Dear All,

I've been reading and spending more time than I care to admit to choose the right winter wheels for my 2015 230 VRS and I'm still not sure what exact size for the rims would be the best. I've been using all-season tyres on the original 19" wheels, but I don't feel like it's a safe option for the Swiss winters.

Reading through the relevant threads, I see mentions of 16" steel wheels, but I don't think that will fit the larger brake calipers I have (if I understood it right, my model would have the bigger 340mm ones, which will need at least 17" - so steel wheels are not an option).

If I check the snow chains section in the owner's manual, I can only see the following approved sizes:

Rim size Impression depth D Tyre size

6J x 17 45 mm 205/50 R17

6J x 17 48 mm 205/50 R17

and I see the same info on some websites like here: https://www.wheel-size.com/size/skoda/octavia/mk3-a7-5e-2013-2017/eudm/#trim-mk3-a7-5e-2013-2017-20-tsi--227-2

But when I take a look around at ReifenDirekt.ch, I can't find any rims with 6" wide rims, the smallest I find are 6.5" and 7", but I also can't really find any on other websites, other than some one-off references in other threads, like here: https://www.briskoda.net/forums/topic/508414-all-season-tyres-for-octavia/#comment-5707805

Is it not popular anymore, or am I not searching the right places or what could be the reason?

So what size should I get exactly, and with what ET? Would you have any particular recommendations? I understand narrow and small would be preferable, but then how do I know for sure what is approved for my model (if choosing, for example, 6.5" or 7" x 17)? How do I know which offset/ET is ideal, and if they'll be accepted at MOT?

Thanks for the advice.

This is an interesting thread. I can give you my experience after running around Scotland with a MK3 Octavia Scout on Winter tyres.

All Seasons are probably fine for most of the year, but as you said, when the snow and the hard cold comes, then you need something a bit more robust. I had a fantastic experience with Pirelli WinterSotto tyres. Depending on the tyres sizes you normally run around on (I think they maybe 225/35 R19), then Pirelli do a tyre called a Winter SottoZero Serie II designed for sports cars. These are directional tyres. An alternative is the Winter SottoZero 3 (maybe a more up-to-date design). You don't need to change tyre sizes etc. Here in the UK, snow chains are not allowed snow chains/studded tyres are not really approved of (unless it's obviously snowing and you have summer tyres) but appreciate in Switzerland that they are needed.

If you want something more extreme, Pirelli also do their Ice Zero range of tyres (for proper ice and snow handling - includes semi-studded tyres).

What I did was buy a set of scuffed alloys, got them lightly refurbished and then had those for my winter tyres. It is also worth getting wheel alignment done as well. Remember, winter tyres should not be used above 7C.

Edited 20 October, 202520 Oct by varaderoguy
Correcting an incorrect fact.

1 hour ago, varaderoguy said:

Here in the UK, snow chains are not allowed, ….

That’s not my understanding. Can you elaborate please, as I thought they are allowed, in the right circumstances for them to be used correctly.

Gaz

Snow Chains are allowed and not illegal on the Kings Highway.

But,

there needs to be total snow / ice cover and not to be used on Black Top.

Maybe in the most extreme of conditions, in hills and glens and back roads.

Where there are snow gates and snow gates closed and you are in that area within that snow bound area.

Maybe not common, but it happens. When the emergency services are on unsuitable tyres like Police Vehicles, Fire Services, Ambulances etc there is nobody kicking off about you having on Chains or Studded tyres.

If you have chains you can fit them just as you might fit Snow Socks until you do not need them.

Edited 17 October, 202517 Oct by Evolution13

Not had them on the Snow yet.

The Skoda accessory catalogue lists 6Jx17 ET48 5/112 57.1 alloy rims for the Octavia MK3, which are suitable for use with 205/50R17 tyres.

By quoting the relevant OEM part number, eg. 5E0071496A 8Z8, these can be ordered from any VAG parts department.

6Jx17 ET48 5/112 57.1 alloy rim CRYSTAL 5E0071496A 8Z8 (4869CZK about £174.37)

https://eshop.skoda-auto.cz/cs_CZ/alu-kolo-crystal-17-octavia-iii/p/5E0071496A+8Z8

6Jx17 ET48 5/112 57.1 alloy rim CRYSTAL 5E0071497E FL8 (5119CZK about £183.33)

https://eshop.skoda-auto.cz/cs_CZ/alu-kolo-crystal-17-octavia-iii/p/5E0071497E+FL8

Michelin Alpin 7 205/50R17 93V XL (Euro label C B 71dB) (Winter tyre)

https://www.mytyres.co.uk/rshop/tyre/Michelin/Alpin-7/205-50-R17-93V-XL/D-134906

Edited 17 October, 202517 Oct by Carlston

Thanks for the answers.

I can't really find any website where this could be ordered to Switzerland, also not as a complete wheel: 5E0071496A. The new models are extremely expensive on the official Skoda page: https://www.skoda.ch/skoda-partner/winterraeder (CHF 2100 for Lyra, 2460 for Crystal).

I've been advised by my garage to get complete wheels from reifendirekt.ch.

