Hi all,

 

I am currently waiting to have my new Octy delivered and I will need a set of winter wheels as I have always had one. I live in a place where we have real winters and I drive up to the Alps many times a year. Snow operations are relevant for me during a significant chunk of a year and that's why my winter wheels are important.

 

Now, what do you reckon is the best functioning design of the discs? Are some more prone to accumulating snow/slush/dirt than others? Is the brake discs/calipers protection relevant? Simply put - is it better to have bigger holes and more empty space or a wheel as full as possible? Many skinny spikes or a few fat ones? Does it matter at all?

 

My last set was something like this:

 

 

and it worked okay. Nevertheless, a new car is an opportunity to do better, so is there anything to look for or anything to really avoid? Thanks a lot.

For me one of the most important features for winter wheels is ease of cleaning. So a simple design, probably 5-spoke, with no crevasses or small radii is ideal.

Your last set are very similar to my winter wheels.

 

http://www.skodaparts.com/product/octavia-alloy-wheel-16---lilas-2013-2018-51074

For me what matters is wheels that are not getting ruined when there is the need to fit snow chains even with Snow / Winter tyres fitted.

So Steels and wheel trims do just fine, popping off the trims if the chains need to go on.

 

Some alloys are better suited to having chains on if you also go where you may need to fit them, or fitting is compulsory.

Yes. Cannot/do not want to use steel discs on the VRS. I am on winter wheels 50% of the time so they need to look reasonably good, too. Not too practical but one always needs to compromise.