What have you done to your MK 7 today ?

[mcmaddy]

If it's a front tyre I'd move it to the back as it'll be under less stress just rotating rather than having turning forces on it.

[Sootchucker]

Right chaps, I'm think now of going down the refurbishment route as the tyre actually looks fine and the "damage" is very superficial.

That will cost me £160.00 from Lepson's (including courier delivery to them and back). They state that the repairs are normally undertaken in approximately 3-4 Working days.

Now the question is what to run on the car whilst the wheel is in. I don't want to be running a space saver for a week, so option B (and this is what I'd like advice on please), is that I have the below "spare" wheel assembly that came off my MK5 Golf (see image below of it in the boot of my MK5 back in 2009). It's a steelie, but fitted with a decent Dunlop SP Sport Tyre at a size of 205/55/16. It's been sitting for a number of years since the MK5 was sold (since March 2011 to be precise, in my garage away from direct sunlight), but the question is would that be a better option for a week or so rather than the space saver and will it fit OK to the back of a MK7 GTI ?


The tyre looks OK (just a bit dirty and cobwebby from sitting around, but there's no cracks etc. in the sidewalls and the tyre was brand new and had one ever seen the road once (when I had a puncture in the MK5 for around 10 miles).

[dubber36]

I'd use it. The tyres on my Mk2 are over 10 years old and I don't think twice about using that 2 or 3 times a year.

16" wheels will fit over non PP 312mm front brakes, so will be fine on the rear.

It would be better to use that than your space saver, as they are designed for emergency use only. The 16" wheel is still like a space saver and will need to be treated as such, but it will keep you rolling in more safety.

[Vwjap]

Weekends plan is to instal my Helix Sub - can i just ask disconnecting the battery what after effects does this have and how do i solve them ? i believe its an issue with the windows ?

driving it normally clears all the errors, if not obdeleven’s your friend

[Exonian]

Weekends plan is to instal my Helix Sub - can i just ask disconnecting the battery what after effects does this have and how do i solve them ? i believe its an issue with the windows ?

driving it normally clears all the errors, if not obdeleven’s your friend

Yes, agreed, normally a few ignition cycles and everything clears.
Failing that, OBD11 will sort it quickly.

I'd use it. The tyres on my Mk2 are over 10 years old and I don't think twice about using that 2 or 3 times a year.

16" wheels will fit over non PP 312mm front brakes, so will be fine on the rear.

It would be better to use that than your space saver, as they are designed for emergency use only. The 16" wheel is still like a space saver and will need to be treated as such, but it will keep you rolling in more safety.

My thoughts too.
Shove it in the rear and drive gingerly.

I'm mourning the loss this morning of yet another wing mirror A lorry got the passenger side last year, I just clipped the driver side whilst reversing ironically at the VW garage getting a £5 drain tube replaced. £450. At least there was no damage to the bodywork this time so a straightforward replacement but my precious black mirror cap bought it too

Oops! And ouch too!
How did you manage that?

I was briefly distracted by a parked car on my left and pedestrians and just caught the wall. It's now taped on with a spare mirror cap. Thought about buying a secondhand part and doing it myself but I don't have a great track record with trim removal/refitting So I'll be back to my red mirror caps...again.

How frustrating! Gutted for you.

Well, sooner or later your track record will improve as you’ll have done it so many times you’ll be a professional trim remover and refitter 

[Eccie]

Sootchucker I’d be tempted to go with the new spare wheel approach, changing the tyre over will give you a chance to check it - a spare wheel just gives your more options.

If your passing through Lancashire I can lend you one of my winter wheels (with winter tyre) for a week or so - just PM me

[Gnasher]

Sootchucker - the 16" wheel is very close on rolling radius to the 225/40R18. I use a 17" wheel and tyre off a passat with no issues - I did think that 16" wheels would fit over your (non PP) brakes, it's only the PP that needs a 17" wheel AFAIK.

Ran mine for a week or so on it with no issues, didn't even feel that different on handling.

I feel for you with the kerbing though lol - been there, done that.

[Sootchucker]

Cheers bud

[BobbyT]

Bought some of the new VWR shocks to go with their spring kit. Not getting it fitted until mid July though 

[MjrSharpe]

Fitted the red overlay for the gti steering wheel badge and gave the car a coat of auto balm.

https://flic.kr/p/26VZz17