2 or 4 Winter Tyres

Pew_Pew_Pew_Lasers!

bigjl wrote: »

Please do stop quoting small parts of other peoples posts out of context, it is a bit boring.

You don't need to have winter tyres all round on a front drive car, though best practice is to have them all round.

snip

If you are financially constrained then putting them on the front of a FWD car is a reasonable compromise.

Using that logic, one doesn't need brake discs or pads on the rear axle. Just the front will do, after all the rear brakes don't do a lot. The driver can just adapt.

Anyone who recommends using completely different compounds on each axle of a car is, for want of a better word, a fool.

mikey72

Pew_Pew_Pew_Lasers! wrote: »

Using that logic, one doesn't need brake discs or pads on the rear axle. Just the front will do, after all the rear brakes don't do a lot. The driver can just adapt.

Anyone who recommends using completely different compounds on each axle of a car is, for want of a better word, a fool.

What we have said is two tyres are better than none, as you can keep moving with better traction. You still have to remember you are on snow, and not try to sling the car around like it's a summer's day.
If you feel the car would be too unstable, if you seriously think you could not control it, by all means fit four. Four are better than two, two are better than none.

C_Crawford

Pew_Pew_Pew_Lasers! wrote: »

Using that logic, one doesn't need brake discs or pads on the rear axle. Just the front will do, after all the rear brakes don't do a lot. The driver can just adapt.

Anyone who recommends using completely different compounds on each axle of a car is, for want of a better word, a fool.

Oh well I'm one such fool as I wait for 2 Goodyear UltraGrip 7+ tyres for my TDCI Focus to arrive from Germany.
I currently have Michelin Pilots fitted and find them excellent in the wet and dry. Unfortunately I live at the top of a Very steep hill in Paisley and my 205-55-16's don't like the snow. I drive a Variety of FWD vehicles in my Job with the Local Authority (mostly Fiestas & Fusions) and never got stuck once in the snow and ice because of the narrower tyres.
When I jump in my own car after work it feels terrible due to the wide tires with the wrong tread pattern sitting on the snow. I struggle to get moving and when I do I dread hills.
So if being a fool by only fitting 2 tyres to the front (as that's all I can afford) gets me home in the snow and moving away from dangerous junctions then so be it. You should also remember that a modern car with ABS should never allow the back wheels to lock and overtake the front, oh and as for cornering speeds you would be mental to be driving fast round corners in the snow!!!

andy8442

Two?



Nutters!

It's as much about stopping and handling as it is about traction.

mikey72

andy8442 wrote: »

Two?

Nutters!

It's as much about stopping and handling as it is about traction.

Aye, who needs traction for stopping?

C_Crawford

mikey72 wrote: »

Aye, who needs traction for stopping?

Better invest in some of those snow Brakes then...

Pew_Pew_Pew_Lasers!

C_Crawford wrote: »

Oh well I'm one such fool as I wait for 2 Goodyear UltraGrip 7+ tyres for my TDCI Focus to arrive from Germany.
I currently have Michelin Pilots fitted and find them excellent in the wet and dry. Unfortunately I live at the top of a Very steep hill in Paisley and my 205-55-16's don't like the snow. I drive a Variety of FWD vehicles in my Job with the Local Authority (mostly Fiestas & Fusions) and never got stuck once in the snow and ice because of the narrower tyres.
When I jump in my own car after work it feels terrible due to the wide tires with the wrong tread pattern sitting on the snow. I struggle to get moving and when I do I dread hills.
So if being a fool by only fitting 2 tyres to the front (as that's all I can afford) gets me home in the snow and moving away from dangerous junctions then so be it. You should also remember that a modern car with ABS should never allow the back wheels to lock and overtake the front, oh and as for cornering speeds you would be mental to be driving fast round corners in the snow!!!

All that driving experience and you appear not to understand what ABS does, or how the laws of physics work.

Do us all a favour, leave the keys at home and walk. We'll all be safer.

pwllbwdr

Petal wrote: »

Hi there

Wasn't sure which Winter tyres thread to post this on but as this seems to be fairly current, I have opted for this one. I'm looking for a set of 4 Winter tyres for my VW Eos. My drive at home is on a reasonably long incline with a bend and our road is uphill with sweeping bends and my current tyres just can't make it in the snow. Earlier this year I got stuck trying to get up the road and even with male assistance "do you want me to do it for you?"....budging the car was a no go! Anyhow, my tyre spec is 235 40 R18 95Y. Any ideas as to best place / prices for Winter tyres at the mo? Called my local Costo to get an idea and was quoted £283 each for Michelins....Ouch! I'm planning to drive with them until the Spring and then change back. Any help/advice would be very much appreciated.

Thanks
~X~

Try ebay. Search for "235 40 18 winter". You may be able to find some part-worn winters for a reasonable price.

I suspect a significant reason for your problems getting up the road is your car's wheel/tyre sizes. 235 section on 18 rims on summer tyres is a recipe for wheelspin.

C_Crawford

Pew_Pew_Pew_Lasers! wrote: »

All that driving experience and you appear not to understand what ABS does, or how the laws of physics work.

Do us all a favour, leave the keys at home and walk. We'll all be safer.

I understand fully the laws of Physics and what ABS does, I also drive in all weathers in different vehicles and never get stuck. I have also driven different cars on race tracks and rally tracks and never got stuck. But I will throw away my keys and listen to your advice as you know it all :-)

mikey72

I think it's time to give up on the 2 or 4 debate. 2 are fine if you treat the snow and ice with respect. But to honest, if someone is going to be driving as if it wasn't snowy, or icy, and want to slam the brakes on at the last minute, and believe they'll always be locking the back wheels and spinning off backwards, they are better on 4 or none. At least with none they won't have got out in the first place.