Hi, At risk of being laughed at ( again ) ... Can anyone tell me how easy or not it is to change Alloys? I previously owned a very common VW Passat estate and it was impossible to find a wheel I liked that would fit - I think there were just a handful out there that would fit without affecting the speedo etc.

Anyway I have found 2 Alloys I like the look of but the rim size and offset are different. So to be sure of correct fitment what do I need to check apart from the obvious 112 x 5 size and 18" diameter. ?

Sorry I'm a bit ignorant about this.. but I don't want to waste my money buying Alloys that won't fit. These are the 2 Alloys I'm interested in - would either of them actually 100% be a fit for my car that currently has Gemini 18's . These are on eBay btw so I can't ask the seller as from previous experience they don't care if I buy the correct wheels. Thanks!

The below alloy rim is sold under two different OEM part numbers, 5E0071498G and 5E0601025AK...although it's the same rim.

 

The xxx071xxx format OEM part number is from the Skoda accessory catalogue, and is often less than half the xxx601xxx price.

 

225/40R18 is normally used on this rim, but you could use a slightly bigger 235/40R18. The bigger tyre will help protect the rim from kerbing damage, as well as providing 4mm extra sidewall height...which is always useful when you hit a big pothole.

 

For road use, the Michelin Primacy 4+ would provide a quieter and more refined ride than the Michelin PS5, and because it's wide and low profile will still provide loads of performance. With a 91W load and speed rating, it's also not over specified...which again helps the comfort and refinement.

 

Michelin Primacy 4+ 235/40R18 91W (Euro label C A 69dB)

https://www.camskill.co.uk/m61b0s322p213489/Michelin_Tyres_Car_Michelin_Primacy_4%2B_235_40_R18_91W_RG_TL_Fuel_Eff_%3A_C_Wet_Grip%3A_A_NoiseClass%3A_B_Noise%3A_69dB

 

By using VAG alloy rims it should be easy to purchase a single replacement rim in the future, if one gets damaged. Bear in mind that rims with low profile tyres are easily damaged, so it's quite common for single replacement rims to be needed. Also, tyre fitters can easily damage rims, so that's another reason why a single replacement rim might be needed at some point in the future.

 

7.5Jx18 ET51 5/112 57.1 alloy rim GEMINI 5E0071498G (Octavia MK3) (5909CZK is about £210)

https://eshop.skoda-auto.cz/cs_CZ/alu-kolo-gemini-18-octavia-iii/p/5E0071498G+FL8

 

7.5Jx18 ET51 5/112 57.1 alloy rim GEMINI 5E0601025AK (Octavia MK3)

4	5E0601025AK	Aluminium rim	7.5Jx18 ET51 5/112 57.1		GEMINI
	5E0601025AK FL8	Black metallic

https://www.lllparts.co.uk/catalogs/skoda/CZ/OCT/805/6/601/601080

 

Edited 2 September, 20232 yr by Carlston

I think the et (offset) is 51. That and the width won't affect the diameter. Tyre size on top of the wheel diameter is the important bits to watch. 225/40/18 is the correct size. That's 225mm wide with a diameter of 18 inch. The 40 is a percentage of the width. If you go wider then you will get a bigger diameter tyre if you stick to 40 profile.

That tyre size should fit 7-8.5 wide rims.

Dammit @Carlston! I can't compete with that!!

1 hour ago, Morganash said:

...I have found 2 Alloys I like the look of but the rim size and offset are different. So to be sure of correct fitment what do I need to check apart from the obvious 112 x 5 size and 18" diameter?

 

The rim width and offset of those alloys on ebay is different from the Skoda approved sizes.

 

It's also clear from their appearance, that they are non-standard rims.

 

It's unlikely that your standard wheel bolts could be used because aftermarket alloy rims are usually machined to accept conical wheel bolts. VAG wheel bolts use a ball shaped seat (aka spherical/sphere shaped seat).

 

You would need to inform your insurance company and they might increase your insurance premiums because if an insurance assessor saw them they would stand out like a sore thumb.

 

From an insurance point of view, it's probably best to fit something that looks like it came out of the factory that way.

 

If you were to sell them at some point in the future, it's likely that you would get a much better price and quicker sale with popular VAG alloy rims. With the VAG OEM part numbers, it's also much easier to search online for VAG alloy rims, compared to aftermarket rims.

 

Edited 2 September, 20232 yr by Carlston

Hi, Thankyou so much for all that very clear and useful info! I shall keep referring back to this so it sinks in 👍☺️ I actually quite like the Gemini Skoda Alloy - it's just that mine had been refurbed when I got the car, in a different colour and since seeing the original Gemini, which I would have been more than happy to keep. I've been looking at a change. I didn't realise about car insurance side of a wheel change.. good point! 

Also the Primacy 4 + tyre sounds good to me especially in the 235 size with added rim protection. That's top of my list now for next replacement tyres - I currently only have the PS 5's on the front drive wheels. They made a noticable difference to road noise. 👍 Michelins seem to be a popular choice for the vrs.

Keep in mind that the best thing to prevent kerb damage is just to not drive into them in the first place. 

You may also need to inform insurance if going for a different tyre size to stock. Upping to 235 may fit this requirement so worth asking. A narrower wheel will hold the tyre in a way that offers more rubber to the kerb. The standard 7.5 wide rims with 225 should be a good fit without giving you much risk of rim damage. 

Also worth looking around at different tyres as shape and size differs between brand and model. I find Goodyear to have reasonable time protection.

Hi.

If you have any issues with insurance at all for a change of wheels then please feel free to drop me a line.

Regards,

Dan.