Anyone gone alloy to steel for better tyre choice?

[HertsBiker]

I've got 18's on, factory fit. Finding decent tyres, esp winter or all season is very expensive. Plus the 18's ride too firmly on some roads. I've seen tyre and steel wheels (16's) for less than the tyres alone... I'm sick of fashion statements and want to go steel. Any downsides or things to look out for?
Cheers all.

[Escy]

You may need different wheel nuts

[vinnie01]

other than crap nasty wheel trims no! i did this on my car when from 15in alloys which were 70 quid a tyre to 14in steels where i can buy part worns for 10-15 a corner

[HumbleJim]

Where are you looking for steels, I can't find any options to fit my car under £700

[DervVW]

You have to inform the insurance too...

[anonymous-user]

DervVW said:

You have to inform the insurance too...

Good to let them know, but most don't care if you go down in size.

[LukeKerr]

It is a good rule to tell your insurer about any modification you make - it avoids them turning round and saying your insurance is void because you didn't tell them. We have heard some horror stories.

[RizzoTheRat]

I have a set of 16" steel wheels I use in winter in place for my 18" alloys. Got them from MyTyres with tyres on for about the same price as a set of tyres for my 18" (205 rather than 225). As said above you may need different wheel bolts/nuts, but according to Skoda I don't. You also need to watch the clearance on the caliper, 16" is the smallest I can use.

[g3org3y]

No 16 inch alloy options for your car? As mentioned above if 18s are the standard fit (rather than an upgrade) 16s may not clear the brakes.

What's the car in question out of interest?

[Matt UK]

No went from 17 down to 15s on my MCS.

Buy a set of used 15" alloys on eBay was cheaper than new steels.

[HertsBiker]

Finally got what looks like written, grudging consent to go to 16 inch steels. Seems like no extra premium too, so I can get some all-seasons from £480, on 4 new wheels. Not wanting full winters due to mushy handling, but want something a bit more rugged than the UHP summers at present. Think this is quite a result for common sense.

[anonymous-user]

I think I'll go the same route this year. Swap out the 18s for 16 '' steels. Will get wheel trims too, added bonus easy to clean!