Edition 30 Winter Tyres/wheel size advice

[thunderstarter]

Hi all,

Has anyone on here fitted winter specific Tyres to a mk 5 gti?

Also would it be an advantage to go from 18 inch standard pescara alloys to say the 17 inch Monzas? I've heard the smaller rim size helps in snow with winter Tyres having a taller side wall?

Any advice/thoughts from those in the know, gratefully received

Thanks
Dan

[Egbutt Wash]

I have winter tyres on secondhand 17" wheels.  They seem OK but tend to understeer the snap into oversteer when pushing them.

Perhaps the cheapo brand I've got are not the best.

[Hyperspace]

For wet conditions, I know that the wider the tyre is, the higher the actual grip level, but the lower the aquaplanning threshold.

But for snow?

Well, the studded snow tyres that the WRC cars use on the winter stages are noticeably narrower and higher in profile than tarmac tyres, but I can't confirm whether the same principle applies for road tyres.

In any case, if the majority of your mileage is done on summer tyres, then high quality 17 inch winter tyres and rims may be more cost effective anyway (and provide more traction I suspect, but again I'm just guessing).