On the new-to-me Scout I've just swapped to 16" wheels with 205/60 winter tyres.

 

Compared to the 17" wheels, the car seems somehow lighter on its feet, quieter and much more pleasant to ride in - as well as apparently supping a fair bit less diesel.

 

This might be because the tryes (225/50) on the 17s are Runways of some kind, with an E rating for economy - but I wonder whether any other Scout drivers have had a similar experience: and if anyone has subesequently decided to use a set of 16" wheels (with appropriate 205/60s on) for summer use as well?

 

Thoughts/experiences gratefully received!

 

 

Edited 4 November, 20187 yr by Sangrail

Perhaps I should add, for the sake of completeness, that if you've expereince of this in a non-Scout Octavia 3 then that might also be of interest.

 

The main thing in my mind is that if I did indeed run on 205/60r16 wheels/tyres all year round, then my summer use of them would count as 'non-standard' for insurance purposes - whereas deploying that size in winter is in accordance with manufacturer's recommendations.

Re. Summer use. 

As long as the tyres and wheels are the Correct Speed & Load Rating and EU Type Approved, maybe the size the manufacturer recommends for use with Snow Chains then the Insurer would have to say when Summer starts and ends in the UK or in Europe.

Even in Scotland night time temps can be near freezing in what some might consider as Summer, so All weather, All Season, All Terrain, M&S or Winter Certificated tyres might be 'Simply Clever' all year.