Just to confuse the issue I am running with 205/55/16 winters which have exactly the same sidewall height of 112.5mm as the OEM 225/50/17s and the ride is noticeably different (but not hugely so). That seems to be down to a less stiff wall and the lighter weight of the 16" alloys (less unsprung weight). Even with a higher tyre pressure (winter tyre recommendation of 0.2 bar above standard) the ride is slightly softer. 95% of the time I'd say it's an improvement but I do miss the more planted feeling when taking corners fast.

Before I was thinking about what I could fit I would be checking with my insurance company what they will ALLOW me to fit.

Not finding that out first could be expensive!!

The problem with changing tyre sizes is the fact that it is advised to stay within 2.5% plus or minus of the standard fitment, putting for example a 225/60/17 on in place of the 50 series ( if it would clear the arches etc ) would make the speedo overread and slightly raise the gearing. I have considered fitting a 65 series tyre on our Yeti when the time comes, 215/65/16 is what is fitted to many Freelanders and there is a far greater choice of all terrain type of tyre in that size, it would be 3% larger than standard, but should be ok? I just hate to see 4x4 vehicles on wide low profile tyres!

I asked the question to LV=Frizzells and they said that they would only include a tyre size approved and/or specified by Skoda. And since one of the things that is always checked by insurance assessors following an accident is tyre condition I would not go outside those parameters.

All you need to do is look inside the fuel cap --all the specified tyre sizes for the vehicle are there.

Personally I would't go outside any of those sizes for insurance/ safety reasons--I actually agree with Graham on this one!

I always think that Skoda/VW engineers spend a fair time designing the cars-- who are we to start messing about with that, by going outside design parameters on for what is, for most of the time, cosmetic reasons?

If you do stuff outside the manufacturers recommendations you have to accept that risk and be prepared to deal with it when the wheel comes off [no pun intended]

Edited 16 January, 201313 yr by yetiscot

Hi,

Have a 2.0Tdi 4x4 DSG, and my biggest complaints are HARSH RIDE and not so good seats on a otherwise GREAT little Car.

my model (2.0Tdi 4x4 ) have especially stiff suspension as they have wanted the the vehicle to have a tow capacity of a massive 2000kg.

I think they wanted Equestrian Sport people or something.

the standard 17" are horrible

my (Studless) 16" 215/60/16 Winter tyres are slightly better...but to be honest on bad roads a my Motocross Kidney belt is almost neccesary.

Have even been thinking on trading the car in for a Mercedes GLK ( not avail in UK) / AudiQ5 / BMW X3 (2011-) but that is another £10k.

another option was to take the front suspensin from a 2-wheel drive yeti..however don't know if there is any solution to the rear as the rear suspension

should be ( IMO) different between a 2x4 and 4x4

Any suggestions ?

Yeti On...

We have 17" alloys for summer use and 16" for winter use. The 17" wheels ride very well indeed. The 16" wheels do give a slightly softer and spongy ride but that is worth the trade off for improved grip at that time of the year.

Winter tyres generally give a 'softer' ride whether 17" or 16"

Tyre types and brands, as well as size, can have a huge difference on ride and noise (often affecting perception of ride) "quality". Perhaps a "survey" of tyre type + size vs owner impressions would be a good idea (albeit v subjective)?

.......Perhaps a "survey" of tyre type + size vs owner impressions would be a good idea (albeit v subjective)?

Until there's an international agreement about the factors that would go into a recognised 'Comfort' unit (the 'R'? (Ahh!?)), I think you're totally right that it couldn't be other than subjective. Lots of posts on this subject since I joined the forum a year ago, with little agreement.