can I run golf steels

[MarkWales]

for next later in the year when i have changed to 18" wheels on my leon TDI I was thinking of having a set of steel winter wheels and then I realise the other halfs golf TDI came with steel rims 16" which we swapped for alloys so have a set of free winter wheels to use if they fit.

I know wheels studs will match but what about break clearence?

if i am going to run 16" tyres what size should i go for as winter wheels?
many thanks

 

[sheffboy]

if its a mk4 golf they should fit fine. my LC has bigger brakes than the tdi's but the spare wheel is a 16" steelie and fits fine.

 

[alexj124]

16's yes 15's no on the LC not sure what brakes you have on the TDI?

With regards to tyre width the lowest as possible that the rim will support will give you the best traction through the snow.

 

[adon30]

My spare is a 16 with something like a 205/55 tyre on it.
Make sure the tyres that you get have the same profile ratio so that they do not rub on the arches.
Lucky you having some spare steels. I assume they are from the Mk4? I think newer ones have the 112pcd which will not fit.

 

[mjt]

16"s will be fine as long as it isn't an LCR or you've got done a brake upgrade.

regarding tyres, i highly recommend ContiWinterContact TS810s. simply fantastic winter tyre.

 

[MarkWales]

No break upgrade so far so i should be ok - cheers guys anyone know what tyres would give the correct rolling radius for a LCTDI the car is a 04

 

[JamJay]

Are there any steel wheels that will fit over LCR Brembo's?

 

[adon30]

Assuming your 17's are 225/45 the same as mine you would want a 55 profile and it would depend on how wide the 16's are to the width. Somewhere between 205 to 195 but have a look what's on there at the moment as they may be wider/ narrower than I am sumising.
Then you can get something like Verdestein Winter Extreme or Snowtracs. Or if you have the money the Michelin Alpines or Cont TS810s

 

[mjt]

Are there any steel wheels that will fit over LCR Brembo's?

doubt it. i was looking for 17" steelies as i didn't feel like forking out £50 every winter and spring to swap the tyres over my starfish, but i couldn't find any.

 

[MarkWales]

again thanks not good at working out profiles - yes i currently have 225 45 r17 on the golf steels I believe are 195

this would protect my 18s and give better snow driving with a narrower wheel

 

[adon30]

It should give you all round better winter driving. Not just in snow as winter tyres work a lot better at the lower temperatures.
Handling may be a little comprimised compared to the wide low profile tyres you are used to but I haven't tried a complete set.
My spare is a 16" with 205/55 and it's not really that noticeable when I have had to use it. I'm still trying to find someone who has 225/45/17 winter tyres in stock (at a reasonable price)

 

[mjt]

I'm still trying to find someone who has 225/45/17 winter tyres in stock (at a reasonable price)

what do you consider a reasonable price?
i'm running ContiWinterContact TS810s @ 225/45 R17 and they are £150 a pop, but they're probably the best you can get.

you really have to think whether it's worth it. i mean how much more snow is expected this year?. and you have to add another £100 for sticking them on and getting them off again in a few months.

and yeah, good luck finding any in stock. i suspect everyone in the UK has rushed out and got them all already

 

[adon30]

what do you consider a reasonable price?
i'm running ContiWinterContact TS810s @ 225/45 R17 and they are £150 a pop, but they're probably the best you can get.

£150 isn't bad for conti TS810's. Cheapest I have seen is £180 and I think that was unfitted.
Was ideally after the Verdestein's as a mid range compromise and was hoping they would be about around £100 each but my local tyre place can't get any. They are an independant and my Conti SP3s cost £85 each compared to about £100+ elsewhere so they would definately be the cheapest outlet around for me.

As I have a spare set of rims I don't need to worry about swapping between tyres.

Think the car may be at home on Monday

 

[mjt]

fair enough, if you have spare wheels and don't mind paying for them, it's certainly a benefit in the winter months.

what Contis do you get for £85? SportContact3s? if so, that's a fantastic price!

 

[adon30]

what Contis do you get for £85? SportContact3s? if so, that's a fantastic price!

Yep Sport Contact 3s. Just checked the price and the last pair were £93 each (not £85 I get confused in my old age) but still a good price. I have a set of them on the car, two pairs of Yoko S306's (one on rims) and some dodgy cheap thinks that offer no grip whatsoever.

 

[mjt]

that's still a very good price. at that price there really is no excuse to compromise

 

[adon30]

that's still a very good price. at that price there really is no excuse to compromise

As long as it is warm they are by far the best tyre, wet or dry. Just that now it's cold and poor roads they are absolutely useless.
I had never really heard of winter Tyres until this last week. I have always tried to run Tyres with the max tread depth over the winter and thought that was the best possible. Now I know different I will definately be converting.

 

[adon30]

I have edited the above threads as I gave slightly wrong information. If using a 16" rim it needs to be a 55 profile tyre. I have just been in the garage and checked the spare. The tyre on it is a michelin Pilot!