I was just wondering if a set of 8x17 wheels would fit on an Octavia Collection 1.9 TDI (if that matters). Would these wheel collide/hit with anything and would they look good??

Also would this size be a good balance between performance/comfort??

Also wondering what the inset/outset of the octavia is aswell and the pitch circle diameter

Hi Inquirer,

I think that for everyday use, you would be better off with 7x17" wheels with ET38 offset - you could use 215/45 or possibly 225/45 tyres - these will maintain the correct rolling radius. In my experience any profile lower than 45 makes the ride too harsh and also the tyre sidewall vulnerable to puncturing.

H.T.H

John.

Welcome to Briskoda, inquirer.

My 4X4 has factory-fitted 6.5Jx16 H2 ET42 alloys, if that is of any help to you.

I didn't know the 4x4 wheels were ET42 Denis !

IF (a big IF) I go for something bigger next year, I presume that ET35/38 are still ok and I don't need to hunt down some ET42's ?

the late car 51 has run on 8.5x18 et 35 and 8x17et30 tt rims the latter fit easily ... the former needed 5mm spacers on the front.

if the offset of the 8-17 is between et28 and 38 you should get them on ok with 225/45

Agreed dont go below 45's as comfort will suffer, also deeper tyres offer slightly more rim protection !1

If you have any thoughts about fitting bigger brakes in the future bear this in mind when you choose your wheels to ensure calliper clearance will be OK

Alright, almost there then...

I was told today by my local wheel and tyre dealer that the octavia takes (confirmed by the wheel and tyre bible) :

1. 205/55 R16

2. 205/50 R17

3. 225/45 R17

4. 235/40 R18

For wheel I have decided by your input that I am going for 7x17. For tyre what would be the better option 2 or 3??

Can i go for option 3 takeing in mind that the wheel is 7" wide, which is 177,8 mmwide??

Option 2 is what is fitted to the RS (hatch) as standard. Quite a few people have gone up to 225/45 as the tyres are cheaper and being wider they offer better grip.

Can you still use the same alloys between option 2 and 3?

Yes Q , you certainly can .

But I don't suppose it would be smart if you only have to replace one set (front or back) to mix and match (i.e. run option 2 on front, and option 3 on back)?

When we had the mini Southern meet I had 225/45 on the rear and the standard 205/50 on the front.

After next tyre change I have 225/45 all round now.

I guess the only thing that woud happen, and didn't to me, is that if you're really pushing understeer is even more likely due to there being more grip at the rear due to wider tyres....well this is my basic understnading anyway.

I think Lotus did this on the Elise and Vauxhall VX to stop them oversteering.

So it would have been slightly better to have the 225/45 on the front then? But I guess that makes it harder to 'get rid of' the old 205/50's then...

Yep......hence why they went on the back.

Plus, to me, it would have looked a little strange.....wider on the front and slimmer at the back. Or may be it just me being a tart.

Your words, not mine :p

so the answer is almost set. Would a set of 7x17 wheels with a set of 225/45 R17 tyres have a difference in komfort and grip on the road in winters time over the standard wheels.

Because I am after getting a better grip but i don't want to sacrifice komfort alot. Is this a good mix??

On snow you will have slightly less traction than your standard tyres because the extra width means less cutting through snow, but in the dry you will have more for the same reason. Comfort, ride will be slightly harder but not overly so because there is less tyre wall to flex and absorb bumps.

Will you be doing much driving on snow?

well, i am in bergen, norway, so i am going to have a bit of snow driving, but the snow usually disappears from the road in a couple of hours, max 1-2 days, due to salting of the road and the temperatures in bergen.

Will the loss of cutting and grip be serious??

Not really, I had no problems earlier this year when half the country ground to a standstill.

inquirer, I have sent you a PM (private message).

it will be ok in the dry but the larger patch means it will not grip so good in the wet due to less surface pressure