FabSwingers.com forum: Winter Tyres

By *LCC OP Couple
over a year ago

Cambridge

Does anyone actually bother with winter tyres?

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

I use my tires in winter does that count?

When I had my classic mini's I used winter tires because it made a world of difference but with modern cars I don't bother. Ess

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By *erchantcopyMan
over a year ago

omagh

depends where you live.. over here they are a necessity at times and they really do work.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Yes

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Yes

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By *unandbuckCouple
over a year ago

Sheffield

I haven't got a set, but having used them on hire cars in Germany, Austria and Sweden, they definitely help an unbelievable amount.

If you can afford to keep a spare set, it is worth it. Our 'problem' is that the weather isn't predicatively bad enough.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Most modern cars don't need to swap over engine management ect on the 4x4 I always swap

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

I did once. Good in snow, shit in the rain.

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By *LCC OP Couple
over a year ago

Cambridge

I live in East Anglia so its flat and mild. I just dont know if its worth it. Winter tyres are expensive!

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Need some new tyres...there's only a few thousand miles left in mine.

Bloody expensive when you start pricing decent tyres for a navara

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Believe it or not but outing winter tyres on a car is considered a modification which could void your insurance

It's stupid but you would need to contact your insurer to make sure because I have had a few policies that consider it a mod

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By *oiluvfunMan
over a year ago

Penrith

I've always kept a second set of wheels with winter tyres on for virtually every car I've owned. I'm often called 'Mr Smug Pants' by my wife when I cruise past someone who is struggled in inclement conditions. And to be honest; I love it

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

I have a set of chains if the weather turns incumbent, don't really get that much snow here but good for the odd day when you do... Oh and there much cheaper than tyres

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

I used my set one winter and they are very good but bought a new car so they wont fit. Nokian wra if anybody is interested in buying them lol

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By *arnayguyMan
over a year ago

Durham Tees

The trouble is they are only really effective below a certain temperature. Above that they tend to wear out really quickly. So while they may be great for you in a cold and snowy spell, if that only happens on a couple of days during winter it might not seem worth it.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"The trouble is they are only really effective below a certain temperature. Above that they tend to wear out really quickly. So while they may be great for you in a cold and snowy spell, if that only happens on a couple of days during winter it might not seem worth it. "

Yep dead right. Its 7 degrees and below. They get a bit squishy too

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By *oiluvfunMan
over a year ago

Penrith

"I used my set one winter and they are very good but bought a new car so they wont fit. Nokian wra if anybody is interested in buying them lol"

What's the tyre size mate?

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"I used my set one winter and they are very good but bought a new car so they wont fit. Nokian wra if anybody is interested in buying them lol

What's the tyre size mate?"

205 55 r16 have a look on google for reviews they are good ones

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

I use winter tyres on my car all year round.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"I use winter tyres on my car all year round."

It is cold up tnorth lol

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By *enard ArgenteMan
over a year ago

London and France

Yes, you should; they are not for just snow and ice; the rubber compound is made to improve traction at anything below 7 degrees.

At these temperatures, they show a measurable improvement over " normal tyres "; as much as 20% better traction and braking.

They work better in cold water, and additionally have tread patterns which work much better in snow and ice.

Surprisingly, the newer ones don't wear too badly in summer either nowadays.

Should be compulsory.

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By *horltzMan
over a year ago

heysham

"Need some new tyres...there's only a few thousand miles left in mine.

Bloody expensive when you start pricing decent tyres for a navara

Try TRS on white Lund

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By *enard ArgenteMan
over a year ago

London and France

"Believe it or not but outing winter tyres on a car is considered a modification which could void your insurance

It's stupid but you would need to contact your insurer to make sure because I have had a few policies that consider it a mod "

no it isn't ; that's a myth: and nowadays all car manufacturers actually recommend which winter tyres you should use.

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By *horltzMan
over a year ago

heysham

How do you know if your tyres are winter or summer ?

