Should we swap our Volkswagen Eos' 18-inch wheels to 17-inch to improve the ride?

I bought a VW Eos 1.4 160bhp Sport last summer. It rides on 18-inch alloys with sport suspension set up (factory standard for that model). Tyres are Continental 235/40 R18. Its ride has become too firm...

Getting a grip

During the recent snowy weather I observed that 4 wheel drive cars performed better than 2 well drive in fresh snow and slushy snow, but do they grip on the compacted snow and ice that occurs after a few...

Snower car

My other half currently has a Cliosport 182, which she loves. However, we are thinking about moving house, to out in the sticks where there is every chance the snow will cause problems (it's bad enough...

Conversion factor

For the past 40 years we have needed our cars to be suitable to carry elderly family members. We are now searching for a car that is fun to drive, preferably a convertible, but also need to install a child...

Climate changed

Our son and daughter in law live in a very rural area and run 2 Toyota Avensis, about 8 years old. Both cars have and continue to do all that is required except this winter the snow has caused huge delays...

Global warning

I am fed up with not being able to go out in my car when it snows. Living in a country area and 250 yards from a made up road (and being in my 70s) this winter has been difficult. I have therefore decided...

Wheeler deals

You have recently advocated the use of winter tyres and I am exploring this possibility for next winter. I would prefer to buy a new set of wheels and tyres, and whilst there is a wide choice of tyres...

Wheeler dealing

I wish to buy a set of winter tyres and steel (ie non-alloy) wheels for my VW Tiguan Escape. My VW dealer tells me I cannot buy steel wheels in the UK and therefore would have to buy a set of alloys, total...

Winter warner

It is recommended and sometimes obligatory to use winter tyres in Germany in "the winter", whatever that is. Since I go there 6 times a year I am not happy with the wheels supplied with the car. I have...

Spinalonga

I own a Skoda Octavia Hatchback 1.9PD Elegance that has low profile Bridgstone tyres, tread depth 3.5mm. I live in a cul-de-sac untreated by grit that is on a slight hill that I am unable to climb despite...