Run flat tyres? Winter tyres? Michelin CrossClimate tyres?

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Mark-Guildford
Posts: 34
Joined: Sat Mar 16, 2019 6:24 pm

Post by Mark-Guildford »

Hi! My first post here! I've just ordered a Karoq SE L 1.5 DSG for my wife. We had separate summer and winter tyres on her old car. But Michelin CrossClimate tyres seem to be a great option nowadays?

Does anybody have any experience with Michelin CrossClimate tyres on a Karoq?

How about run-flat tyres on a Karoq? Has anybody tried them? I have runflats on my own BMW 2-series Gran Tourer, with separate winter and summer tyres / wheels. I know that runflats make the ride a bit firmer, but I like the security of knowing that if I get a puncture, I don't have to change the wheel on the edge of a busy road or even a motorway.

Looking forward to your advice!

sanqhar
Posts: 142
Joined: Tue Aug 01, 2017 9:55 pm

Post by sanqhar »

Michelin don’t do Cross Climates for the SEL 18” rims. It’s an “odd” size, not sure if there are any all weather tyres that fit!

I have a SEL and it looks like the way out is 17” rims.

Tom
....and today was a good day in the life of....
Mark-Guildford
Posts: 34
Joined: Sat Mar 16, 2019 6:24 pm

Post by Mark-Guildford »

Thanks sanqhar,
Please could you confirm which tyre size is fitted on the "Bragar" 18" alloy wheels which are fitted as standard on the SE L trim?
Mark-Guildford
Posts: 34
Joined: Sat Mar 16, 2019 6:24 pm

Post by Mark-Guildford »

I managed to find the tyre options for the different wheels in the accessories brochure at https://az749841.vo.msecnd.net/siteseng ... b018acf.pd.
Indeed, the Michelin CrossClimate website shows nothing for the tyre size indicated for the 18 inch "Braga" wheels. But it does show CrossClimates available for the tyre sizes indicated for the 17 inch "Ratikon" wheels.
Has anybody had any experience downsizing from 18" to 17" on the SE L model?
Personally, I don't really understand the attraction of lower profile tyres on SUV's and Crossovers - tyres are more expensive and there's more risk of kerbing your alloys. Am I missing something?!
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Milfmog
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Location: South Buckinghamshire

Post by Milfmog »

I had a Yeti on 16" wheels and used Crossclimates. They were superb in poor conditions, far better than the original rubber and I did not notice any loss of grip in warm dry weather. They were quieter than the original tyres and seemed to be lasting longer (I did not wear them out before I sold the car, so cannot say for sure). If they were available for the Karoq I would already have junked the Bridgestones, which I am really underwhelmed by.

As for big wheels and low profile tyres, I believe this is largely driven by fashion rather than engineering. They may add value to a high performance sports car but on an SUV...

Perhaps if enough of us ask about Crossclimates Michelin may decide to add a size?

Have fun,


Ian.
Karoq SE-L 1.5TSI DSG 2WD. Emerald green, beige leather, heated screen and steering wheel, lane assist, blind spot assist, adaptive cruise control.

My Fuelly page www.fuelly.com/car/skoda/karoq/2018/tazzymutt/798670
sanqhar
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Joined: Tue Aug 01, 2017 9:55 pm

Post by sanqhar »

....and today was a good day in the life of....
Mark-Guildford
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Joined: Sat Mar 16, 2019 6:24 pm

Post by Mark-Guildford »

Thanks Tom,
I have sent an email to the Skoda garage where I have ordered my car, to find out whether it's possible to downgrade from 18" to 17" wheels on an SE-L without having to buy a completely separate set of alloys. But I'm not overly optimistic....
sanqhar
Posts: 142
Joined: Tue Aug 01, 2017 9:55 pm

Post by sanqhar »

Mark-Guildford wrote: Sun Mar 17, 2019 9:51 pm Thanks Tom,
I have sent an email to the Skoda garage where I have ordered my car, to find out whether it's possible to downgrade from 18" to 17" wheels on an SE-L without having to buy a completely separate set of alloys. But I'm not overly optimistic....
Also send an email to Skoda UK and push them. Not sure it is within the scope of a dealer.
A few did this by contacting Skoda in the early days of the Yeti back in 2009/10, going from 17” to 16”. There were some posts about it in the Yeti forum at the time.

Tom
....and today was a good day in the life of....
Mark-Guildford
Posts: 34
Joined: Sat Mar 16, 2019 6:24 pm

Post by Mark-Guildford »

My local Skoda dealer has confirmed that there is no possibility to downgrade from 18" wheels to 17" wheels. I told the sales guy that if he has any customers buying a Karoq SE who are interested in a free upgrade to 18" wheels, I'm all ears.
Michelin UK have confirmed that they have no plans to release CrossClimate tyres in size 215/50/R18 in the immediate future.
Looks like my only option will probably be to shell out £750 for a set of 4 alloys in 17" (Ratikon or Triton style), unless I can find a set of used ones in good condition on eBay.
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