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By *oiluvfunMan
over a year ago

Penrith

"I used my set one winter and they are very good but bought a new car so they wont fit. Nokian wra if anybody is interested in buying them lol

What's the tyre size mate?

205 55 r16 have a look on google for reviews they are good ones"

Yep, spot on for the make, but I need 14" for the Polo, and 17" for the Audi

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By *igeiaWoman
over a year ago

Bristol

I switch my boots to my longer shearling lined ones with better grip when I walk in winter. I don't drive so that's the best answer I can give.

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By *oiluvfunMan
over a year ago

Penrith

"I use winter tyres on my car all year round."

Trouble is mate; winter tyres are only effective down to 4mm tread depth, after that, when it's cold, the tread blocks don't move as they should, and you don't get the grip you're expecting. Using them through the summer only accelerates the wear, as the soft compound runs too hot. Try Michelin 'Cross Climate' tyres if you don't want to swap with the seasons

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

I was told that winter tyres make no difference in the UK because it doesn't get cold enough to see an advantage as the compound is harder than normal tyres

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By *oyce69Man
over a year ago

Driffield

Anyone thinking of replacing their tyres before winter might want to check out Michelin crossclimate's, a summer tyre using winter tyre technology. Write ups seem to be favourable.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"How do you know if your tyres are winter or summer ?"

there's normally a ice or snow icon on them or it will say winter tyres

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

My tyres keep me very warm during Winter.

Oh, wrong tyres...

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By *enard ArgenteMan
over a year ago

London and France

"How do you know if your tyres are winter or summer ?"

New ones should have the " alpine" symbol on them ( a snowflake inside a diagram of a mountain)

Plus the name on the sidewall usually gives a clue ;

Eg "continental winter contact"; or

"Michelin Alpine"

If you aren't sure; lookup your tyres online:

Google is your freind.

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By *LCC OP Couple
over a year ago

Cambridge

"I use winter tyres on my car all year round.

I have looked for all-season tyres, but can only find two in my size (235/40R18), and I haven't heard of either brand, so not sure I want to take that punt.

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By *enard ArgenteMan
over a year ago

London and France

"I was told that winter tyres make no difference in the UK because it doesn't get cold enough to see an advantage as the compound is harder than normal tyres"

You were told wrong ( they make a big difference.

( and by the way, it's softer compound, not harder - well actually it's neither; it's a compound that remains " stickier" at low temperatures, whereas the " stickiness" of normal tyres drops dramatically at temperatures less than 7 degrees)

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By *rey NomadMan
over a year ago

Calne

"Believe it or not but outing winter tyres on a car is considered a modification which could void your insurance

It's stupid but you would need to contact your insurer to make sure because I have had a few policies that consider it a mod "

This.. apparentely even though it makes you safer in your car in most cases it raises your insurance premium, how rediculous is that?

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By *errible2sumCouple
over a year ago

london

We have one car with them.

They are on a front wheel drive golf.

It's better in the snow than an awd car.

Anyone who thinks putting them on the drive wheels only is good is destined to end up in a wall this winter.

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By *enard ArgenteMan
over a year ago

London and France

[Removed by poster at 14/10/16 14:21:55]

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By *enard ArgenteMan
over a year ago

London and France

"Believe it or not but outing winter tyres on a car is considered a modification which could void your insurance

It's stupid but you would need to contact your insurer to make sure because I have had a few policies that consider it a mod

This.. apparentely even though it makes you safer in your car in most cases it raises your insurance premium, how rediculous is that?"

As I said above ; that is a myth; any insurance company who says it's a modification, or raises your premium needs their ass kicking and reporting to the motor insurers bureau .

