Hi

I've an Octavia petrol manual vRS reg 2009, the facelifted model

It's currently on Michelin Pilot Sports 225 40 18 92Y extra load

I need to replace these

I've previously used Winter tyres for other cars, keeping a separate set of wheels and tyres

But that's a bit of a pain (not least because when you sell the car, you're stuck with the spare wheels and tyres).

So I thought I'd go for all seasons this time. I've heard really good things about Vredestein Quatrac 3. These are only available in V rated (everything else is the same)

I've no problems personally using them - V goes up to 149mph and the top speed of the car is 151mph approx, so no worries

However, I'm worried about insurance. My insurers say on their website "you don't need to tell us if you safely fit Winter tyres, it counts as an acceptable modification"

Safely is the key word here. I'm guessing if it came to it (i,e, an accident), they would check if the tyres were manufacturer approved. I phoned the Skoda dealer where I bought the car and they said "we don't have any all season tyres in Y". (Although they do have some winter tyres in Y).

Tyremen (who I've found very helpful) say that normally insurers will let you drop one speed rating for Winter tyres. But that seems a bit random, and it would only go to W anyway.

So,

Is there some official list somewhere of tyres acceptable for this car? (The owners manual refers to documents I don't have)

What do people think of the idea of running Winter tyres (Y rated) all year round?

Thanks for any help

Mark

Edited 30 October, 201213 yr by Custom24

Guess you would need to contact your insurers?

I have, and they say as long as the tyres are "appropriate and suitable". When pressed, they say "as long as the tyres are manufactured for the car". They evade the question of "are these specific tyres OK". Still trying to pin them down, but I thought if there was something official looking somewhere, it would put my mind at rest.

I would just ask the insurance company prob by email so you get an actually record of response to keep. For an insurance company in UK to insist on tyres speed ratings is a joke tbh since we have a 70mph national speed limit on motorways and dual carriageways only. As I am on a semi rant I am pleased however that they say about winter tyres being acceptable. I do hate the fact that most seem to charge more if you put on different winter wheels which are another size as recommended by manufacturer even though you are increasing your safety and lowering your chance of a claim and they will generally be worth less than the originals they replace, disgusts me doesn't happen in most other countries they encourage you to put winters on!

I have all seasons on now but on 16" Audi alloys 205/55/16 my insurance company wants to have my babies as a result if I were in the UK I would most likely face an admin fee adding them and removing them and possibly an increased premium........... Why would I bother in the UK as a result.

Fubar

Yes that's what I've done. They eventually replied with something which I think would cover me, and I'm going to go forward with the Vred's on that basis.

When asked if specifically the Vred's were OK, and if there is a list somewhere they use to determine what is and isn't acceptable, I expected them to say "consult your manufacturer", but instead they replied

"As long as the tyres are a suitable size for the vehicle, i.e not too big, your cover is not affected. The do not have to be specifically manufactured for your vehicle, as long as they are appropriate."

So I'm taking that as a green light.

As far as I know they must also be the same speed rating too. Lower speed rating than what's fitted or approved for your vehicle can affect insurance as they ain't specified by manufacturer.

As far as I know they must also be the same speed rating too. Lower speed rating than what's fitted or approved for your vehicle can affect insurance as they ain't specified by manufacturer.

I was looking at a cars EU Certificate of Conformity today and the tyre speed rating was even on that :(

It's good to be aware of all this stuff but what about the poor little old lady who goes into kwik fit and they just fire on one a speed rating lower etc

I was looking at a cars EU Certificate of Conformity today and the tyre speed rating was even on that :(

It's good to be aware of all this stuff but what about the poor little old lady who goes into kwik fit and they just fire on one a speed rating lower etc

To be honest kwik fit are more likely to put on the most expensive tyre lol.

To be honest kwik fit are more likely to put on the most expensive tyre lol.

very true but no good if the most expensive is the wrong rating