Just bought some cheap Audi A4 alloys on ebay. Having checked the wheels, they are 5 stud x 112, and have the code ET42 stamped on them. There is another code 7Jx16H2. So 7 inch rims? The Tyres are 205/55/R16 at the moment. which I will change for winter tyres soon.

My original factory tyres are 225/50/R17. 94 W. Should I get 205/55 R16 94W winter tyres or would 205/55 R16 91H or 91V be ok. Any problems with any of this?

I've been reading the tr theads but it seems to be a minefield! Thanks!

I don't know of many if any W rated winter tyres. The manual states you can fit lower speed rating winter tyres as long as you do not exceed those speeds. H covers the maximum speed in the handbook anyway. You will probably get more hassle declaring the different alloys than the tyres, which you can declare as of spec as specified in the handbook.

Edit: Yes, they are 7 inch.

Edit 2: You may have to get 94 load rating ones, if those are what your car should have. That bit must be adhered to.

Just bought some cheap Audi A4 alloys on ebay. Having checked the wheels, they are 5 stud x 112, and have the code ET42 stamped on them. There is another code 7Jx16H2. So 7 inch rims? The Tyres are 205/55/R16 at the moment. which I will change for winter tyres soon.

My original factory tyres are 225/50/R17. 94 W. Should I get 205/55 R16 94W winter tyres or would 205/55 R16 91H or 91V be ok. Any problems with any of this?

I've been reading the tr theads but it seems to be a minefield! Thanks!

You'd be better served with 205/60 R 16 as this size is almost identical to your current Scout tyres and you can keep one as a full sized spare over the summer as an emergency fitment, and vice versa in the winter. It also makes the stored wheels less stealable being an incomplete set.

Many tyres at this size are 92 load indexed which I think should be acceptable, although you should check the plated axle ratings on your car. My old A4 diesel ran 94s, but checking its plate 91s were acceptable. As a comparison, a 3.0 TDI A6 can just get away with 94s but as I said - best check with your own plate.

There's a lot of debate over all-season tyres but these may be a consideration especially as a (non-directional) compatible spare, and the Hankook Optimo 4S is a good one (personal experience and Auto Expresses verdict) with only a small compromise versus a winter tyre. For use as a spare, a non-directional pattern has an advantage, and a Maxxis UA603 is an inexpensive recommendation with some winter properties.

Thanks for both the answers and advice. But i'm confused. I understand that 205/60 R16 is nearer to the 225/50 R17 than 205/55 R16 but inside the petrol cap is a plate that says tyres are either 225/50 R17 or 205/55 R16. If I go for 205/60 R16 wouldn't that be a non- recommended size (even though it seems perfectly ok)?

Also where/how do I check the plated axle rating of the car?

My usual tyre size is 225/40/18 and I run 205/55/16 winter rubber, the correct size down from 225/50/17 is 205/55/16

all three tyre sizes mentioned have the same rolling radius

My usual tyre size is 225/40/18 and I run 205/55/16 winter rubber, the correct size down from 225/50/17 is 205/55/16

all three tyre sizes mentioned have the same rolling radius

The first two are similar, but the last two aren't - hence the suggestion of a 60 profile.

Paddy - From memory the plate is on the B-pillar where the passenger door is opened. If not, try the engine bay somewhere near the bulkhead on the left.

The two limits on the plate are 1) front and 2) rear, so just ensure the load index on the tyres exceeds 50% of the larger figure i.e. an axle pair will support the plated axle weight.

Each manufacturer cannot conceivably list every possible conversion size on the fuel-flap/door sticker and will list those used for derivatives of that model.

My own view, having worked in the tyre trade, is that conversions are acceptable within limits and that the load index must correspond/exceed the plated axle limits. My insurer supports my views by allowing me to run non-standard conversion sizes e.g 245/45 HR 18 currently fitted to my Scout. I run the same tyre on my allroad too despite that being capable of higher speeds i.e. more that 130mph which neither vehicle has ever achieved.

Of course, I accept that for the avoidance of doubt it is easier to adhere precisely to the manufacturer's stated alternatives. They buy their tyres in bulk and will overspecify to adequately exceed the requirements at all derivative levels, also providing the manufacturer a more profitable replacement stream. Why, for example, does the Scout come with a "full size" spare (if ordered) which is clearly a mismatch? - A conveniently economic oversight.

Whichever viewpoint you take, it doesn't really matter providing it is legal and you accept the compromises involved. Much like choosing a premium tyre versus a budget one where both are legal alternatives.

I hope this makes sense, and I'm just trying to put forward my viewpoint as opposed to being prescriptive.

Thanks very much all!

Just checked my Scout today and it shows the rear axle figure is the higher one at 1250kg. Given a 92 load index tyre equates to 630kg max load, I would be happy to fit them knowing that I shouldn't overload the car. (Although there may be some design tolerance, I wouldn't do this anyway).

If I was towing and was at the nose weight limit of about 80kg (don't know exactly, but my Audi shows 85kg) I would probably go for at least a 93 or 94 as I might be near the load limit with a bootful and full complement of passengers. As my current tyres are 100 load index I'm not losing sleep just yet and have never dreamt of towing a caravan.

Thanks I'll try to get 205/55 R16 94 winter tyres I think W or V speed rating..

205/55 R16 94H or V is the recommended winter tyre size for the Scout, Yeti and most Superb's. The smaller than standard overall diameter is 'designed in' to allow chains to be fitted if required.

Note: 94 is required for 4x4 due to the additional weight.

TP

The additional weight of the plastic cladding, it seems, as my non-scout 4x4 takes 91s. Though I though of upgrading for more durability. Would that even be true?

Curiosity got the better of me so I did some searching on EC regs, Tyre Safety legislation and MOT guidelines. Glad to say that for cars capable of less than 130 MPH (210kph), the car's gross mass i.e. its designed maximum mass, must be less than its maximum axle capacities; and the load index must translate to a figure that will support this axle.

For vehicles capable of over 130mph it gets slightly more complicated as the load index has a variable discount applied to the translated capacity. This changes for V,W, etc. speeds relative to the vehicle's top speed.

All very complicated, but suffice to say I've reassured myself that the plated max axle capacity plate is the key, and my Scout could legally run on 91 Li. The critical thing is that Skoda might disagree and hiccup over any warranty, but most importantly its your insurers who need to support your choice.

Skoda approved winter wheel tyre sizes for my 2010 140Pd FL Scout

Thank you for your email dated 5 December 2010 regarding the correct size of tyre and wheel to be used for driving in the snow.

As requested please find below the combination of tyre and wheel that can be used for your vehicle: -

tyre size wheel size

195/65 R15 91V 6J x 15

195/65 R15 91V 6.5J x 15

205/60 R15 91V 6.5J x 15

205/55 R16 91V 6J x 16

205/55 R16 91V/W 6.5J x 16

205/50 R17 89V 6J x 17