Winter tyres 235/55/17 vs 255/45/18

[graffic_]

I would like to use your input to choose our winter rim/tyre set.

We got our 2024 T6.1 beach (no 4WD) this summer with 235/55/17 tyres. It is already late for winter and we got two options in our minds for winter tyres: 235/55/17 or 255/45/18 (those are valid on the sticker in the driver column in the van).

Our trips in winter are to the ski station and to visit family: highways, packed snow and slush.
Common sense says: go with the 235/55/17, but the 18 VW black rims from the VW dealer are very nice looking. I don't know if the mileage difference is big or if the handling is so different.

 

[Tarquers]

I run a 215 on a 17 rim normally and had this same dilemma as I have 18s that came from new. I decided to stick with the 17 for general use as it gives me a better off-road option and get the narrowest 18 for snow.

We did a couple of years on cross climate all season snow rated and although good, we are in the snow most weekends decided to get dedicated winter tyres for the occasional bad conditions. It will also let me change all seasons as they are now 60k km in.

For empirical evidence, this video offers a great explanation of pros and cons of skinny or wide winter tyres.

 

[kurienp]

I would like to use your input to choose our winter rim/tyre set.

We got our 2024 T6.1 beach (no 4WD) this summer with 235/55/17 tyres. It is already late for winter and we got two options in our minds for winter tyres: 235/55/17 or 255/45/18 (those are valid on the sticker in the driver column in the van).

Our trips in winter are to the ski station and to visit family: highways, packed snow and slush.
Common sense says: go with the 235/55/17, but the 18 VW black rims from the VW dealer are very nice looking. I don't know if the mileage difference is big or if the handling is so different.

Let common sense rule. More snow tire options in 17. It is not so much on fuel consumption, but the ride quality. Also stick to 235/55, especially if you've gotten used to the ride quality.

 

[crookrise]

Same dilema for my new van, bought 5 new VW steel wheels [£250] one to add as a spare. Did ask VW the cost of just changing tyres and it was ££££s more than new wheels and tyres.
It does seem that width [unless you do go narrow 215s] has little effect on traction but stopping is better with a narrow tyre !!!
I have found the the Goodyear Vector Very good in the snow taking the old van up to 6,000 feet in rather challenging conditions. Even came across a fair bit of snow driving back through France and even some in Spain early May.
Still to decide...

 

[Tarquers]

Just remember what VW say about snow chains and tyre size. Only use chains on 215 tyres if I remember correctly

 

[m10chkcalifornia]

17 every time. More choice of tyres, cheaper. The only rationale for 18 is for the look and whereas on a performance car I can see the lure of filling the arches, on a van? No.