Histyrey lesson

The low profile 195/45 R16s on alloy wheels on my 08 Fiesta 1.4 TDCi seem increasingly inappropriate for our winter snow-covered, year-round speed humped and potholed roads. I'm fed up of the hard ride and concerned that the car is actually ageing prematurely. I'd like to get ordinary 175/65 R14s, not necessarily snow tyres, so presumably would also need a set of steel rims. Mytyres offers rims with tyres fitted, but they all seem to be winter tyres. Will these wear faster and/or use more fuel? Do you have any recommendations as to where I could get the best deal?

Asked on 25 January 2010 by RH, via email

Answered by Honest John
Winter tyres are best for temperatures below 8 degrees. Compromise all weather tyres are suitable for below 8 degrees but can also cope with 50-degree road level summer temperatures. This is the range of Fiesta wheel and tyre sizes: 14” steel wheels with 175/65 R14 tyres 15” steel or alloy wheels with 195/60 R15 tyres 16” alloy wheels with 195/45 R16 tyres 17” alloy wheels with 205/40 R17 tyres Optional spare wheel: 5.5 x 14" with 175/65 R 14
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