My partner is due to collect her new, to us, 2024 Karoq 2.0 TDi (150 ps) 4x4 SE L next week.  She currently has a Fabia and when we bought it back in 2016 we ordered a set of steel wheels, shod it with winters, and over the years we've (I've) swopped over the wheels from November to April.   I've wondered whether we should just put all season tyres on like a set of the well thought of Crossclimates, but we live at 1200 ft above sea level in a very hilly rural sport, wet sinking verges on single tract roads, etc., etc.) and we drive on and off sometimes muddy winter fields to do equestrian stuff.  Consequently, we've put winters on both of our cars for years and have been well (and safely) served so far.  As I do the swopping over on the drive it has allowed us to have the ease of changing whenever necessary, without having to go and book into tyre fitters.

 

But, if we go for winter tyres and steels again, do you think these will fit OK?

 

https://caffynscarparts.com/skoda-karoq-16-steel-wheel--bridgestone-winter-tyre-set-5095-p.asp

 

I think the car currently has 225/50 R18 (the Skoda brochure says 215s! - but I think that's a typo?). 

 

It's dropping down 2' in diameter for the wheel from alloys to steels, whereas our current steels are just 1" smaller diameter than the summer Fabia alloys. My Subaru Outback also goes down from 18" alloys to 17" steels, without issues, but 16" ? I know the profile will be deeper and the ride softer, but wonder about any other issues I've not considered with this change.

 

I appreciate the Bridgestones supplied on these rims wouldn't necessarily be our first choice, but they're a premium brand and will do initially. 

 

I'd welcome people's views - thanks in advance.

 

 

Just to comment on the Blizzak LM-005 that you'd get with that package from Caffyns. In terms of winter capabiity, they are better than 'will do initially', in fact a very good winter tyre, their main weakness being high wear rate. 

 

See a thorough comparative test here, by the only person doing properly controlled back-to-back blind testing outside of the German, Austrian, and Swiss motoring clubs: https://www.tyrereviews.com/Article/2023-Tyre-Reviews-UHP-Winter-Tyre-Test.htm

Yes, I've looked at Bridgestone over the years and have noticed how well they have performed, etc.. (Yes, Tyre Reviews site are on my favourite Youtube list  ).

 

I think my main concern is the possible impact on the car's driving characteristics with a shift from 18" wheels to 16" and with a deeper profile.

 

Softer (that's OK), noisier? The car has the 'performance pack' so I don't know (I'm guessing not) that this will have any relevance to a change in wheel size and profile depth.  I know! I'm over thinking this!

 

However, I have just spotted this which is encouraging:

 

https://www.tyrereviews.com/Article/The-differences-between-16-17-and-18-Inch-winter-tyres.htm

 

I know steels are heavier, but their ability to absorb some of the pot-hole bashes and other debris found in winter does appeal. 

 

I'm keen to buy Skoda original and endorsed equipment so as not to run into the potential 'modified' issues with some car insurance companies. 

 

17 minutes ago, Ooopnorth said:

 

I think my main concern is the possible impact on the car's driving characteristics with a shift from 18" wheels to 16" and with a deeper profile.

 

Based on my experience doing a similar swop twice yearly for ten years with my wife's Yetis, I think you'll notice the winter tyres will give less immediate, less precise turn-in response from the steering.  Some people don't mind that.

 

Otherwise I think you have a good grip (sorry) on the various issues.

I have a set of 16" Audi alloys with Michelin Cross climates on for use in the winter months - I'm sure if I was the type of driver that pushed to the limit I might notice some differences in steering feedback / response, but I'm not......😄

I do like the extra sidewall depth, gives me added blase regarding the state of the roads around here.

