Winter wheels & tyres

[Optimus prime]

Does anyone run a winter setup?  I used to on my 535d being rwd but does the fwd gtd need them?  If so do you drop to 17" or 16" rims?  Currently on 18" as standard.

Opinions pls 

Thanks

OP

[Eccie]

Only had my GTI 1 month but I plan on fitting my 17" Monza's off my old MK5 Gti that have winter boots on, I test fitted them to make sure they'd fit, and they do, only just, but I'm pp with the big brakes - 16" wouldn't fit on mine.

Have a look here http://www.golfgtiforum.co.uk/index.php?topic=274418.msg2509928#msg2509928

[BigD]

BBS SR016 (18s), Continental TS830P

[pjr]

I used 16's on my non-PP GTI last winter, but that was only because I already had the wheels from my last car (A3).

I'd imagine the brakes on a GTD are the same size as mine so 16's would probably fit (assuming correct offset, PCD etc), but 17's or 18's would look better.

[Optimus prime]

Yes 16" should fit as they are shown on the door pillar, however I do agree that 17" will look better

[Daz Auto]

Does anyone run a winter setup?

Opinions pls 

We both use winter tyres.

I have a spare set of 16 inch alloys+tyres for my Mk6 GTD. My wife has tyres only, and gets them changed when necessary - cost £25.

Both methods have their pros and cons. However, I much prefer my wife's method.

I can fit/remove my winter tyres when I want. Though this involves 1.5 hours of heavy lifting. The alloys look crap on the car, but I don't have to worry much about hitting a pot hole on a dark winters night.

My wife has tyre storage bags with handles. She lifts the tyres into her boot. Takes the car to the local fitters. They do the heavy lifting and the tyres get balanced twice a year. The bags keep her and the car clean. The car looks exactly the same. She doesn't have to buy alloys.

People seem to think you need a second set of alloys for winter tyres. You really don't.

 

[Daz Auto]

... but does the fwd gtd need them?

Only you can answer that question. Are your roads definitely gritted? Does the area you live in get much frost/snow? Do you want maximum safety in winter conditions?

We live and work in rural locations. Though I would estimate that 95% of the time we do not NEED winter tyres. However, it is reassuring to know that the car will stop and turn the other 5% of the time.

An important lesson I learned - just because you have winter tyres fitted does not mean that you can drive the way you normally would if there was no snow and ice!

[Medic1281]

I use winter tyres all year round. They aren't that bad during the summer but great when the temp drops below 7 degrees. I've had ug8's on the front for 25k miles, they are about due for a change now. I'm happy running winters full time, it suits me.

[p3asa]

I use winter tyres all year round. They aren't that bad during the summer but great when the temp drops below 7 degrees. I've had ug8's on the front for 25k miles, they are about due for a change now. I'm happy running winters full time, it suits me.

Winter tyres performance drops dramatically compared to all year round tyres after just a few mm has worn down.
In fact I read a few articles that recommended changing them when they got to 5mm or thereabouts.

Winters would be my preference though all year round.

[Daz Auto]

I use winter tyres all year round. They aren't that bad during the summer but great when the temp drops below 7 degrees. I've had ug8's on the front for 25k miles, they are about due for a change now. I'm happy running winters full time, it suits me.

I have 16 inch Goodyear Ultragrip 8s for winter driving. I have found, in warm wet conditions, these tyres are awful. My wife had the same tyre on her Mk5 Match and felt the same.

My wife now has the new Continental WinterContact TS850s. They are supposed to be better in warm weather. Though tests still show that any summer tyre is better for braking in warm weather.