Spec me a winter wheelset

[Freefaller]

What exactly does that mean, and why?

I *think* some cars do not have the right hub set up for steel tyres.

 

[ajf]

Has anyone used either Semperit or Falken for winter tyres?
Getting a new small hatchback and the tyre sizes are virtually non existent!

 

[touch]

Ah I can get steel wheels with Nokkan WR D3s or Goodyear UltraGrip 8s for £80 each. That doesn't seem to bad.

FWIW, I had ultragrip 8s on my old car and they were brilliant in the snow.

 

[mjt]

Has anyone used either Semperit or Falken for winter tyres?
Getting a new small hatchback and the tyre sizes are virtually non existent!

Seriously? How small are the wheels?
ContiWinterContact TS 850s start at 14"..

http://www.continental-tires.com/ww...er-tires/contiwintercontact-ts850.html?page=4

 

[ajf]

It's more that they are an odd size, seemingly.
165/60 r15.
Those were the only two brands that had that size in a winter tyre.
Guess you might argue at that size there is less point in having them, but I have previous use of winter tyres and they made a great difference.

 

[Minstadave]

Just get steel wheels and choose a tyre size that's more common but with a similar dolling radius.

 

[InvaderGIR]

Just get steel wheels and choose a tyre size that's more common but with a similar dolling radius.

And if you want to see the difference between wheel and tyre sizes this site is really handy: http://www.willtheyfit.com/

The wheel hub, strut etc. are more for display purposes really but it'll give you rolling sizes, speedo differences etc (if going smaller/larger rolling size), it also gives you a rough idea as to how far different wheels will stick out/sit in the arches.

 

[ajf]

Thanks, that's a useful site!
Think the easiest is go down to a 14" steel and get a nigher profile tyre - 65 profile seems to give the smallest diameter difference.
Just need to know the offset for the car - I assume that can be taken from the existing wheels?