After being told by SUK that it might be better to change the alloys in winter to steels so as not to damage the alloys, I'm left - yet again - wondering what the point of alloys is.  Seems to be purely for decorative purposes, and also, I'm guessing, to keep the weight down to keep within particular vehicle taxation bands.

 

They're much more likely to be stolen, much less resistant to pothole damage, and also, it seems, more likely to be damaged by winter road conditions!

 

Is it yet another case of fashion over function?

 

And any advice, please, on the response?  Presumably to lay out on a set of steels (1.2TSI FL Elegance) and winter tyres?  I've seen £500 mentioned in another thread for this, which seemed reasonable to me, but I'd appreciate any advice on what to go for, and where to get it.

I actually bought a spare set of smaller 16" alloys from a Seat Leon at under £100.00 for the four in reasonable condition.  Conducted a £20.00 ish DiY refurb using plastidip (not required, this was just for my benefit).  I added to this a set of four Nankang SV2 winter tyres at £200.00 from MyTyres.

 

The above won't be for everyone but excluding any fitting costs, in my case £40.00 but just as a cost example I have a set of very nice looking winter alloys that didn't cost me the earth so if they get a scuff I wont mind, with new winter tyres in a size I'm happy with (didn't need to drop to 15" wheels) fully fitted, balanced and on my car for £360.00, cheaper I think than going down the route of steel wheels.

 

I have a Fabia MK2 which is 5x100PCD giving lots of options on cheap alloys but I'm sure some can be found for the Yeti also, without much trouble.  Tyre size influences cost greatly so do your research first on what you want to fit, smaller slimmer wheels should do well in snow and be cheaper.

Official VAG   16"  steel wheels part no. V3C0 601 027 M0 3C  £39.38 + VAT  (price at May 2011)

 

 

See here.....   http://www.briskoda.net/forums/topic/200085-steel-rims-for-winter/

Plus the wheel trims are called RIF or use non VAG ones and stick "SKODA" badges (from Ebay) in the centre.      http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/SKODA-EMBLEM-55MM-WHEEL-CENTER-CAP-STICKER-LOGO-BADGE-WHEEL-TRIMS-/291000295742?pt=UK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&hash=item43c0f8213e

 

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Skoda-Emblem-Wheel-Centre-Cap-Sticker-Logo-Badge-Wheel-Trims-55mm-Domed-/290904153428?pt=UK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&hash=item43bb3d1d54

Edited 12 November, 201312 yr by oldstan

as you said - alloy are lighter and look better, no other benefits. Just the opposite actually.

I some trims they're standard so not really a choice. 

Also you can check your options using www.willtheyfit.com input your current wheel and tyre combination and the one you plan to move to and the website will give you your diameter change/speedo erro.

Well-made alloys are lighter and stronger than steels, and since the alloy has better heat dispersion qualities your brakes and tyres will run cooler so you get better acceleration and fuel economy, plus brake and tyre life.

Alloy wheels are rarely any lighter than their steel equivalent.

Alloys are more decorative.

Alloys are rarely stolen nowadays.

You can't see what wheels you have when you are driving.

You can't get 17" wheels in steel.

Out of curiosity I weighed the 16" steel wheels with winter tyres+ rif wheel trims .

They weighed exactly the same as the standard 16" moon alloys with summer tyres.

Alloys simply look better IMHO,  plus the fact you don't have to cover up the ugly steel wheel with wheel trims which you later lose,  or have to faff about with when changing a wheel.

I've bought a set of Spectrum alloys for winter use... washed regularly and treated with care when parking,  I don't expect them to deteriorate faster than steel wheels would... in fact, they won't go rusty.

Alloys simply look better IMHO,  plus the fact you don't have to cover up the ugly steel wheel with wheel trims which you later lose,  or have to faff about with when changing a wheel. 

 

 

doesn't have to be ugly steel...

 

I suppose sat in the pub car park with a drink, thats the time to admire your alloys

Never think about mine or the winter steels, just get in and drive, after all  its a transport thing not something for the mantelpiece! :sun:

Last winter I ran my winter tyres on a set of refurbed Audi A3 alloys from that internet auction place.

 

This year, after seeing a post on here, I am now running a set of Spectrums - The A3's having gone back to where they came from.

From a purely personal point of view I don't like the look of steels, with or without trims.

Our Yeti is one of the "special builds" and consequently I have 16" rims for summer and winter so I prefer to keep the visual aspect the same all year round.

 

As for damage, there is a risk of course, but with winter rubber and sensible driving I feel fairly confident that I am unlikely to kerb a wheel.

 

I have just swapped the Moons for the Spectrums and thought I would post a few pics in case anyone was considering a set of Spectrums..

 

Summers

 

Mixed

 

Winters

Alloy wheels were of some use in fast cars if they were light enough. Their low unsprung weight helped the suspension do it's thing better Can' you tell I have worked on the BTCC show

 

I am slightly confused why you would worry about damaging alloys with winter tyres on a Yeti. Don't they have relatively big sidewalls? I have used alloys with winters for the last 5 winters and not found any problems at all

17" dolomite alloys for summer use.

16" steel and Michelin alpins for winter.

The only concession I've made to looks is a set of home made caps, with obligatory Skoda logo, to cover the hub nut and I quite like the utilitarian look.

If the steels get ropey they'll get painted during summer.

....Our Yeti is one of the "special builds" ....

Good to see a familiar set of Moons, mate!

One of the justifications for steel wheels on winter tyres is that in the winter you have more opportunity to skid and swipe a kerb.  It's not then a case of scuffing an alloy that becomes important, but the fact that a cold alloy wheel will often crack rather than bend, leaving you stranded.  A steel wheel will tend to dent or bend, which may render the wheel unstable but may still get you home/out of trouble.  You may also be able to whack it back into some kind of shape, something you will never do with several chunks of alloy.

For anyone who is interested (and doesn't stray beyond the Yeti forum) I have posted pics of my cleaning regime before putting the Summer alloys to bed... here

There's not alot of weight difference between alloys and steels, unless the alloy is some exotic, expensive Magnesium one.  Magnesium in my view though light is a bit of a liability should there be a fire.  I've heard reports of overheating starter motors setting off the gearbox casting, causing a catastrophic fire.  Some manufacturers do a sculpted steel wheel which when fitted with the matching wheel trim is virtually indistinguishable fro an alloy.

Skoda alloys are quite likely to be heavier than steel wheels.  The winter steels on our Octavia are 15", same as the alloys, but are noticeably lighter.  OK, the tyre is 10mm narrower but it also has a lot more tread because it's new.

 

It is all about looks, unless you get into really expensive forged alloy wheels which can use a lot less material.  The old BBS cross-spokes you see on 1980s VWs and BMWs could weigh as little as 9lb bare.  Skoda alloys have a very good finish compared to, say, Mazda OEM wheels, and will survive many winters without looking bubbly, but they are not lightweight.

Hi Guys,

 

Interesting discussion BUT any insurance issues changing from the "standard" wheels?

 

Grumpy

Impossible to answer, as different companies have different policies.

Just notified Skoda insurance that I was fitting Spectrum alloys and nokian winter tyres and they were happy with that.

I think alloy wheels improve the look of any car or van for that matter 

Hi Guys,

 

Interesting discussion BUT any insurance issues changing from the "standard" wheels?

 

Grumpy

 

see link in post 1 here;

 

http://www.briskoda.net/forums/topic/221007-abi-list-of-insurers-regarding-winter-tyres/

 

 

TP

so, same case as with metallic paint? just the look?

I would add one more benefit though - no rust on alloys.