All manufacturers nowadays list winter tyres for their cars anyway

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"I live in East Anglia so its flat and mild. I just dont know if its worth it. Winter tyres are expensive! "
extravigant too :o) ... Just drive careful. Used snowchains but that was norway.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"I live in East Anglia so its flat and mild. I just dont know if its worth it. Winter tyres are expensive! "
will you use brexit tyres? Hehe :o)

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

I don't bother with winter tyres, I just do that thing called driving extra carefully in crap weather.

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By *unandbuckCouple
over a year ago

Sheffield

"Believe it or not but outing winter tyres on a car is considered a modification which could void your insurance

It's stupid but you would need to contact your insurer to make sure because I have had a few policies that consider it a mod

This.. apparentely even though it makes you safer in your car in most cases it raises your insurance premium, how rediculous is that?"

No! That is definitely wrong.

Go on the ABI website. 99% of insurers don't even need to know and there is no extra premium. The tyres need to be fitted properly etc just like any new set of tyres.

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By *enard ArgenteMan
over a year ago

London and France

"I live in East Anglia so its flat and mild. I just dont know if its worth it. Winter tyres are expensive! "

But east angelus is f......g cold.

They are no more expensive than ordinary tyres; so actually costs you no more; since if you have 2 sets of tyres; use each for 6 months of the year; then each set lasts longer?

Simples....

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By *unandbuckCouple
over a year ago

Sheffield

They are no more expensive than ordinary tyres; so actually costs you no more; since if you have 2 sets of tyres; use each for 6 months of the year; then each set lasts longer?

Simples....

Good point! Although there is few hundred quid tied ip in tyres. But overall should cost the same in the long run.

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By *phroditeWoman
over a year ago

(She/ her) in Sensualityland

winter tyres on my car despite it has 4 wheel drive, they do perform better in snow and even rain. Swap them over around mid November to around April, when temperatures usually range below 7degrees C.

Always done it and I don't think it is a wasted investment.

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By *phroditeWoman
over a year ago

(She/ her) in Sensualityland

They are no more expensive than ordinary tyres; so actually costs you no more; since if you have 2 sets of tyres; use each for 6 months of the year; then each set lasts longer?

Simples....

Good point! Although there is few hundred quid tied ip in tyres. But overall should cost the same in the long run."

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Lol winter tyres or not snow v BMW means im going nowhere lol

Great cars but utterly useless in icy snowy conditions

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By *oiluvfunMan
over a year ago

Penrith

They are no more expensive than ordinary tyres; so actually costs you no more; since if you have 2 sets of tyres; use each for 6 months of the year; then each set lasts longer?

Simples....

Good point! Although there is few hundred quid tied ip in tyres. But overall should cost the same in the long run."

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By *oiluvfunMan
over a year ago

Penrith

"winter tyres on my car despite it has 4 wheel drive, they do perform better in snow and even rain. Swap them over around mid November to around April, when temperatures usually range below 7degrees C.

Always done it and I don't think it is a wasted investment. "

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By *oiluvfunMan
over a year ago

Penrith

Is this the weirdest thread on rubber we've had in Fab lol?

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

I'll ask my butler.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"I'll ask my butler."

No sir, you do not.

*shuffles away*

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By *phroditeWoman
over a year ago

(She/ her) in Sensualityland

"Lol winter tyres or not snow v BMW means im going nowhere lol

Great cars but utterly useless in icy snowy conditions"
Not if x drive

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By *enard ArgenteMan
over a year ago

London and France

"Lol winter tyres or not snow v BMW means im going nowhere lol

Great cars but utterly useless in icy snowy conditions"

They are fine in ice and snow; you just have to know the technique to driving a rear wheel drive on ice and snow.

It's different to front wheel drive; but if you know how to do it, a RWD car is actually better on snow

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By *ficouldMan
over a year ago

a quandary, could you change my mind?

Winter tyres do help.. Not just when the snow is down either! Rain, ice, slush, mud. They work better than standard tyres fitted to UK cars in the lower Temps (4degree's I think it is).

Put them on an inexpensive set of rims so if you do take a slide you haven't damaged your lovely alloys.