Re Karoq the sizes shown for 16 inch wheels per brochure below

215/60 R16 (for 2wd or 4x4)

225/60 R16 (4x4) but not suitable for snow chains

 

For 18 inch

215/50 R18 (2wd)

225/50 R18 (4wd)

 

I think the larger size on 4x4 is possible due to raised ride height

 

This is current Skoda brochure for wheels 

 

https://www.skoda-auto.com/_doc/6d5c59b3-5d97-451a-ab78-2ef185e6e373
 

There is also a brochure for complete winter wheels and tyres.

https://www.skoda-auto.com/_doc/c829936c-f0c1-48a3-bd99-55a507038e8c

 

I am guessing all can be ordered through parts Dept

 

 

 

 

Edited 22 October, 20241 yr by SurreyJohn

6 hours ago, Ooopnorth said:

I know steels are heavier

Normally steels are lighter than modern alloys, especially if you are going down 2 inches.

 

Thanks. AG Falco

Brilliant! Thanks 'guys' that's really helpful and food for thought.  I also came across this video giving opinions on the 16" vs 18" issues:

 

https://tireforge.com/16-vs-18-inch-wheels-ride-quality/

 

I'm now mentally chuntering to myself about 16" steels or 17" alloys...or....  

7 hours ago, mumpsim said:

Based on my experience doing a similar swop twice yearly for ten years with my wife's Yetis, I think you'll notice the winter tyres will give less immediate, less precise turn-in response from the steering.  Some people don't mind that.

 

Otherwise I think you have a good grip (sorry) on the various issues.

No apologies needed for the pun mumpsin, I never 'tyre' of them, although one has to 'tread' carefully to avoid verbal pun-ishment

Edited 22 October, 20241 yr by Ooopnorth

4 hours ago, Ooopnorth said:

...I'm now mentally chuntering to myself about 16" steels or 17" alloys...

 

Most Karoq owners will probably want to stick to standard tyre sizes, but there can be big differences in the price of different tyre sizes...and 225/60R16 tends to be an expensive tyre size. Therefore, looking at possible alternative tyre sizes to save money could lead to the below two 16" tyre sizes...ie. 215/65R16 and 235/60R16. Notice in the charts below how these two 16" tyre sizes have almost the same outside diameter as the standard 19" tyre size, ie. 225/45R19.

 

The 215/65R16 tyre size could be fitted to the standard 16" rim, ie. 6Jx16 ET43...but the 235/60R16 would need to be fitted to a wider rim such as 7Jx16 ET45 (from the Yeti).

 

Another benefit of sticking with 16" tyres, is that they tend not to be over-specified for the Karoq...ie. H speed rating and not XL (eXtra Load)...as in the example below of a Vredestein Quatrac tyre.

 

It's nice to see that genuine Skoda wheel trims are still available for the 16" Yeti steel rims...as linked to below. These could be ordered from any VAG parts department by quoting OEM part number 5L0071456 Z31. The "skoda eshop cz" website are selling these for under £62 for a set of four, but the UK price might be slightly higher.

 

Outside diameter of standard Karoq 4x4 tyres

225/60R16 676.4mm

225/55R17 679.3mm

225/50R18 682.2mm

225/45R19 685.1mm

 

Outside diameter of two non-standard 16" Karoq 4x4 tyre sizes

215/65R16 685.9mm (0.1% bigger outside diameter compared to 225/45R19)

235/60R16 688.4mm (0.5% bigger outside diameter compared to 225/45R19)

 

Alcar 9257 7Jx16 ET45 5/112 57.1 (from Yeti and Superb MK2)

https://www.mytyres.co.uk/rims/details?vehicleId=182363349315490928&rimCode=ALCAR9257

 

Set of four wheel trims for 7Jx16 ET45 steel rims (from Yeti) 5L0071456 Z31

https://eshop.skoda-auto.cz/cs_CZ/sada-poklic-satellite-16/p/5L0071456++Z31

 

Vredestein Quatrac 235/60R16 100H (Euro label C B 71dB) (all-season tyre) (3PMSF)

https://www.camskill.co.uk/m139b0s12008p201646/Vredestein_Tyres_All_Season_Car_Vredestein_Quatrac_6_235_60_R16_100H_TL_Fuel_Eff_%3A_C_Wet_Grip%3A_B_NoiseClass%3A_B_Noise%3A_71dB

