I just bought an 2008 Eos Kustom, auto, with 235 45 R17 97H "all season" tires. I live in Northern Vermont where the snow gets high and the temp goes to -30C. I pretty sure I'm going to need snow tires, but have no idea what to buy. Any suggestions??

There are quite a few choices out there. There are Nokian, Gislaved( Ice x and NordFrost 5), and Michelin Alpins, and Bridgestone Blizzaks which all are rated pretty good. There are others. I would suggest checking the Tire Rack and Discount Tire websites for other options. You might want to look into wheel and tire packages to make things more convenient. And don't forget you will also need TPMS sensors if you get new wheels. I believe they recommend buying set of 4 wheel/tires and I have seen some people who have actually gone to 16 inch wheels and tires (215 55series)for their winter tires. Also when you put on the snow tires, you should set the winter tires setting in the conveniece setting menu. I haven't gone this route as I don't drive my Eos when it snows.

Right now on ebay I think there are two sets of wheel/tire combos for the Eos. Don't know any specifics off the top of my head as to the stats on the tires, but the deal seemed "good". Hoping I don't ever have to go that route in Virginia (more ice than snow here if anything) but that's what I have my Toyota Tacome 4WD for....the Eos could stay garaged on a really bad day! Good luck!

Thanks for the advice - do you know anyplace I can get 17" rims??? I think I'm going to use Hakkapellita 5 tires the same size as are on the car now.

Wheels should be easier to find than tire. Most tire stores sell wheels. Some auto parts stores like Pep Boys and even Sears carry wheels. Just look in your yellow pages or check the websites I suggested on my previous post.

I've tried to find 17' black inexpensive rims, but no one carries them, so I guess I'll have to go with 16" rims and snows, just so I can get plain black steel rims. Does anyone know the least expensive place to buy these rims?

Hi Hili,

You might find suitable 17 inch steel rims from a 4WD or off-road specialist.

You need to give them the following information on rim offset and stud configuration to find suitable rims:

http://i499.photobucket.com/albums/rr351/eossilvershadow/WheelOffsetmasurement.jpg

http://i499.photobucket.com/albums/rr351/eossilvershadow/WheelStuddiameter.jpg

Hope this helps you find something suitable.

Did some online checking and TireRack.com has some steel wheels but they only com in 16 inch and they are $55 each. You have some options. Buy some low cost alloy wheels in 17 inch with matching tires or I see you are inquiring about the wheels Walkert took of his Eos which are 16 inchers, not 17 inchers. That gives you 2 16 inch options and a 17 inch option. You could check other vw forums for classified sections looking for wheels for sale. You need 5x112mm bolt pattern and 40-45mm offset 16 or 17 inch diameter. Also according to Tire Rack, VW suggests the use of tires with a 97 and XL rating.

Thanks, everyone!!