Hello,

Just bought a vRS TDI Estate and will be collecting it on Saturday... I'm really looking forward to it!

I do a fair bit of miles both in the UK and France due to my work and need to get some winter tyres on it.

But I can't seem to find what the homologuated winter wheel tyre size in the UK, any idea of what it is?

I am also wondering if using steel wheels (without the TMPS sensors) will be an issue (i.e.: car always beeping, etc.). If so, I may be better off buying some 18-inch winter tyres.

What do you think/recommend?

Thanks in advance.

Ludo

If you do a search, the subject about winter wheels/tyres is quite common on here - most seem to buy a second set of 16" wheels as dedicated winter wheels (16" is the smallest size that will fit over the brakes & callipers on the vRS). 16" tyres are also a lot cheaper than their 18" equivalents.

There are no sensors in the wheels for tyre pressure, the system works by monitoring the relative speed of each wheel and if one is turning differently to the others it assumes that the tyre is deflated.

Just input your reg plate on mytyres website it will show you the correct size of wheel etc you need. Worked for me on my last car anyway.

No expert on winter tyres/wheels but I've read several hundred posts on the subject of which most are very constructive.

As Jock says above several tyre sites will calculate which tyres/wheels are suitable for your car especially from your reg or make.

Just a thought, my acceptable wheel sizes are shown on the inside flap of the fuel filler compartment but I don't have a VRS.

another thought - winters are best kept to smallest size possible tyres so 18" would be to be avoided and the tyres would be super expensive anyway in the premium brands.

I found Oponeo to be much the cheapest for tyres but they did not show a steel wheel/tyre combination. I think Mytyres did.

I've read lots of tests so suggest Continental TS850, Goodyear Ultragrip 8 Or Nokian WR D3 as some of best performers.

r

Most vRS owners go for 205/55/16 tyres on a 16" wheel - this is the same size as the spare wheel if you ordered that as a factory option.

Yep 205/55/16 on my vrs estate for winter work well the tmps just had to be reset (press and hold button 5 secs from memory)

Try Rainworth skoda in Mansfield as they are doing some good deals on winter wheels and tyres at the momment, and they deliver. And yes stick with the 205/55/16 on steel rims. Phil.

Whilst narrower tyres are undoubtedly better in snow and have a reduced chance of aquaplaning, don't rule out larger/default sizes as the cold/wet conditions prevalent in winter are far more common i the "winter tyre season".

Yes, tney will cost more and require original or larger (than 16“ steel) wheels, which may then preclude the fitment of snow chains; but if these are non-issues then don't discount winter (CWT) versions of your OE size.

Of course, if you want the best compromise with a snow bias go for the 205/55 R16 option.

My experience is based on having used 275 width CWTs where only snow made me wish for less width - not on an Octavia obviously.

I went to new alloys and GY Ultragrip 8s - Very good indeed (in fact better than summer SC3 that they replaced in terms of ride comfort). Expensive option tho' but IMO worth it.

205/55/R16 are the correct size to fit over the VRS front callipers. Just check the load rating on the winter tyres (92XL on Conti standard tyres) - extra load (XL) tyres fitted to the estate.

I have a set of the same size (Kleber - owned by Michelin) fitted to my wife's Golf; however, had to purchase XL tyres for the new Skoda estate. Vredestein Wintrac Xtreme fitted - not tested in snow yet, but performance good in the wet and at speed on Autobahn. Tyres fitted to non-standard alloys so needed to purchase new bolts, locking wheel nuts and adaptors to fit onto disc/hub.

Edited 23 November, 201213 yr by Black_Sheep

Thank you for all the answers.

I guess I will go down the 205 55 16 (XL)

If I go with standard steel wheels, will I need different bolts, adaptors, etc?

Re TPMS, that's an interesting way of doing it. Curious to see how reliable that is vs standard TPMS sensors.

Thanks

Ludo

Best thing is to what i did, go to a scrappy and get some steelies off the Superb, 205.55.16's i think? I got a fuell set for £10 per corner, two new Goodyear's at the front and two part warn at the rear, im putting them back on this year when it gets cold enough. embrace of your taxi roots

Thank you for all the answers.

I guess I will go down the 205 55 16 (XL)

If I go with standard steel wheels, will I need different bolts, adaptors, etc?

Re TPMS, that's an interesting way of doing it. Curious to see how reliable that is vs standard TPMS sensors.

Thanks

Ludo

No your original wheel bolts will fit with no probs and you dont need any type of adaptors.

Re TPMS, that's an interesting way of doing it. Curious to see how reliable that is vs standard TPMS sensors.

Thanks

Ludo

Has everyone overlooked his confusion about how the tyre pressure monitoring system works, sounds like he thinks there are sensors inside the wheels.

Ludo, the sensors are attached to the hub and take a speed reading off the abs ring so changing wheels doesnt affect the tpms. All you have to do is reset the system using the button on the dash once tyre pressures are set up.

Ok sorry, first post pointed it out