 

You can view the standard Karoq 4x4 alloy rim sizes on the "skoda eshop cz" website as linked to below...but I've listed them for convenience. Notice that the 7Jx16 ET45 Yeti steel rim has the same width and offset as the 17" and 18" rims on the  Karoq 4x4. The non-standard 235/60R16 tyre size is like a ballooned version of the  standard 17" Karoq 4x4 tyre size because it's one up in width and one up in aspect ratio, ie. 235/60R16 instead of 225/55R17 (but with the necessary 1" reduction in rim diameter to keep the outside diameter similar).

 

Alloy rims for Karoq 4x4 (from Skoda accessory catalogue)

6Jx16 ET43 (for 225/60R16 tyre size)

7Jx17 ET45 (for 225/55R17 tyre size)

7Jx18 ET45 (for 225/50R18 tyre size)

8Jx19 ET45 (for 225/45R19 tyre size)

https://eshop.skoda-auto.cz/cs_CZ/alu-kola/c/alloyWheels?q=%3AscoreDesc%3AcarType%3AKaroq%2B%282017%2B%29&text=#

 

For those that need mud performance, there's also the Yokohama AT (All-Terrain) tyre to consider. The Yokohama Geolandar AT G015 has the 3PMSF (3 Peak Mountain Snow Flake) symbol...so is winter rated. The 3PMSF symbol means that the tyre has passed a test for good traction in the snow. Being an All-Terrain tyre means that it should provide good traction in the mud.

 

Yokohama Geolandar AT G015 235/60R16 100H (Euro label E C 72dB) (all-season tyre) (3PMSF) (All-Terrain tyre)

https://www.camskill.co.uk/m62b0s425p148190/Yokohama_Tyres_Car_Yokohama_Geolandar_AT_G015_235_60_R16_100H_RPB_TL_Fuel_Eff_%3A_E_Wet_Grip%3A_C_NoiseClass%3A_B_Noise%3A_72dB

 

When driving off-road it's beneficial to have plenty of sidewall height. So below is a chart comparing the sidewall height of the standard 16" and 17" tyre sizes on the Karoq 4x4...and two non-standard 16" tyre sizes. As you can see in the chart below only the 215/65R16 and 235/60R16 tyre sizes have over 5.5" of sidewall height...out of these four tyre sizes.

 

Sidewall height (for off-road, more is better)

225/55R17 4.8"

225/60R16 5.3"

215/65R16 5.5"

235/60R16 5.5"

 

When driving off-road it's beneficial to have plenty of sidewall bulge to help protect the rim from damage. In my view, at least 15mm of sidewall bulge is good but at least 18mm is excellent. So here again, the 235/60R16 tyre size beats the 225/55R17 tyre size.

 

Amount of sidewall bulge when fitted to 7J rim width (for off-road, more is better)

225/55R17 15.6mm

235/60R16 19.1mm

 

Edited 22 October, 20241 yr by Carlston

37 minutes ago, Carlston said:

 

Most Karoq owners will probably want to stick to standard tyre sizes, but there can be big differences in the price of different tyre sizes...and 225/60R16 tends to be an expensive tyre size. Therefore, looking at possible alternative tyre sizes to save money could lead to the below two 16" tyre sizes...ie. 215/65R16 and 235/60R16. Notice in the charts below how these two 16" tyre sizes have almost the same outside diameter as the standard 19" tyre size, ie. 225/45R19.

 

The 215/65R16 tyre size could be fitted to the standard 16" rim, ie. 6Jx16 ET43...but the 235/60R16 would need to be fitted to a wider rim such as 7Jx16 ET45 (from the Yeti).

 

Another benefit of sticking with 16" tyres, is that they tend not to be over-specified for the Karoq...ie. H speed rating and not XL (eXtra Load)...as in the example below of a Vredestein Quatrac tyre.

