Winter tyre question

[Hartside]

Just been reading an interesting thread in the mk5 section:

http://www.golfgtiforum.co.uk/index.php?topic=166202.0

Been out to look at my 17" tyres and they have no XL marking on them but are W rated, which are speed rated up to 168mph. As they are original fitment I guess something has changed from what the mk5 guys are saying.

On the subject of Winter tyres, what do you guys reckon. I was thinking about buying V rated tyres, which I thought would be more than adequate. Do they need to be XL versions of the V rated tyre, or would V rated be good enough? 

[Ess_Three]

Just been reading an interesting thread in the mk5 section:

http://www.golfgtiforum.co.uk/index.php?topic=166202.0

Been out to look at my 17" tyres and they have no XL marking on them but are W rated, which are speed rated up to 168mph. As they are original fitment I guess something has changed from what the mk5 guys are saying.

On the subject of Winter tyres, what do you guys reckon. I was thinking about buying V rated tyres, which I thought would be more than adequate. Do they need to be XL versions of the V rated tyre, or would V rated be good enough? 

My standard Dunlops are XL, as are my winter Vredesteins.
They cost about the same anyway...so just go for the XLs.

[p3asa]

There is no mention of XL on my Bridgestone Potenza 18" tyres however looking up the www they are definitely XL

[mac7]

My understanding of the XL 'extra load' tyres is that they are designed to run at higher pressures when used with heavier vehicles. They have stiffer reinforced side walls and are normally inflated at up to 42psi, rather than up to 35psi as with non-XL tyres.

If your car has XL tyres specified, it is because it needs them when fully loaded - remember these 'hot hatches' of ours are much larger and heavier than the original GTI's were. In fact my R is half a ton heavier than a Mk2 GTI... add four fat blokes and some luggage and your average GTD or GTI isn't far off weighing 2 tons!

[ajmoir36]

XL on my Bridgestones on my GTD, the hand book I think specs what tyres should be fitted?

[Hartside]

I cannot find it in the handbook, been through it two or three times now (it's got to be the worst handbook ever!) It's got a very good explanation of what all the symbols and lettering means but I can't see which tyres it recommends

[ajmoir36]

Sorry I was wrong the manual doesnt have the specs.  Could of sworn I had read about them in there.  Must have been imagining it.

[mike.]

Here are the recommended tyres from the workshop manuals for the GTI/GTD

I think there is a mistake in the first table as the last entry should be Pirelli..

SUMMER


WINTER

[mhoutman]

Here are the recommended tyres from the workshop manuals for the GTI/GTD

I think there is a mistake in the first table as the last entry should be Pirelli..

SUMMER

interesting table: any idea why they have chosen the Michelin Exalto and NOT the Pilot Sport 2 ? (same as with Conti SC 2 and NOT Conti SC 3) ?

[Snoopy]

Here are the recommended tyres from the workshop manuals for the GTI/GTD

I think there is a mistake in the first table as the last entry should be Pirelli..

Don't suppose you have the summer list for the 17s too please.
Thanks for any help.