Hello everyone, I'm new here. The winter season is coming and I can't decide what size tires are best for the winter. I currently have 225/40 r18s, and I would like to buy the same size for the winter under 18 wheels because I really like the way the car looks on them, but I don't know if it will be okay for the car itself, or if there will be a claimed load on the gearbox/engine on my setup. What do you think?

 

 

Looks or mobility, your choice!

 

Will you be buying new rims or swapping tyres on the existing rims each winter and spring?

@J.R. I was thinking about putting the winter tires I already have on these wheels now, and in the spring, buying new 18-inch wheels with summer tires. But as I understand it, for winter it is still better to put smaller 16 or 17 radius wheels and 205/55-60 tires.

2 hours ago, Nazar said:

@J.R. I was thinking about putting the winter tires I already have on these wheels now, and in the spring, buying new 18-inch wheels with summer tires. But as I understand it, for winter it is still better to put smaller 16 or 17 radius wheels and 205/55-60 tires.

 

The below 205/55R16 tyre and 6Jx16 ET48 rim combination allows the use of snow chains on the Octavia MK3, as shown in the owner's manual. In combination with your 4x4, they should work very well in winter conditions. Michelin winter tyres also have excellent tread life, better than most of the other big brand names.

 

Michelin Alpin 6 205/55R16 91H (Euro label C B 69dB)

https://www.mytyres.co.uk/rshop/tyre/Michelin/Alpin-6/205-55-R16-91H/R-377244

 

Alcar 8247 6Jx16 ET48 5/112 57.1 steel rim

https://www.mytyres.co.uk/rims/details?vehicleId=185805370466243696&rimCode=ALCAR8247

 

Edited 1 November, 20232 yr by Carlston

+1 for what @Carlston said. And the tires are much cheaper in that size compared to 18”, so you can pick a nice brand on a good price.

Edited 1 November, 20232 yr by fr1nklyn

I went for vredestein on 17 inch platin rims.... Cheap and good 

Platin claim that their winter tyres are performance tyres... But whi druves fast on cold roads.

Anyway I don't think size is an issue. Inal happy with them after 4 years.

Good year also have good tyres 

Edited 2 November, 20232 yr by nickytheshaft

@fr1nklyn@Carlston @nickytheshaft I'm almost done with wheel selection and size, but I'm wondering what the correct load index would be for my situation?  My summer ones were 92Y, and the winter ones I want are 96H.  Will it be good?

2 hours ago, Nazar said:

I'm almost done with wheel selection and size, but I'm wondering what the correct load index would be for my situation?  My summer ones were 92Y, and the winter ones I want are 96H.  Will it be good?

 

A load index of 91 (615kg) is enough to support the maximum axle weight, ie. the maximum axle weight won't be more than 1,230kg. You can find the maximum weight of each axle by looking at the weight plate on the car...perhaps attached to the B-pillar.

 

The Octavia MK3 4x4 with 135kW/184PS has a maximum speed between 130mph (210km/h) and 150mph (240km/h), therefore V-speed rated tyres would be suitable.

 

However, winter rated tyres (ie. with the 3PMSF symbol...which is the official definition of a winter rated tyre...so includes all-season tyres that have the 3PMSF symbol) can be less than this, such as H-speed rated. Having the 3PMSF symbol means that the tyre has passed a test for good traction in the snow. A tyre with the 3PMSF symbol might have twice the traction in snow compared to a tyre without the 3PMSF symbol. With H-speed rated tyres it's important to not exceed 130mph (210km/h), even if the car is capable of going faster. You can fit XL (eXtra Load) tyres if you want.

 

Edited 2 November, 20232 yr by Carlston

Also have in mind that higher speed rating means better handling and cornering, but less comfort. So if you don't break the speed limits, go with the H or V speed rating. For the load index you don't need more than 91-94 as @Carlston already said.

It all depends what is tyre sizes and ratings are homologated for the vehicle, often the speed or load rating is well beyond what the vehicle is rated for but you are supposed to maintain the homologated ratings as a minimum.

 

Insurers may refute a claim and in my country you will not pass a CT test with anything other than the homologated tyres fitted.