 

It's nice to see that genuine Skoda wheel trims are still available for the 16" Yeti steel rims...as linked to below. These could be ordered from any VAG parts department by quoting OEM part number 5L0071456 Z31. The "skoda eshop cz" website are selling these for under £62 for a set of four, but the UK price might be slightly higher.

 

Outside diameter of standard Karoq 4x4 tyres

225/60R16 676.4mm

225/55R17 679.3mm

225/50R18 682.2mm

225/45R19 685.1mm

 

Outside diameter of two non-standard 16" Karoq 4x4 tyre sizes

215/65R16 685.9mm (0.1% bigger outside diameter compared to 225/45R19)

235/60R16 688.4mm (0.5% bigger outside diameter compared to 225/45R19)

 

Alcar 9257 7Jx16 ET45 5/112 57.1 (from Yeti and Superb MK2)

https://www.mytyres.co.uk/rims/details?vehicleId=182363349315490928&rimCode=ALCAR9257

 

Set of four wheel trims for 7Jx16 ET45 steel rims (from Yeti) 5L0071456 Z31

https://eshop.skoda-auto.cz/cs_CZ/sada-poklic-satellite-16/p/5L0071456++Z31

 

Vredestein Quatrac 235/60R16 100H (Euro label C B 71dB) (all-season tyre) (3PMSF)

https://www.camskill.co.uk/m139b0s12008p201646/Vredestein_Tyres_All_Season_Car_Vredestein_Quatrac_6_235_60_R16_100H_TL_Fuel_Eff_%3A_C_Wet_Grip%3A_B_NoiseClass%3A_B_Noise%3A_71dB

 

You can view the standard Karoq 4x4 alloy rim sizes on the "skoda eshop cz" website as linked to below...but I've listed them for convenience. Notice that the 7Jx16 ET45 Yeti steel rim has the same width and offset as the 17" and 18" rims on the  Karoq 4x4. The non-standard 235/60R16 tyre size is like a ballooned version the  standard 17" tyre size because it's one up in width and one up in aspect ratio, ie. 235/60R16 instead of 225/55R17 (but with the necessary 1" reduction in rim diameter to keep the outside diameter similar).

 

Alloy rims for Karoq 4x4 (from Skoda accessory catalogue)

6Jx16 ET43 (for 225/60R16 tyre size)

7Jx17 ET45 (for 225/55R17 tyre size)

7Jx18 ET45 (for 225/50R18 tyre size)

8Jx19 ET45 (for 225/45R19 tyre size)

https://eshop.skoda-auto.cz/cs_CZ/alu-kola/c/alloyWheels?q=%3AscoreDesc%3AcarType%3AKaroq%2B%282017%2B%29&text=#

 

For those that need mud performance, there's also the Yokohama AT (All-Terrain) tyre to consider. The Yokohama Geolandar AT G015 has the 3PMSF (3 Peak Mountain Snow Flake) symbol...so is winter rated. The 3PMSF symbol means that the tyre has passed a test for good traction in the snow. Being an All-Terrain tyre means that it should provide good traction in the mud.

 

Yokohama Geolandar AT G015 235/60R16 100H (Euro label E C 72dB) (all-season tyre) (3PMSF) (All-Terrain tyre)

https://www.camskill.co.uk/m62b0s425p148190/Yokohama_Tyres_Car_Yokohama_Geolandar_AT_G015_235_60_R16_100H_RPB_TL_Fuel_Eff_%3A_E_Wet_Grip%3A_C_NoiseClass%3A_B_Noise%3A_72dB

 

When driving off-road it's beneficial to have plenty of sidewall height. So below is a chart comparing the sidewall height of the standard 16" and 17" tyre sizes on the Karoq 4x4...and two non-standard 16" tyre sizes. As you can see in the chart below only the 215/65R16 and 235/60R16 tyre sizes have over 5.5" of sidewall height...out of these four tyre sizes.

 

Sidewall height (for off-road more is better)

225/55R17 4.8"

225/60R16 5.3"

215/65R16 5.5"

235/60R16 5.5"

 

That's extremely helpful and impressive.  Thank you for taking the time to share so much useful detail and providing the links too. 

