high quality ride/handling. Stick with it.

+1 for the PS above.

Mikespike I will leave the decision on 16" or 17" wheels to you as it is very much an each to their own situation. I find nothing wrong with the comfort of my 17" wheels and tyres...

Now one more option to consider: You say your you wife is short, not sure how tall you are? But one option I will definitely advise you to get (if you are both going to drive the car regularly) is the the electric driver's seat. You can save three seat settings and set number 1 to her key and set number 2 to your key. When she walks up to the car and unlocks it with her key, the moment she opens the driver's door the seat and exterior mirrors will move to her position. Do the same after that with your key and it all moves back to your position. It also gives the passenger side mirror the (very useful) functionality of dropping the mirror down to show the kerb when you select reverse. Furthermore the normal Yeti seat can only move the bottom section as one section up and down and the way it works is that the front and back don't move the same amount. The electric seat however has independent adjustment for front and rear as well as a four way adjustment for the lumber. So infinitely more options to get comfortable.

It is not a cheap option but believe me with two drivers you will never ever want to be without this again. I'd take this over cornering fogs and auto wipers any day (if you both drive the car regularly). For one driver it does not make financial sense to be honest unless you want more movement in the seat base.

It is not a cheap option but believe me with two drivers you will never ever want to be without this again. I'd take this over cornering fogs and auto wipers any day (if you both drive the car regularly). For one driver it does not make financial sense to be honest unless you want more movement in the seat base.

Both our Yetis have this option and it's great.

Even though we rarely use each other's Yetis the extra seat adjustment and comfort that results is worth it IMO. So many options you use occasionally, but a better seating position pays you back every time you drive the vehicle.

Our previous one didn't have it, so I can certainly see the difference.

But don't forget the electric seat is only available on the Elegance, unless Skoda have changed their mind. You would also then get the folding mirrors.

Mike

But don't forget the electric seat is only available on the Elegance, unless Skoda have changed their mind. You would also then get the folding mirrors.

Mike

Oops! My bad! Yes, you are right Mike...

This is my understanding of tyre parameters.

The 14/15/16 or 17 refers to the diameter of the tyre. 17 = 17"

The 225/215 refers to the front to rear of the tyre (width?) as viewed from the side of the car. I assume 225 = 225mm (about 9") .So 215 tyre is 10mm narrower front to back.

The 50/60 is a ratio the higher the figure the deeper the side wall dimension..i.e. Inside dia to outside dia distance. Or is it the physical side wall depth dimension in mm ? i.e..is 60 = 60mm = 2.5" sidewall depth?

I think it is the former as latter doesn't look quite right.

The 94W bit is a load and speed rating index..I may have got that the wrong way round. The higher the number, the higher the letter the higher the load and speed that is supported. Heavier cars need a higher numeric value,

higher performance cars need a higher alphabetic value.

Correct me if I have got it wrong.

Edited 10 July, 201214 yr by kibby

This is my understanding of tyre parameters.

The 225/215 refers to the front to rear of the tyre (width?) as viewed from the side of the car. I assume 225 = 225mm (about 9") .So 215 tyre is 10mm narrower front to back.

Correct me if I have got it wrong.

225/215 etc. is the width of the tread, sidewall to sidewall.

Helpful info here;- http://www.carbibles.com/tyre_bible.html

It really is a matter of preference, higher spec Yetis (and most other cars) come with lower profile tyres in the UK because they are deemed to be more fashionable and 'cool'. If you were happy with the test drive on 17" wheels then fine, but, as JCP suggests why not try a low spec Yeti with 16" wheels and feel the difference? I test drove a Yeti with 16" wheels and one with 17" wheels back-to-back and the one with 16" wheels was definitely more comfortable with a smoother ride. I contacted Skoda UK (not the Czech Republic!) on 0845 7745745 and got the 16" wheels included on the order at no cost without much problem, just as many others on this forum have done.

Thank you. I was forgetting from my push-bike days that the wheel and the tyre are not the same . . . the tyre fits round the wheel.

So the wheel (16" or 17") is the metal bit and the big black rubber inflatable tyre goes round it cos driving on the metal bits would be rather uncomfortable. (see what a simple soul I am !!).

To maintain the same circumference of wheel and tyre combined, the actual tyre is bigger with the 16" wheels - and this larger tyre gives a greater 'cushion' between the road surface and the passengers. The negative trade-off is that it is less firm on cornering and more inclined to roll slightly.

Correct?

In which case I will have a go at getting the 16" wheels. Comfort comes HIGH on my list of priorities . . . the older I get.

To maintain the same circumference of wheel and tyre combined, the actual tyre is bigger with the 16" wheels - and this larger tyre gives a greater 'cushion' between the road surface and the passengers. The negative trade-off is that it is less firm on cornering and more inclined to roll slightly.

Correct?

100% correct yes. And one of the best summaries of this in a long time. So if you value comfort over cornering speed/ability then go 16" for sure.