More background: Should add that I have always run with just one set of tires - usually a more aggresive set of all-seasons - will put up with a bit more road noise/feedback for better traction in the winter. Have always had good luck with that approach and not had any problems getting through tough conditions. However, haven't had an SUV like the egg with 'oversized' tires of this size before. Really like the way the T-reg drives on the dry pavement with these tires. Concerned that the really wide 19"er's will simply be too wide to be effective in winter driving, hence the looking at a second set.

 

Dumb question here is for those that have two sets of wheels (meaning, I assume, two different sizes), did you also replace the space saver spare tire? Or is it not a concern to have the spare tire be of different size than the set currently on the car (you're not supposed to drive very far on the spare anyway...)

Never mix different sized tires, especially on an all wheel drive auto.

 

Moved to Running Gear.

 

My 2010 TDI came with 20" All Seasons, so I purchased used 18" Cayenne wheels and tires which match the 18" spare.

 

TAGSTDI,

My Treg also came with 19" wheels. I opted for a 2nd set (17" with Nokian Hakka 1's) for a dedicated winter tire, because IMO all season tires are a compromise. That said, MANY on this forum swear by the Nokian WR's (which are not available in 19" either) as an all season tire. Many others use and are satisfied with other brands, even in 19" size.

As far as spare size goes for those of us with 2 sets, at least for me it is not an issue. The diameter of both the 19" wheels with tire and 17" wheels with tire are very close, so for a spare application it is just fine IMO.

 

is there an option for basic steel wheels for my 08? the 19's suck in the snow and i don't care about appearance - we had 21" this week!
is there an oem steel wheel? or do i have to go low end alloy?

 

No steel wheels for the Tregs due to the brake systems on them and no one making a wheel to fit over it. You could look in the classifieds or on Ebay for some 17" OEM wheels. I figured the 19" would suck in snow and that is why I had mine swapped out before it ever left the lot. Plus I also knew they would not be any good offroad either.

 

Great questions. I have another. Is there an issue changing from the 19" wheels to the 17" wheels? Are the breaks, roters etc different size?

 

Great questions. I have another. Is there an issue changing from the 19" wheels to the 17" wheels? Are the breaks, roters etc different size?

There is no issue going from the 19" to the 17" unless you have a V10TDI. The V10TDI had larger front brakes then the rest of the Tregs and you could not use 17" wheels on them, only 18" or larger.

 

If you have a Space Saver Spare. I would recommend taking it out of the Car, and inflating it on your Driveway as soon as possible. I had a blow out today, on the way to work. I ended up spending several hours trying to inflate the tire, the compressor ran for about 1.5 hours. I finally called the wife, and asked her to drive to pick me and the spare up. We drove to a gas station, and tried filling it, I finally ended up driving to the VW dealer, and asking them to fill it up. It took them about an hour to get the tire to partially seat. I put the tire on the car as it was and started driving to the Tire Store to replace my tire, it finally seated completely after driving. Had I done it in the drive way my day would have gone a lot better.

 

... I ended up spending several hours trying to inflate the tire, the compressor ran for about 1.5 hours. ... to the VW dealer, ... took them about an hour to get the tire to partially seat.

Well, that totally bites. I have extra mounted wheel/tire combos, and like to throw one in the back, just in case of a flat. I figured in the event I ever needed the inflatable spare, weather would be rainy, windy or minus 10F, so a full-size spare would be the ticket.

Of course, the one time I empty out the back of the Treg to move a load of equipment, that will be when I only have the inflatable.

Do you need a webbed strap and ratchet set up to hold the inflatable tire against the wheel as you are trying to inflate it?

 

No strap required.

It just unfolds itself and fills in about 2-3 minutes - except when it doesn't apparently!

So the advice to try it out is sound.

It's fun to watch - get the family round - and its even more fun to let it down as it folds itself back up again.

1. Don't lose the valve stem as you remove it to let the air out - and don't forget to put it back in for next time.

2. WHATEVER YOU DO KEEP YOUR FINGERS - AND THE KIDS - OUT OF THE WAY AS IT FOLDS BACK IN ON ITSELF!!

3. Let the air out on clean concrete or tarmac and not gravel or dirt as it "eats" these when it folds!

Go on - nip out and try it.

 

Thank you, Nooby.

A strap would be an add-on. I have a wheel barrow that came new with a tubeless tire. It is now over ten years old, and sits around most of the time, so it tends to lose air and pop its bead. To refill the tire, I would have to ratchet down a strap to hold the tire snug against the wheel until the bead would set. This year I bought a new tire, with a tube to go with it, to eliminate the irritation.

Nooby's explanation is what I would have imagined. Who has patience for a funky inflatable, coupled with the good fortune of a willing (and available) wife to come to your rescue, the extra time for two stops at different shops, and the good nature not to fume over repairing a flat?

Sounds to me like your spare should be replaced under warranty.

 

Actually, since posting above and thinking about how the tyre unfolds PLEASE DO NOT USE A STRAP ON THE SPARE!!

You would potentially put yourself and bystanders in danger as you prevent the unfolding whilst pumping air into a restricted space.

 

There is also this other thread running at the same time!

http://www.clubtouareg.com/forums/f43/reinstall-spare-tire-65964.html