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Can my daughter fit all-weather tyres to her 2008 Volkswagen Golf?

I own a 2008 Volkswagen Golf Sportline estate, fitted with alloy wheels and low profile tyres, which seem absolutely useless in wintry conditions. I am considering passing my car on to my daughter, who lives in Scotland, but this means changing the wheels. She doesn't have space to store a spare set of wheels. Is it possible to fit normal wheels with high profile tyres to this model of car without affecting its balance? If so, what size wheel and make/type of tyre would you recommend to cope with all weathers? If and when I hand my car onto my daughter, my intention is to replace it with a used approved 4x4 Skoda Yeti. Can you buy these with standard wheels and high profile tyres?

Asked on 26 October 2013 by BD, via email

Answered by Honest John
Yes, this car will take 5-stud steel wheels with 195/65 R15 tyres. Probably cheaper to buy a set of 15-inch alloys from www.tyremen.co.uk. These are excellent quality TUV-approved Alutecs. For all year round I'd go for Goodyear Vector 4 Seasons tyres. These are the only tyres that have enabled me to drive straight up a hard packed snow covered 1-in-3 ski slope. The standard size tyres for a 4WD Yeti is 205/60 R16, but many now come on 17-inch wheels with 50 profile tyres.
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