This is the best deal I got, but I'm just still unsure about the compatibility, w.r.t. to clearance on the brake calipers:

CMS C27 6.5 x 17ET 46

The associated detailed document at page 4 does include my version (169 kw):

Based on the new Lyra tyres, this may also be a valid size (and allows snow chains):

The tyres on them, I understand both 205/50 and 205/55 are allowed, and the latter would be preferred. Unfortunately, reifendirekt.ch always pairs them with 205/50, even for models that state 205/55 for the Octavia RS, like in this example:

BORBET N
6.5 x 17ET 46

I was considering options on the 7x17 size, but for all of those, the document codes disallow the use of snow chains. I don't need it necessarily, but would be a nice to have, especially when buying new (which I reckon may also impact its resale price).

After so many days of research, I'm still unsure what to get and don't feel overly confident with the correct fit. The customer service at the website couldn't help without providing them the COC, which I don't have.

Any thoughts from experienced folks? Thank you!

The only 17" wheel sizes shown in the Octavia MK3 RS owner's manual that are suitable for snow chains are 205/50R17 6Jx17 ET45 and 205/50R17 6Jx17 ET48.

The only other 17" wheels that are listed on the Octavia MK3 RS's CoC (Certificate of Conformity) are 225/45R17 7Jx17 ET49 and 225/45R17 7.5Jx17 ET51.

6.5Jx17 ET46 won't be listed on the CoC for any Octavia MK3...it's an Octavia MK4 rim size. The Octavia MK4 uses a 205/55R17 tyre size with this rim.

Aftermarket alloy rims often come in sizes (rim width, offset, etc.) that aren't approved by Skoda...ie. they won't be listed on the car's CoC.

205/55R17 isn't approved by Skoda for any Octavia MK3 (including the RS), except for the Scout when fitted to a 6Jx17 ET48 rim.

NX is a code for the Octavia MK4, not Octavia MK3.

Edited 18 October, 202518 Oct by Carlston

Thanks, Carlston for the clarifications.

So, do you recommend against getting the 6.5Jx17 ET46 ones? If it's not on that CoC, best not to assume anything?

Wouldn't there be some backward compatibility that overrides the previous generations? Is this list CoC never updated afterwards? Doesn't it happen that newer sizes get added retroactively?

If not, I suppose my only options are to either buy a 225/45R17 7Jx17 ET49/51 and accept that I won't be able to use a snow chain (how strict is this to be followed?) or buying the original parts from here, right? Thanks.

Skoda produce the CoC at the time the car is manufactured. The CoC doesn't get updated.

When a new model Skoda is first released, Skoda will have already decided all of the possible wheel sizes.

17" wheel sizes (for Octavia MK3, not including Scout)

205/50R17 6Jx17 ET45 (suitable for snow chains)

205/50R17 6Jx17 ET48 (suitable for snow chains)

225/45R17 7Jx17 ET49 (not suitable for snow chains)

225/45R17 7.5Jx17 ET51 (not suitable for snow chains)

When it comes to wheels, many EU countries require a strict adherence to what listed in the car's CoC, eg. 205/50R17 6.5Jx17 ET46 won't be listed in an Octavia MK3's CoC.

Compared to 205/50R17 6.5Jx17 ET46 (not Skoda approved), 205/50R17 6Jx17 ET48 will give more protection against kerbing damage...because the tyre's sidewalls bulge out more from the rim.

One non-standard option that could be used without snowchains is 215/50R17 6.5Jx17 ET46. This would give similar rim protection from kerbing damage as fitting a 205/50R17 to a 6" rim width...because the sidewalls in both cases bulge out a similar amount.

225/45R17 give the rims very little protection from kerbing damage, even if fitted to the narrower 7" rim width. For good protection from kerbing damage you need to look at 50 aspect ratio tyres or higher...fitted to relatively narrow rims. This is where 205/50R17 fitted to 6" rim width or 215/50R17 fitted to 6.5" rim width give a big advantage compared to 225/45R17 fitted to 7" rim width. 225/45R17 fitted to a wider 7.5" rim width gives even less protection from kerbing damage than a 225/45R17 fitted to a 7" rim width...b

Michelin Alpin 7 215/50R17 95V XL (Euro label C B 71dB) (Winter tyre) (not a Skoda approved size, so might be illegal in Switzerland and other strict EU countries)

https://www.mytyres.co.uk/rshop/tyre/Michelin/Alpin-7/215-50-R17-95V-XL/D-134881

The 205/55R17 tyre size in the below listing only applies to the Octavia MK3 Scout. Other Octavia MK3 models use a smaller outside diameter 205/50R17 tyre size...with this 6Jx17 ET48 rim specification.

6Jx17 ET48 5/112 57.1 alloy rim CRYSTAL 5E0071496A 8Z8 (204.34 Euros is about £177.37)

https://www.skoda-parts.com/spare-part/5e0071496a8z8-aluminium-rim-17-crystal-skoda-43499.html

6.5Jx17 ET46 5/112 57.1 alloy rim LYRA 5E3071497AC 8Z8 (215.38 Euros is about £186.95)

https://www.skoda-parts.com/spare-part/5e3071497ac8z8-aluminium-rim-17-lyra-skoda-41403.html

The tyre size with the biggest outside on the Octavia MK3 RS is 225/35R19. As you can see in the chart below, the non-standard 215/50R17 has an outside diameter 1.0% bigger. As a general guide, up to 1.5% bigger outside diameter than standard is generally considered acceptable. For example, the speedometer is unlikely to under-read, and the gearing shouldn't feel much different to standard.