I have used them in Germany, France, Austria.

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By *unandbuckCouple
over a year ago

Sheffield

They are compulsory in Germany from a certain date in the year, through winter.

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By *akeyousmile30Man
over a year ago

greenwich

"Does anyone actually bother with winter tyres? "

The question is what car do you drive?

If it is high powered then winter tyres will help with grip and traction.

If you have just got a normal 2.0l family type car you will be fine.

Also you should be changing your tyres once they are down to 3mm of tread. Especially the front tyres as this is where most braking occurs.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"I'll ask my butler."

My chauffeur handles that side of things.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

I run winters on my astra, and my fusion. Not expensive, and I've not had any grip issues in any weather.. They stick bloody well! I live in the sticks, and I've merrily chugged from Shrewsbury to Telford in bumper deep snow in the astra, including some very steep hills, without any issue. Add in a full auto gearbox, and it's lovely.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"Does anyone actually bother with winter tyres? "

yes i do

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

And indeed, my insurer isn't interested in the tyre swap, even though I have declared it. Or my towbar.

Declaring that I needed cover to transport flammable, hazardous and radioactive chemicals etc actually reduced my premium..

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

As someone who has lived and driven in one of those cold countries they make a massive difference, but only when it is cold enough which it isn't that often along the bottom half of Britain particularly on the coast. The difference in traction is vast when it gets a bit snowy or even just really wet around freezing.

Best were the studded winter tyres I had on a couple of cars. Those things could happily chug along regardless of the road conditions

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By *LCC OP Couple
over a year ago

Cambridge

"As someone who has lived and driven in one of those cold countries they make a massive difference, but only when it is cold enough which it isn't that often along the bottom half of Britain particularly on the coast. The difference in traction is vast when it gets a bit snowy or even just really wet around freezing.

Best were the studded winter tyres I had on a couple of cars. Those things could happily chug along regardless of the road conditions"

But that the crux of it isn't it? Yes I'm sure they are great in proper winter conditions, but in the UK, especially East Anglia, I'm not so convinced

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Having sat on a steep hill in Telford with the kids in the car, tyres spinning up, trying to get home in the snow whilst slowly sliding backwards towards a main road, even for "once in a blue moon", they're invaluable.. Even more so once you factor in the value of the "cargo" in the car. I run remoulds..Insa Turbo T2 on the astra, and SV2's on the ford. No more expensive than standard. I just get odd looks in the garage!

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

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By *htcMan
over a year ago

never bothered with winter tyres, my tyres are A rated in rain and never skidded when it did snow(if were lucky).

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By *enard ArgenteMan
over a year ago

London and France

Best were the studded winter tyres I had on a couple of cars. Those things could happily chug along regardless of the road conditions"

The traction below 7 degrees is quite clear to feel;

This is different to " snow tyres" which are different; or studded tyres,which you only use in places where hard packed snow is normal ( eg the alps, Norway/ Sweden etc

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By *enard ArgenteMan
over a year ago

London and France

Best were the studded winter tyres I had on a couple of cars. Those things could happily chug along regardless of the road conditions

But that the crux of it isn't it? Yes I'm sure they are great in proper winter conditions, but in the UK, especially East Anglia, I'm not so convinced

You are confusing " snow tyres " with " winter tyres " anywhere that the temperature is less than 7 degrees; then " winter tyres make a huge difference

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Yep my 4x4 softroader normally runs on factory 18" alloys which I don't want to ding during winter driving. So I bought some cheapo alloys and fitted them with winter tyres. That was 2 years ago and it hasn't snowed since..

You can shop around. I recently put a set of four A rated tyres on fully fitted for @£400.00.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

A must when we are at The Italian house... Perched in the rolling swathes of mountainous Umbria....

Falling that, it's the neighbours tractor for supplies!!

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"Does anyone actually bother with winter tyres? "

Of course, I'm travelling across uk and is not just about snow, is about temperature.

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