Ok, with help from many on here (Thank you). I have narrowed down my winter tyre to the Continental 850. However there are big differences in price between the 'h' and 'v'. Been told this is the tyre I need is 205/55 R 16 94V-XL

 

Does it really matter if I go 'h' and not 'v'. As you can see here a big difference in cost and in reality what difference would I see when driving?

 

May not buy form here but it shows the difference

 

http://www.tyres-pneus-online.co.uk/car-tyres-205-55-16.html

 

Thanks

This may help: http://www.briskoda.net/forums/topic/291189-h-v-w-z-y-which-tyre-code-for-vrs-winter-tyres/

The letter is the speed rating, not the loading rating

 

Blackcirlce Type: Load Rating  /  Speed Rating

Duhh. Sorry, yes speed not load.   

 

@ Thewanderer From that link it seems to say that it doesn't matter so long as you know the limit of the tyres you are buying. Reality is I rarely do above 80 even on a glorious day, so in bad weather?

 

@ snowmuncher Thanks for those links. I kind of get the feeling that the load reading (been advised 94), cannot be messed with like the speed can? I have the potential to go for a 94 h but not a 91 h?

Been in contact with Skoda UK Technical about the new Octavia III 4x4 I have on order. Had been hoping to use the 7Jx16 steel rims I use for the Yeti but they say no they won't fit (even though an independent tyre specialist has said otherwise). Also stated I 'must' use V rated winter tyres with the 2.0 TDI engine. So to stay the safe side of the insurance I'm going to follow what they say.

 

If you have a 2.0 TDI then this might apply to the Superb also.

 

 

TP

Duhh. Sorry, yes speed not load.   

 

@ Thewanderer From that link it seems to say that it doesn't matter so long as you know the limit of the tyres you are buying. Reality is I rarely do above 80 even on a glorious day, so in bad weather?

 

@ snowmuncher Thanks for those links. I kind of get the feeling that the load reading (been advised 94), cannot be messed with like the speed can? I have the potential to go for a 94 h but not a 91 h?

 

Last time I read the tyre regs, this appeared the case

 

If I read them correctly you can use a higher load index too

 

imho you shouldn't drop your speed index too much for winters - remember the vast majority of winter driving is done in 'normal' wet/dry tarmac conditions, so the tyres need to be able to handle your normal driving style/speed

Duhh. Sorry, yes speed not load.   

 

@ Thewanderer From that link it seems to say that it doesn't matter so long as you know the limit of the tyres you are buying. Reality is I rarely do above 80 even on a glorious day, so in bad weather?

 

@ snowmuncher Thanks for those links. I kind of get the feeling that the load reading (been advised 94), cannot be messed with like the speed can? I have the potential to go for a 94 h but not a 91 h?

 

I've got a set of TS850's (225/45 R17 94H XL)  for my vRS when it arrives. I suppose I should have gone for the 91V, but I don't foresee myself doing high speeds in the winter, so the 130 mph H-rated ones will be more than sufficient, for my needs as I wouldn't go anywhere near 100 mph in snow & ice. 

All depends where/how you drive in the winter I guess

 

For example if you're driving to the Alps through Germany , then a high speed rating maybe called for

All depends where/how you drive in the winter I guess

 

For example if you're driving to the Alps through Germany , then a high speed rating maybe called for

 

Oh yes most certainly, but then again I would question your sanity if you drove at high speeds in the snow or icy conditions. 

I'm not suggesting you should.

 

I was trying to use an extreme example of the type of conditions you might put a winter tyre through - eg majority of driving actually done on clear tarmac high speed road (where the high speed rating comes in), with only a small percentage of driving in low friction winter conditions

 

 

 I would question your sanity

 

probably a good idea - this looks like fun to me

 

Thanks guys. All done, Went for Continental 850's and 94V. I could save a few pennies by going H but decided against, the real saving was to go load rating 91 but was told that was a no, no, so the Contis are expensive but am confident they will be worth it. Thanks for help.

What Skoda and what your insurers say may have implications on your warranty and insurance, but the tyre data should prevail.

Use the load plate which shows the maximum axle capacity to determine the minimum load index required. This is the maximum load capacity for which the vehicle is approved and so includes passengers and load. Use the higher of the two axle figures unless you will knowingly exceed this capacity. Speed only factors into load index a over 130 MPH.

For speed index you can generally drop down a level for winter use, but again these are insurance views and any reputable tyre will be approved for its speed AND load rating. You need only worry if you are using them outside these design parameters and should be more concerned with the tyre's performance.

The Skoda stance allows for a large safety margin with an economic agenda and its easier for the insurers to support this than query the alternatives - hence their tight prescriptions.

Of course there's a sense of comfort from following the prescribed route and its the safest way for most.

Agreee with Jeeves; there's precious little point in going for a tyre speed rating that's significantly higher than you're going to use. If you car doesn't go faster than 130 mph you're covered if the tyres are H-rated or better.

 

The load rating is another matter; it's a legal requirement to use tyres that together are able to support the maximum axle load indicated on the ministry plate. I've noticed that manufacturers seem to specify about a 20% margin on this -- the minimum tyre load specified by the manufacturer is at least 20% larger than half the maximum axle weight -- presumably this is to cover transients where more of the load is carried by one tyre.

You'll need to comply with the manual's tyre ratings otherwise your insurance might have room to wriggle out of any claim.

It may also void your insurance.

Well I have asked my insurance company about the use of H rated tyres on my vRS and they're quite happy for me to use them.

That's fine so long as you get it in writing from the insurer.