Outside diameter of tyre

225/35R19 640.1mm

215/50R17 646.8mm (1.0% bigger outside diameter compared to 225/35R19)

Edited 18 October, 202518 Oct by Carlston

I can confirm that the original Skoda accessory Crystal 6J x15 wheel is the only alloy that Skoda Auto explicitly allowed for use with snow chains on Mk3 Octavia vRS, incl the ones with large brakes (340mm). The Crystal wheels come in black or silver.

Tyres specified were 205/50/R17 for the vRS and 205/55/R17 (Scout size).

Edited 19 October, 202519 Oct by dieselV6

On 17/10/2025 at 15:27, Gaz said:

That’s not my understanding. Can you elaborate please, as I thought they are allowed, in the right circumstances for them to be used correctly.

Gaz

Sorry Gaz,

I looked at my wording again and realised that you were right. They are allowed, but don't go running around the M25 in the middle of summer with them on - otherwise the Rozzer's might get a tad unhappy with you.

On 19/10/2025 at 16:52, dieselV6 said:

I can confirm that the original Skoda accessory Crystal 6J x15 wheel is the only alloy that Skoda Auto explicitly allowed for use with snow chains on Mk3 Octavia vRS, incl the ones with large brakes (340mm). The Crystal wheels come in black or silver.

Tyres specified were 205/50/R17 for the vRS and 205/55/R17 (Scout size).

Both 6Jx17 ET45 and 6Jx17 ET48 are listed in the July 2019 owner's manual for the Octavia MK3 RS.

The 2019 Skoda parts catalogue lists the following 6Jx17 alloy rims for the Octavia MK3, as shown below.

2019 Skoda parts catalogue

1	5E0071497B	Aluminium rim	6Jx17 ET45	4	FLASH
	5E0071497B 7ZS	chrome coloured metallic

1	5E0071496A	Aluminium rim	6Jx17 ET48	4	CRYSTAL
	5E0071496A 8Z8	Diamond silver

1	5E0071497E	Aluminium rim	6Jx17 ET48	4	CRYSTAL
	5E0071497E FL8	Black metallic

https://www.lllparts.co.uk/catalogs/skoda/CZ/OCT/805/0/071/71070

Edited 20 October, 202520 Oct by Carlston

I think I'm letting go of the snow chains, don't think I'll really ever need them. Kerbing damage is also not my biggest fear, I mainly drive to work on the highway and almost always park in the garage, very rarely in the city. Maybe there are other factors I'm not considering or weighing properly, but it doesn't feel like an overly big compromise.

I think I like the ALUTEC Grip 7.0 x 17ET 49 the most for its low price and the looks and it's available in a darker color, that I can imagine could be more practical in slushy, muddy, rainy, dirty times.

These are the specs for it (sorry for the German, I actually don't speak it myself).

It seems like all 3 tyre options are possible, however I don't see RS being mentioned explicitly. This is just based on the kW (169), which leaves me a bit unsure again:

Also after selecting these rims, it does let me choose any of these 3 sizes for the tyres (even though the car model is preselected)

But based on your answer, the COC only lists 225/45, so I should not take the narrower 205/50R17, right?

What tyres would you choose:

My mechanic said in general to go with Nokian because of it's great price/perf ratio, though I did read some mixed reviews about them.

I'm not sure here, if I need XL for my model (combi) or it doesn't matter? Also, how significant is D vs C in terms of fuel economy?

Conti TS 870 got the best scores in the famous adac.de tests, so I'm tempted to go with that despite the slightly higher price.

Just slightly below 1000 CHF, I think it's not too bad of a deal.

Thanks for all the great and helpful responses so far. I feel like I'm learning a lot.

Edited 20 October, 202520 Oct by CloneXpert

I also added CrossClimate 2 in the mix for comparison.

I read that CC2 is very good, performing as well as winter tyres. I wonder though, about the durability compared to having 2 sets. This could save me some swaps, but don't know what to believe...

With aftermarket alloy rims, you usually need different wheel bolts (of the correct length) because they tend to use cone shaped (conical) seats whereas VAG rims use ball shaped (sphere/spherical) seats.

With aftermarket alloy rims, you usually need spigot rings because Skodas have a 57.1mm centre bore. Aftermarket alloy rims tend to have a centre bore bigger than 57.1mm.

Edited 20 October, 202520 Oct by Carlston

I'm also considering ASC2 now, I see you also recommended it in another thread.

I just need to survive icy conditions a few times a year when going snowboarding (but where the roads are almost always cleared) or when it's actively snowing and it's cold. Having winter tyres on when it can get surprisingly hot in March/April, then swing back to wintry conditions again is just ideal for the winter tyres I understand.

---

The alutec rims I chose above has the same centre bore and bolts size based on the specs: