Switching from oem 19 Brescia's to CM Wheels replica 19 Prets - advice please

[Rich 3]

I am thinking of changing my wheels on my 2018 GTI pp, as I am finding it hard work keeping the Brescia's looking pristine - and despite being careful they seem to be very susceptible to curb scuffs!

I realise that the replica Pret's are heavier than the oem equivalent VW wheel, but as the car won't be tracked and in view of our poor roads I don't think that is a bad thing.

Has anyone else made a similar switch? Any particular advice or things to look out for? And did you advise your insurer, and if so did they increase the premuim by much?

Re tyres, what do you guys recommend that have a least some form of decent rim protector? The standard Pirelli's on my car are poor in this respect and I don't particularly rate them in general terms either.

As the existing rims and tyres will be retained as a spare set, will I need to purchase 4 tps valves from VW for the new set? (Not sure how this system works on the Golf). If so, are they expensive?

Cheers

[barrym381]

Goodyear eagle f1 offer great rim protection

[mcmaddy]

You don't have tpms valves on golf rims it's worked entirely from the abs system.

[Watts]

The Santiagos I had on my last car were only scuffed when I had Pirellis. When I changed to Michelin PS4S kerbing was a thing of the past. And they were better tyres.

[Rich 3]

Thanks for the replies so far guys - really helpful.

In view of your experiences echoing mine Watts, maybe I should just get the Brescia's refurbed and get a set of Michelin PS4's instead. That would be an option, but I'm not really convinced of the durability of new diamond cut wheels in our climate, let alone one's that have been sliced and diced!

[Watts]

Depends on the conditions where you live. In 4.5 years even with the odd bit of kerbing my wheels showed no sign of any whiteworm. In my situation I'd get them refurbed (if needed, I'd put up with minor kerbing) and see how they hold up. Only you can decide what's best for you. They are a great looking wheel and really suit a GTI.

[clubsport]

The Brescia 19's come with 225 width tyres, of you were to fit 235 Ps4 or 4S, this gives you more tim protection.

No doubt, some will say fitting the wider tyre will cause handling issues, but quite a few people appear to have done this on Brescia's without any adverse consequences.

[SRGTD]

I
Has anyone else made a similar switch? Any particular advice or things to look out for? And did you advise your insurer, and if so did they increase the premuim by much?


Cheers

Yes, tell your insurer. Most insurers have a requirement in the small print of their policy that you tell them of any modifications, and fitting different wheels to those that the car left the factory with is a modification. If you don’t tell them, you’re giving them a reason to point to the small print in the policy and say you’ve not complied with the policy T&C’s if you’re unfortunate enough to need to make a claim.

I’ve changed the wheels on my current car and also did so on my previous car. I didn’t get charged anything to change them the first time. The second time, I think the charge was around £15 a year extra.

[Rob_benton]

What are people’s opinion with Pret’s on a Gti ?

As much as I’d love to go to a powder coated wheel, the intended Gti wheels diamond cut 18/19 inch just look right.

[Watts]

I think Pretorias look great on a GTI. Really good looking wheel. But I also love the Santiagos and Brescias. If I bought a car with any of those on I'd be more than happy. Except at the time of cleaning the Santiagos which were a right royal PITA. My current wheels are a joy in comparison!