winter tyres or smaller wheels or what!

amandada

Like a lot of drivers my thoughts are turning to winter tyres

My car is less than USELESS on snow, and being in Scotland, we do get a fair bit of it.

Current tyres are 225/45 17

I thought I could just get snow tyres on the front (drive) wheels but after calling a few places I'm now totally confuzzled as to what to do.

I was advised against just getting them for the drives wheels because of the difference in traction I'd get between front and back-and I understand this theory, but being a natural born cynic, is it a huge issue, or a manageable one and the tyre man wants more cash out of me?

One of the suggestions is to get smaller (16" or even 15" if I can get them) wheels and tyres as that will bring the price right down. Has anyone else done this?

Help!!! I really don't know the best way to go with this and don't want to get caught short

ariba10

Chains could be the answer, but if the snow was that bad. -- I would stay at home.

Inner_Zone

My car also uses 225/45/17. I was undecided to go to 16" and narrower tyres and wheels or stay the same. In the end I decided as most winter motoring won't be in the snow but will just be cold and wet that keeping the current size but using winter tyres maybe the best way to go, we shall see.


Regarding the rest already covered here:


https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/3520117

amandada

Much as I'd like to stay at home, it's not an option, I work for the emergency services, and while we advise drivers to stay at home, sadly it's not an option for us!

missile

Do not skimp on safety fit four tyres. Most reputable garages will refuse to fit only two.

Trebor16

It might be worth getting a set of rims to fit the winter tyres on. If you are considering smaller diameter rims then check to ensure there is sufficient clearance for the brake caliper and discs.

mikey72

I've a zafira, early model. It was useless with michelins on, on ice and snow. I put two nokians (winter) tyes on the front, and I was given two hero (chinese tyre company owned by Federal of Taiwan) tyres on the back. (Decent amount of tread on them)
It was absolutely no problem. Started, stopped, went uphill, and I had no problems with the back following the front.
Providing you drive like you're on snow, I found two were fine.
If you expect that you can drive like you're on tarmac, I agree you need four.

Rolandtheroadie

I've had to go out and buy a new set of alloys for the wifes car today (old ones were leaking, getting them refurbished but too far gone).
Why new? Everyones buying up 16" wheels/alloys for snow tyres.
Even the alloy wheel shop I went to could only source around 5 types from 4 phone calls to their suppliers.

fatbelly

This week's Auto Express reviews winter tyres in your size (225/45 17)

To save you buying it, the winner is Continental Contiwintercontact

It sounds like a good move for those north of the border.

agrinnall

fatbelly wrote: »

This week's Auto Express reviews winter tyres in your size (225/45 17)

To save you buying it, the winner is Continental Contiwintercontact

It sounds like a good move for those north of the border.

It's also the winner in Evo's winter tyres test, although the Michelin Alpin A4 and Pirelli Sottozero W24 Serie 2 are pretty close.

My Fiat Panda has 14" alloys but I switch to 13" steelies with winter tyres on when the temperature drops (not yet but I think it may not be too long now), one of the best purchases I ever made when I was travelling around Scotland last winter.

fatbelly

agrinnall wrote: »

It's also the winner in Evo's winter tyres test, although the Michelin Alpin A4 and Pirelli Sottozero W24 Serie 2 are pretty close.

If you add Goodyear Ultragrip Performance 2 (finished second) then that's AutoExpress's top four

They also looked at Dunlop SP wintersport 4D but didn't give it a rating as it was not in full production. They do say their sample would have finished third.