Octavia 4x4 and Tyres

[Minho]

I think that the Octavia 4x4 comes with normal tyres. On the market the Renault Kangoo 4x4, Scenic RX4, Audi All-Road all them comes with 4x4 SUV tyres such as Michelin Synchrone or the Pirelli Scorpion.

Anyone as changed the tyres of this Octavia to tyres with 4x4 capabilities? Wich tyres are recommende for a 205-55/16 original tyres?

[DaveH]

Not me, I don't think many of the 4x4 owners on here actually bought their cars with that in mind.

[humsk]

Mine has 16" wheels running 205/55 Bridgestone Turanza ER30 rubber - normal road tyres. I have driven in snow, on wet grass and muddy farm tracks and was supprised on how good the traction was. Only on sheet ice did the car slide but then you would need winter tyres. I've seen Discos sliding around on ice - worrying if you're in their way!

Even though there is a sump guard and rasied suspension, one thing I did notice when jet washing the under side of the car (to rinse of the last of the winter salt), was there is a fuel cooler that could easily be damaged by rocks - the car is not really designed for off roading.

I bought mind for it's towing capability and the extra security of 4 wheel drive.

[moss]

I've just acquired a 1.8T 4x4 Octavia in the last few days, hoping that it would make the journey home in the North Peninnes a bit easier than in my previous Ford Escort. I'm a bit alarmed on reading the handbook to discover that snow chains can't be fitted on the standard wheels (205/55 R 16). This was never a problem with the escort. Handbook advises something called 5.5J x 16 ET wheels. What are these? Sadly, the Skoda UK website seems to be a bit lacking on information regarding accessories. Any info./advice would be much appreciated.

[Tech1e]

I dont think you can use snow chains due to the diameter of the wheels. The 5.5 wheel would be narrower for better grip on snow etc.

[DGW]

I've just acquired a 1.8T 4x4 Octavia in the last few days, hoping that it would make the journey home in the North Peninnes a bit easier than in my previous Ford Escort. I'm a bit alarmed on reading the handbook to discover that snow chains can't be fitted on the standard wheels (205/55 R 16). This was never a problem with the escort. Handbook advises something called 5.5J x 16 ET wheels. What are these? Sadly, the Skoda UK website seems to be a bit lacking on information regarding accessories. Any info./advice would be much appreciated.

Although the Owner's Manual allows it, I wouldn't be happy to drive my 4X4 with snow chains on the front wheels only. If extra traction is a major issue in winter, why not fit winter or all weather tyres for the winter months? You could buy some cheap steel wheels to make the changeover easier. Incidentally, I can't see 5.5J wheels listed for the Octavia in the official parts list. Perhaps one of our members in Norway or Iceland could advise what they do about tyres in winter.

You can find an explanation of what 5.5J and 16 ET mean on the excellent website below:

http://www.carbibles.com/tyre_bible.html

[Skimad 4x4]

My 1.8T 4x4 with standard tyres has never put a foot wrong on numerous winter trips to the Alps, despite 2 wheel drive vehicles making very erratic progress on the same road.

When the original tyres came up for replacement recently I checked out what the local Skoda dealer in Switzerland recommended, and have since found the Pirelli P7 to be an extremely competent replacement, handling icy mountains roads without any problems and entirely surefooted at speed on the German autoban. Certainly winter tyres are the answer for longer term visits to mountainous areas. As for snowchains Skoda Switzerland will be happy to sell special low clearance chains for your 4x4. Whilst I have carried them on every trip to the Alps apart from a dry run to work out how to fit them I have never used them in anger despite some pretty serious snowfalls and a fairly steep driveway onto the street.

[moss]

Thanks for the speedy reply and info. that's helpful.

The car currently has fairly new Kumho 205/55 ZR 16 91W tyres on. This brand is new to me, but searching the internet (the tire rack) seems to suggest they're good quality, but also "not intended to be driven in near freezing temperatures, through snow or on ice" - so some new winter shoes will be a must. I'll definitely check out the P7's - thanks Skimad.

.err..umm...as a Skoda 'virgin' I hope I'll be excused a rather dumb question concerning the remote control keys (the flicking blade type) and their battery life. The garage i bought the car from said that the small diode indicates the remaining battery life when the remote is pressed. Mine signals red so i'm guessing they're in need of replacement soon? The manual (again) doesn't refer to any of this. Nor does it refer to the need to use both sets of keys regularly in order to ensure the codes remain of a simialr match (or so the garage claimed). Is this true?

[DGW]

.err..umm...as a Skoda 'virgin' I hope I'll be excused a rather dumb question concerning the remote control keys (the flicking blade type) and their battery life. The garage i bought the car from said that the small diode indicates the remaining battery life when the remote is pressed. Mine signals red so i'm guessing they're in need of replacement soon? The manual (again) doesn't refer to any of this. Nor does it refer to the need to use both sets of keys regularly in order to ensure the codes remain of a simialr match (or so the garage claimed). Is this true?

They have got it the wrong way round. If the light does not flash this indicates that the batteries may be discharged - so your remote battery is currently OK. Battery replacement is a cheap and easy DIY job, which reminds me that I must stow a spare one (CR2032) in the car for my summer hols. I haven't had any problems with the second key having just used one for extended periods. Relax and enjoy your new car!

BTW, I'm getting confused about whether we are discussing the old or new Octavia 4X4 here since most if not all the posts seem to be about the (old) 1.8T 4X4.

[sixdegrees]

I'm not sure if many are aware, but the 4x4 capabilities of the Octavia shouldn't be aligned with those of a SUV, Ganage Rover, etc.

The Octy uses the Golf platform and as such uses Haldex 4WD which is mostly FWD until power in required at the rear wheels. Its a 4x4 system that is designed for road going cars, so road going tyres would be the right choice and not those designated '4x4' at tyre suppliers.

[Stuart_J]

I've just acquired a 1.8T 4x4 Octavia in the last few days, hoping that it would make the journey home in the North Peninnes a bit easier than in my previous Ford Escort. I'm a bit alarmed on reading the handbook to discover that snow chains can't be fitted on the standard wheels (205/55 R 16). This was never a problem with the escort. Handbook advises something called 5.5J x 16 ET wheels. What are these? Sadly, the Skoda UK website seems to be a bit lacking on information regarding accessories. Any info./advice would be much appreciated.

You will find the 4x4 very accomplished ion most things except ice, If you want something extra & cant fit chains try snow socks at the bottom of this link

http://www.roofbox.co.uk/snowhome.html

[TaviaRS]

I'm not sure if many are aware' date=' but the 4x4 capabilities of the Octavia shouldn't be aligned with those of a SUV, Ganage Rover, etc.

The Octy uses the Golf platform and as such uses Haldex 4WD which is mostly FWD until power in required at the rear wheels. Its a 4x4 system that is designed for road going cars, so road going tyres would be the right choice and not those designated '4x4' at tyre suppliers.

[/quote']

Audi Allroad comes with something like Pirrelli Scorpions as does the Volvo V70 XC. They have the same purpose as the Octy 4x4.

[sixdegrees]

Audi Allroad comes with something like Pirrelli Scorpions as does the Volvo V70 XC. They have the same purpose as the Octy 4x4.

Maybe, the but both the Audi and Volvo are more 'jacked' up and potentially will be taken off-road; farms, horses, fields, etc, where-as I just don't see that happening in the Octy 4x4, in the same way an A4 Quattro wouldn't or an R32 golf!!

[TaviaRS]

Volvo uses the same haldex system as the Octy, not sure about the Allroad. As for ground clearance, iirc the 4x4 is jacked up about 25mm over a standard octavia.