wheel sizes and winter wheels etc etc

[pottinger]

Hey guys,

okay, so I have 19 inch glendales (225 / 35 19 tyres)

IF I wanted to stuff some wheels on over winter what sizes do I have to go for.... ebay is awash with wheels,
is my stud pattern 112 ?

just after some general advice rearly ....

cheers
potts

[dubber36]

Yes, your stud pattern in 5x112. You also need to pay attention to offset (ET) as well. This effects how far the wheel sticks out. The smaller the number, the further it sticks out. My Vancouvers are 7.5 x 18 ET51. I would suspect that your Glendales are about the same. It will be stamped on the back of the wheels somewhere.

In terms of tyres sizes you need to keep the rolling diameter as close to the original as possible. All the following sizes are within acceptable tolerances of each other.

205-55-16
205-50-17
225-45-17
225-40-18
235-35-19

Obviously the smaller you go, the cheaper they will be, but for me aesthetics still play a part in it, so I would be reluctant to go below 17" myself. 

[pottinger]

cheers for that, excellant post 

[Ess_Three]

cheers for that, excellant post 

Replica wheels are hit an miss, strength and quality wise.

If it were me, I'd be looking for some OEM VW/Audi/Seat/Skoda 17" or 18" wheels and running 225/45/17s or 225/40/18s.
Even used wheels, and either live with them if they are in good nick, or powder coat them.

I run 225/40/18s as winters and have had no problems, even in the deep snow we get north of Aberdeen...and the 18s still look good, so I put them on in November and run them through to March/April.

[ttdan]

Just been checking out tyres in 18", the prices are a bit stupid for anything decent, more than a top quality summer tyre.

Are the mid brand winters any good ? Im fussy on tyres in the summer but is it worth worrying about on a winter considering the handling is going to be compromised anyway?

[Buck]

Just been checking out tyres in 18", the prices are a bit stupid for anything decent, more than a top quality summer tyre.

Are the mid brand winters any good ? Im fussy on tyres in the summer but is it worth worrying about on a winter considering the handling is going to be compromised anyway?

The trouble is you're now buying at the worst time of year for cost as demand is high and availability runs out pretty quickly.

Mid-range is still going to be better than summers but if you can afford it go for the best and think that this will be a 3 to 4 year life span - mine are on their third winter and when fitting them I was pleasantly surprised to see them looking like new 

[dubber36]

I'm on my third winter with by Hankook Ice Bears. Brilliant winter tyre for the money.

[Ess_Three]

Over the years I've used Toyos, Vredestein, Avons, Pirellis and Michelins. The Michelin Pilot Alpins are by far the most expensive...and to be honest, they aren't the best in my eyes.
The Vredesteins are brilliant...and mid priced.
My folks both run Avons - and swear by them...and they are reasonable.

The Hankooks and Nexens get good press.

Since the speeds will be far lower in winter, I believe ANY winter tyre will be vastly better than ANY summer tyre...so I'd not be too concerned which make they are...just get a matching set and marvel in the extra grip.

[pottinger]

cheers for that, excellant post 

Hey guys, can I ask....

the ET offset part... does it have to be the same ?

I have 19" glens (112) with an ET51 on ed35.

I see advertised for eg
THE LATEST SET OF 4 18" BBS CH STYLE ALLOY WHEELS
18X8 / ET 45 / PCD 5X112 / C.B 66.6

quoting they fit VW golf etc etc

So, I presume the Ed35 has exactly the same setup as any regular GTI and noticed members have fitted bbs on mk6's or am I just getting opverly confused 

any advice mucho appreciated

chers
potts

[dubber36]

If your current wheels are 8" wides, then the BBS's will only stick out 6mm more, so they will be fine in that respect.

I assume CB 66.6 refers to center bore. The Golf wheels have a center bore diameter of 57.1mm, so the will need spigot rings (reducers) to ensure they sit centrally on the hubs. http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/66-6-57-1-Spigot-Rings-Hub-Centric-Rings-Mercedes-Benz-wheels-to-Audi-VW-/251346434718?pt=UK_Cars_Parts_Vehicles_Wheels_tyre_Trims_Trims_ET&fits=Car+Make%3AVW&hash=item3a856a3a9e