I am another person who uses 16 inch with winter tyres, and 18 inch with summer tyres.  Not on a Karoq, but on my Seat Arona (which is closer to Kamiq).

 

To be honest, I prefer driving with the 16 inches (205/60 R16) , they are lot more comfortable on rutted road surfaces (and we have lots of those on A, B and lesser roads in our rural part of the country). The tyres that came with the car 215/45 R18 Pirelli P7s are harsh to drive on any poor tarmac.

 

Obviously on motorways and main roads without sharp corners, the different sharpness on tight turning makes no difference.  I tend to notice that sharp  turns do not feel as tight when I change the wheels from 18 to 16, but within hour or two forget about it as become used to it.  I am now 60 years old, get bit stiff if do too much physical work, so prefer comfort of the smaller wheels, and have no desperation to shave a few hundreds of a second off each corner on a journey.

 

As temperatures fall, and on cooler damp mornings (before I swapped them about 10 days ago),  the reverse is true on corners, the winter tyres grip consistently (mine are Goodyear Ultragrip 9+), but the summer Pirelli P7s were skittish in the damp and cool.    To be fair the Pirelli's are down to 3-3.5mm tread, whereas the winters have 5-6mm so deal with cold rain and muddy field run off much better (and local farmers seem to put lots of clay slimy mud on roads too).

 

My (personal) opinion is if changing 2 inches (and between 45 and 60 profile) works on my Arona, the same 2 inch change (with profile moving less from 50 to 60) is not going to be a problem on the Karoq, especially as Karoq has 4 sizes (16, 17, 18, 19 inch wheels), whereas Arona only has 3 (16, 17, 18 inch) so I'm changing between biggest and smallest, but you are only changing two thirds of size range

 

https://www.skoda-auto.com/_doc/6d5c59b3-5d97-451a-ab78-2ef185e6e373

 

All the sizes for current models (including Elroq, so is upto date) are on the link

 

@Ooopnorth Pity you weren’t closer I have 4 16x7 Skoda Spectrum alloys lying in my son’s garage, that I used on my 2 Yeti’s and my son used them on his Karoq.

They are currently fitted with Nokian 215x60 winter tyres, but they are probably too old to use now and would need fresh rubber on.

 

 

Living in the north-east of Scotland we never get the temperatures that occur in the south-east of England, for example, and so I have all season Michelin Cross Climates on my Karoq. The reviews I have seen don't show much improvement over "winter" tyres when the weather is really bad. If it gets too bad for the all season tyres, then I probably wouldn't want to be out on the roads.

 

On other similar cars, eg a Qashqai, I did the winter / summer tyres dance, and invariably just after the swap onto the summer ones, it would snow, and be freezing for a couple of weeks.

 

YMMV.

1 hour ago, Kenny R said:

@Ooopnorth Pity you weren’t closer I have 4 16x7 Skoda Spectrum alloys lying in my son’s garage, that I used on my 2 Yeti’s and my son used them on his Karoq.

They are currently fitted with Nokian 215x60 winter tyres, but they are probably too old to use now and would need fresh rubber on.

 

 

Well you've made me smile with fond memories.  I had spectrums too on my last two Yetis.  I think at the time I purchased them Skoda (Simpsons?) were offering them at a discount.  They served well over many winters and when I and the last Yeti parted company in 2020, the rims and tyres went gratis to a local person.   They were looking a bit salt shattered by then, but that was just cosmetic.

 

You've also reminded me that my last 2.0 tdi 4x4 Yeti drove quite fine on 16" rims (I think it came with 17" rims as standard). Thanks also for the photo of the Karoq on 16" rubbers.  Looks great.

There are too many words above, so …….

 

Will Fabia wheels fit a Karoq?
 

PCD 100 or 112

 

ps - I’ve swapped Winter wheels for many years, but I’m now trying All Seasons on both cars this winter

Our Fabia’s winter steels are 15” rims so I think we’d be pushing it! Definitely not Škoda recommended for the Karoq range of wheels. 

