Greetings all, a new owner with a few questions.  First Karoq, indeed first Skoda ever, after over 30 years of LR ownership, with a couple of BMWs.  Picked up a pre-registered SE 2.0 Tdi 4x4 DSG on Tuesday and loving it, if only after the 150 mile drive back home.

 

Gratuitious pic from collecting it (not sure if it’s a he or a she yet)

 

 

Got a load of questions, finding the manual isn’t especially good at getting to the nitty gritty of the car so thought best ask here.

 

Firstly a question on bulbs.  From what I can figure out, the dipped beam headlamp bulb is H7 type, is the high beam bulb the same?  Im going to get a set of Philips Xtreme bulbs for the low beam position, was wondering if I need to be getting 2 pairs.

 

Secondly, I’m looking to get a second set of rims to put proper winter tyres on.  I spend a lot of time in the Highlands in winter and have learned of the value of proper winter tyres in extreme conditions.  I have a fair choice of rims to go from from Audi, VW & SEAT, Skoda rims that suit the Karoq seem to be a bit like hens’ teeth.  Most are offset are ET43 but my rims (Ratikon 17”ers) are ET45, my understanding of how it works is that puts the hub 2mm further out and shouldn’t be a problem.  Sound right and ET43s are OK?  Obviously have to make sure all the other numbers are correct, 5x112 7j 17 and 57.1mm etc.

 

Lastly, for now, the SE doesn’t have the button for driving modes (ECO, Normal, winter, off-road, etc), I cant find that in the menus but might have been looking in the wrong place.  Does the SE 4x4 without the button have these options or does the car just figure it out?  I’m not aiming to do the kind of insane off-roading I used to do in my Disco 3 but useful to know how the car works.

 

TIA.

 

Derek

I did install the Philips Xtreme bulbs, but I might have not bothered, as to me the difference is slight. Mind that you must engage the bulb holder guides (red arrows below - ignore all the green) when still far out from the final bulb position - I struggled with that.

 

Factory approved ET is 43 for 6J rim width and 45 for 7J and 8J.

https://www.skoda-auto.de/service/serienbereifung

 

Edited 28 June, 20205 yr by agedbriar

5 hours ago, DSL said:

Secondly, I’m looking to get a second set of rims to put proper winter tyres on.  I spend a lot of time in the Highlands in winter and have learned of the value of proper winter tyres in extreme conditions.  I have a fair choice of rims to go from from Audi, VW & SEAT, Skoda rims that suit the Karoq seem to be a bit like hens’ teeth.  Most are offset are ET43 but my rims (Ratikon 17”ers) are ET45, my understanding of how it works is that puts the hub 2mm further out and shouldn’t be a problem.  Sound right and ET43s are OK?  Obviously have to make sure all the other numbers are correct, 5x112 7j 17 and 57.1mm etc.

 

The only tyre and rim size Skoda list for use with snow chains on the Karoq is a 215/60R16 tyre on a 6Jx16 ET43 rim. However, that doesn't mean that some other sizes wouldn't work. It's just that you would have to work out what size doesn't cause bodywork or suspension damage.

 

215/65R16 is a cheaper and more common size to 215/60R16 so might be worth considering.

 

Alternative 15" steel rims include:

6Jx15 ET43 (Alcar 7755)

Note: 15" steel rims only fit over the smaller 288mm diameter front discs. My guess is that these smaller front discs are only fitted to the lower powered 115HP models, not the higher powered 150HP models. Bridgestone Dueler A/T 001 and Vredestein Quatrac 5 tyres are available in size 205/70R15. 205/70R15 tyres have the same outside diameter as the standard 215/60R16 tyres.

