FabSwingers.com > Forums > The Lounge > Winter Tyres
Winter Tyres
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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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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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
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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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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
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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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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
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"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 (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"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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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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"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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"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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"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
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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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"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.
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 "
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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"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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"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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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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"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
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"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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"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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"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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"
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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"
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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"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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"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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"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
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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
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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
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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
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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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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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"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"
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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"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 "
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
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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
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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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