18 hours ago, BoxerBoy said:

There are too many words above, so …….

 

Will Fabia wheels fit a Karoq?
 

PCD 100 or 112

 

ps - I’ve swapped Winter wheels for many years, but I’m now trying All Seasons on both cars this winter

 

As you can see below, Fabia and Karoq wheels aren't interchangeable due to the different BCD.

 

BCD (Bolt Circle Diameter)

Fabia 5/100

Karoq 5/112

 

Edited 26 October, 20241 yr by Carlston

Our SEL Karoq with 215/65 16 Michelin Cross-climates on my trusty old (07) Audi alloys.  

2 hours ago, Berisford said:

Our SEL Karoq with 215/65 16 Michelin Cross-climates on my trusty old (07) Audi alloys.  

What a great choice of colour 👌

9 hours ago, Berisford said:

Our SEL Karoq with 215/65 16 Michelin Cross-climates on my trusty old (07) Audi alloys.  

 

If those are Audi A3 alloy rims, the specification will be 6.5Jx16 ET50 which is the same as the standard 16" rims on the Octavia MK2.

 

The ET50 offset pushes the centre of the wheel/tyre 7mm further into the wheelarch compared to the standard 16" Karoq rim specification of 6Jx16 ET43.

 

Outside diameter of tyre

215/50R18 672.2mm (Karoq front wheel drive tyre size)

225/45R19 685.1mm (Karoq 4x4 tyre size)

215/65R16 685.9mm (2.0% bigger outside diameter compared to 215/50R18) (0.1% bigger outside diameter compared to 225/45R19)

 

Edited 26 October, 20241 yr by Carlston

Would that have any implications, such as for using snow chains, etc.?

 

I seem to recall that on my old Yeti, snow chains could only be used on the rear axe.

Edited 26 October, 20241 yr by Ooopnorth

I think your memory on that is wrong.

(& there are fWD only Yeti, would they just be getting chains fitted to the rear?)

 

There are recommended wheel / tyre sizes for use with Snow Chains, and that is usually the smallest width / circumference that can be fitted. 

 

 

Edited 26 October, 20241 yr by Ootohere

19 minutes ago, Carlston said:

 

The specification of those Audi A3 alloys is 6.5Jx16 ET50 which is the same as the standard 16" rims on the Octavia MK2.

 

The ET50 offset pushes the centre of the wheel/tyre 7mm further into the wheelarch compared to the standard 16" Karoq rim specification of 6Jx16 ET43.

 

Outside diameter of tyre

215/50R18 672.2mm (Karoq front wheel drive tyre size)

225/45R19 685.1mm (Karoq 4x4 tyre size)

215/65R16 685.9mm (2.0% bigger outside diameter compared to 215/50R18) (0.1% bigger outside diameter compared to 225/45R19)

 

The ET of my Audi alloys is 42 - thus pushing the centre of my wheels 1mm further out of the wheel arch than the Skoda spec - I can live with that.......

13 minutes ago, Ootohere said:

I think your memory on that is wrong.

 

There are recommended wheel / tyre sizes for use with Snow Chains, and that is usually the smallest width / circumference that can be fitted. 

We only once took the Yeti to the Alps and so had to have snow chains in the car, but didn't have to use them in the end.  However, I'm fairly sure (but I'm not infallible  ) that our Yeti 4x4 owner's manual said rear fitting only. Unfortunately, the handbook/manual was passed onto the new owners. 

 

I've just checked a few sights to jog my memory and found these:

 

https://www.yetiownersclub.co.uk/threads/snow-chains.2031/

 

https://www.kopacek.com/Skoda/Yeti/Yeti-4x4-snow-chains-for-16-and-17-wheels

 

This vid also shows them fitted only to the rear wheels.

 

 

It seems odd, as if you had a 2x4 yeti there'd be no drive to the rear, so they'd be little point!

Edited 26 October, 20241 yr by Ooopnorth