 

Alternative 16" steel rims include:

6.5Jx16 ET33 (Alcar 9922)

6.5Jx16 ET41 (Alcar 8426)

6.5Jx16 ET42 (Alcar 8425)

6.5Jx16 ET43 (Alcar 9187)

6.5Jx16 ET44 (Alcar 9173)

6.5Jx16 ET46 (Alcar 8667)

6.0Jx16 ET48 (Alcar 8247)

6.5Jx16 ET48 (Alcar 7025)

6.0Jx16 ET50 (Alcar 9535)

6.5Jx16 ET50 (Alcar 9915)

6.0Jx16 ET53 (Alcar 9845)

 

Alternative 17" steel rims include:

6.5Jx17 ET38 (Alcar 9021)

 

Online sellers of Alcar steel rims include:

autodoc.co.uk

mytyres.co.uk

oponeo.co.uk

 

Edited 28 June, 20205 yr by Carlston

@agedbriar: many thanks for the experience re the upgraded bulbs, will wait until I’ve seen what the lights are like in the dark.  I tend to need better lights than “normal” to try and spot the red deer that like to hang around near the road on parts of the A9.  Very useful info on bulb types, I can knock together a kit using all the bits & pieces I’ve accumulated over the years.

@Carlston: was going to stick with just winter tyres on 17” alloys, never needed chains even on uncleared roads, plus chains would need taken off when entering cleared areas and put back on for uncleared sections.  Good winter tyres are, for me, the way to go and changed early(ish), once they start getting worn they deffo need changed.  MrsDSL’s Jazz in on proper Conti winters and the grip on snow and ice is incredible, she was driving slowly on sheet ice one time when I was walking on the same road, I could hardly move and she felt it was like driving on tarmac.  I’ve never used winter tyres on LRs but that’s mainly as winter tyres and off-roading don’t mix very well.  Will get a second set of full sized rims, it gives me a full spare in the boot for when I’ve got the summers on, just not quite sure re the offset business.  

 

If you are looking for winter tyres and rims, there are a couple of German websites that are very good.   They have the reference tables so they can offer you approved wheel and tyre combinations.

 

I used Reifen for my Arona, got set of Borbet Y alloys and Goodyear Ultragrip 9+ tyres (including delivery to UK) for less than UK websites were charging for all season tyres without rims (admittedly the Arona has silly size of 215 / 45 R18 V)

 

 

 

 

Will have a look at those. 👍  Was thinking of going down the eBay/2nd hand VAG route but that’s certainly an option.  Half seriously, it might be worth a road trip to Bratislava and pick up a set from one of the Skoda dealers there.  This is cheaper than most winter tyres for my size! https://eshop.skoda-auto.sk/en_SK/complete-17-wheel-ratikon-karoq-dot-2018/p/CBX225557RS85P  Might be interesting in the present circumstances. 

Auto Express do regular reviews of uprated bulbs. 

https://www.autoexpress.co.uk/accessories-tyres/76760/best-car-headlight-bulbs-2019

I just did a google search re the winter wheels and came across mrwinterwheels (I am looking for all season tyres} BUT their security "certificate" expired yesterday.  I'd wait a bit to give them a chance to sort it out.

tom

I bought these for winter, in 16" factory approved dimensions, compatible with OEM Karoq bolts. They are affordable and not bad looking. To soon to speak about quality, as their first winter was pretty bland. No problematic sharp edges on the spokes, though.

 

https://www.platin-wheels.com/en/wheels/alloy-wheel/platin-p-93-black/

 

Edited 29 June, 20205 yr by agedbriar

Still thinking at this stage of 17”ers as I’d fit 225/55 17 tyres, fringe benefit is it gives me a full sized spare to take on any long haul jollies in Europe.  Good job we travel light as there won’t be that much room in the boot after that gets stowed in there!  😯

4 hours ago, Sanqhar said:

Auto Express do regular reviews of uprated bulbs. 

https://www.autoexpress.co.uk/accessories-tyres/76760/best-car-headlight-bulbs-2019

I just did a google search re the winter wheels and came across mrwinterwheels (I am looking for all season tyres} BUT their security "certificate" expired yesterday.  I'd wait a bit to give them a chance to sort it out.

tom

 

Just tried again and no certificate warning. 

