Hey, posted in the BIG winter tyres thread but thought Id post here too.

Going for winter tyres this year and decided on second had 16" alloys with new Vredestein rubber. Ive been browsing ebay for some cheap alloys, got most of the details worked out but would like confirmation before buying...

First up 16" will be fine on my standard 57 Leon FR TDi, totally standard, on standard 17" now? Have seen a few posts confirming this.

Next, wheels should be 5x112mm.

Does the rim width matter when buying the wheels, obviously I will buy tyres to match. 7J seems a common width.

Now the part I have no idea about, offset...
What range can I go for? Im looking at some with ET37.

Thanks alot for any help guys, will prob be back checking tyre details once I have the wheels! Dont want to be shelling out hundreds to find I bought wrong sizes etc.
 
16's should be fine, only the Brembo brakes need bigger wheels. I have 16's that fit round 312mm discs on my Toledo. I'd probably recommend SEAT brand alloys though, some aftermarket 16's may not give the clearance you need.

Rim width doesn't really matter, however it is believed that a narrower wheel will work better in the snow. In theory space savers are the best winter wheel although I wouldn't like to be the test pilot on that one!
 
Cheers for the info. Im looking at used Audi, VW, Seat and Skoda alloys on ebay.

Anyone know what the letter after the width means (I assume 7J is 7" width)?
 
I've been looking into winter tyres as well. I've read up on the new Goodyear ultragrip 8 tyres.
Been trying to find a price, as I've got 19's on. Been thinking of getting some OEM 18's, but can't find any on fleabay.
 
I've been looking into winter tyres as well. I've read up on the new Goodyear ultragrip 8 tyres.
Been trying to find a price, as I've got 19's on. Been thinking of getting some OEM 18's, but can't find any on fleabay.

I've got a pair on my way to me from Oponeo.co.uk, but for some reason they only have up to 16's for the Ultragrip 8. They do have some winters for 19 inch wheels, but they are phenomenally expensive, £300 for one Dunlop example?
 
has anyone tryed studded tryes like the Vredestein Icetrac would love a set of these for the cupra but can only find sizes up to 16", is there even a studded tyre to fit the cupra? not too bothered about the price, would the snow tracs be better than the likes of continental
 
Studded tyres on uk roads without snow/ice will wear out very quickly, and give a shocking ride. Unlike winter tyres, genuinely no point.
 
Anybody heard how good or bad these are? Nexen WINGUARD SPORT 215/40 R17 87 V XL. £69 a tyre Thanks
 
anyone considered using retread tyres?

A whole world of no. They simply don't work, just consider how many lorry tyres you have seen shredded on the side of the road.

I might consider part worn winters, as they are designed to be removed after a season so are still likely to be ok.
 
Studded tyres on uk roads without snow/ice will wear out very quickly, and give a shocking ride. Unlike winter tyres, genuinely no point.


ahh thanks for the reply, so given im not too bothered about price whats the best winters to go for? i just want the best performing winter tyre.
 
has anyone tryed studded tryes like the Vredestein Icetrac would love a set of these for the cupra but can only find sizes up to 16", is there even a studded tyre to fit the cupra? not too bothered about the price, would the snow tracs be better than the likes of continental

I think studded tyres are not permitted for road use in the UK?
 
I'm not bothering. Dropping the tyre pressure's 3 psi and i'll put my snow socks on if it get's too bad. Never got stuck last year and don't intend to this year either.