 

https://www.mrwinterwheels.co.uk/17-skoda-karoq-winter-wheels.html

 

tom

7Jx16 ET45 (Alcar 9257)

https://www.autodoc.co.uk/alcar/14750851

 

Vredestein Quatrac 5 225/60R16 102H 

https://www.autodoc.co.uk/tyres/vredestein-8714692316203-ap22560016hqt5a02

 

7Jx16 ET45 rims were fitted to both the Skoda Yeti and the Skoda Superb MK2.

 

3T0601025 SPECTRUM

350601025N MOON

5L0601025E NEVIS

 

The SPECTRUM and MOON alloy rims was an option on both the Superb MK2 and the Yeti, while the NEVIS was only an option on the Yeti.

 

Superb MK2 16" alloy rims

http://www.oemepc.com/skoda/part_single/catalog/sk/markt/CZ/modell/SUP/year/2012/drive_standart/632/hg_ug/601/subcategory/601060/part_id/2543668/lang/e

 

Yeti 16" Alloy Rims

http://www.oemepc.com/skoda/part_single/catalog/sk/markt/CZ/modell/YET/year/2012/drive_standart/666/hg_ug/601/subcategory/601060/part_id/2543668/lang/e

Edited 29 June, 20205 yr by Carlston

OK, rim search is over.  Picked up a set of Ratikon alloys today ready for fitting winter tyres.  Happy same wheel type as then no hassle with having to declare “modification” to Ins Co.  Still looking for one more to act as a spare, you can never have enough wheels. 😀

 

Another couple of questions.  When using a trolley jack do I use the same point as the “normal” emergency use jack?  Never jacked a car up using the wishbone, no wish to start now.  Plus what’s the torque figure for the wheel nuts?  
 

Did almost 600 miles today in Skippy (new name applied) and very happy even though most of that was in very rubbish weather. Only down side was pretty noisy wipers that seemed to smear across the screen, which improved over the trip.  Was wondering if some cleaning gunk had been applied to the windscreen.  CarPlay worked brilliantly, drive was steady as a rock and, bonus time, she did 53mpg (actual), my old ride would struggle to hit 30mpg in these conditions.  Also getting used to switching off StopStart, a coupe, of time she died at traffic lights and just stabbed the A button and she fired up.

 

Very happy with choice of car. 👍

The prescribed tightening torque of the wheel bolts is 140 Nm.

 

Many thanks, I missed that in the manual.   I have been used to wheel nuts, wheel bolts takes me back a decade or 4, will have a play. 👍

12 hours ago, DSL said:

OK, rim search is over.  Picked up a set of Ratikon alloys today ready for fitting winter tyres.  Happy same wheel type as then no hassle with having to declare “modification” to Ins Co.  Still looking for one more to act as a spare, you can never have enough wheels. 😀

 

Another couple of questions.  When using a trolley jack do I use the same point as the “normal” emergency use jack?  Never jacked a car up using the wishbone, no wish to start now.  Plus what’s the torque figure for the wheel nuts?  
 

Did almost 600 miles today in Skippy (new name applied) and very happy even though most of that was in very rubbish weather. Only down side was pretty noisy wipers that seemed to smear across the screen, which improved over the trip.  Was wondering if some cleaning gunk had been applied to the windscreen.  CarPlay worked brilliantly, drive was steady as a rock and, bonus time, she did 53mpg (actual), my old ride would struggle to hit 30mpg in these conditions.  Also getting used to switching off StopStart, a coupe, of time she died at traffic lights and just stabbed the A button and she fired up.

 

Very happy with choice of car. 👍

 

Did you buy the wheels new? What sort of price?

Re trolley jack. If it is the sort with a cup then buy an ice hockey puck (hard rubber) and trim to fit the cup then cut a slot in it so it fits over the proper jacking point at the seam. 

 

Tom

Bought second hand.   Couldn’t justify over £200 a rim new, paid far more than I would have for Q3 rims but decided it was worth it.  My wallet is £350 lighter but happy with the purchase, the condition is pretty good with a few minor marks but as they will be the winter set then that’s fine.  Will prob fit Cross Climate+ tyres to them.

The trolley jack is similar to this with a rubber disk.  Will see how it looks when I try it.👍

 

Next wheel related challenge is to see how I can carry a full sized wheel & tyre as a spare in the boot safely for long trips.  It’s a 4x4 version so no room under the floor.  Unfortunately no tie down eyes so my initial plans to just ratchet strap it to the floor are scuppered. 😭

Better pic of jack, hopefully. 
 

22 minutes ago, DSL said:

Bought second hand.   Couldn’t justify over £200 a rim new, paid far more than I would have for Q3 rims but decided it was worth it.  My wallet is £350 lighter but happy with the purchase, the condition is pretty good with a few minor marks but as they will be the winter set then that’s fine.  Will prob fit Cross Climate+ tyres to them.

 

Odd choice of tyre for spare rims. Cross Climate are all season tyres therefore people fit them on their existing rims.

 

People typically fit full winters on spare rims. And fitting them in summer rather than winter isn't a bad idea because they usually command a higher price when winter approaches.

Agreed odd choice, but gives a bit more flexibility if we find ourselves away from home don’t have to worry too much about getting them changed.   Looking at doing a few long haul road trips over the next couple of years, when we can, so will find ourselves in very hot places and nervous about anything winter based with temps up in the high 30s or low 40s, but CC+ would be fine as a temp spare under those conditions.

 

We’ll see how we get on, we’ll be wearing out tyres anyway so can change in the future.  Once the factory fitted tyres are gone I’m thinking about Michelin Latitude Cross tyres, but that’ll be a couple of years down the line.

 

Re fitting to the original rims, collecting wheels is a bit of a hang up from owning LRs.  Like torches, you can never have enough wheels. 
 

 

 

PS Pic of the Alloy.  Just unloaded them and very happy.👍

 

 

Plus the seller had boxed them up which was brill as I had a pretty full boot, they just sat on the folded rear seats.  If he’s on here many thanks and good to meet you yesterday.  

3 hours ago, DSL said:

Better pic of jack, hopefully. 
 

 

Thanks.  Think I may have seen those wheels on eBay!

 

Using an ice hockey puck has the advantage that you can cut a slot in it for the sill seam.  You would need to secure the puck to the jack safely. 

 

tom

You might well have seen them on eBay.  

 

Will have a look at a puck but not sure how I’d secure it in such a way that the bolt isn’t in the middle.  Why is nothing straight forward?

20 hours ago, DSL said:

 Also getting used to switching off StopStart, a coupe, of time she died at traffic lights and just stabbed the A button and she fired up.

Just so you know, you don't need to press the A button

As soon as you touch the clutch it should automatically start, and when the aircon etc needs the engine to run the compressor it will start too. 

1 minute ago, neomancer said:

As soon as you touch the clutch it should automatically start, and when the aircon etc needs the engine to run the compressor it will start too. 

... and if the battery voltage/SoC drops to a point where the SS "logic" thinks it's safer to have the engine running and being charged.

 

Had that happen a few weeks back while sitting in the queue at the local dump a couple of days after it reopened.

5 minutes ago, PetrolDave said:

... and if the battery voltage/SoC drops to a point where the SS "logic" thinks it's safer to have the engine running and being charged.

 

Had that happen a few weeks back while sitting in the queue at the local dump a couple of days after it reopened.

Ha. Yeah, I would imagine over the last few months a lot of cars have been suffering with that.

 

I've been letting the girlfriend drive my Octavia to the hospital to give it a good run a few times a week for this reason / cycling the petrol though it!