Winter Tyres

longtimelurkersam

I surprised a LOT of people over the last few years when I was not impacted by the heavy snow in Kent whilst driving my mk1 Audi TT on low profile wide tyres. The intelligent 4 wheel drive system got it absolutely everywhere, up steep hills and through deep snow.

I also have a VW T4 van running on General Grabber M&S tyres so don't expect major problems with that vehicle either although I only just got it so time will tell. What surprised me about the tyres on it at the momentis that road noise is not noticeable.

I will buy some chains for a trip to the Austrian alps over the Festive period as you never know and I suspect they are also compulsory to carry in Austria at that time of the year.

SG27

longtimelurkersam wrote: »

I surprised a LOT of people over the last few years when I was not impacted by the heavy snow in Kent whilst driving my mk1 Audi TT on low profile wide tyres. The intelligent 4 wheel drive system got it absolutely everywhere, up steep hills and through deep snow.

I also have a VW T4 van running on General Grabber M&S tyres so don't expect major problems with that vehicle either although I only just got it so time will tell. What surprised me about the tyres on it at the momentis that road noise is not noticeable.

I will buy some chains for a trip to the Austrian alps over the Festive period as you never know and I suspect they are also compulsory to carry in Austria at that time of the year.

You may need winter tyres if your taking your TT. http://mobile.austria.info/au/plan-your-trip/driving-to-austria-1162412.html

longtimelurkersam

Thanks for that Austrian link. I will be taking the T4 as the TT is a convertible and not enough room for the snowboards and all the other stuff required......

butterfly72

neilmcl wrote: »

Well if you go for winters then please don't go for just 2, get a full set.

Can you explain why please? I've only got two. I was told two was sufficient.

Thanks

shammyjack

butterfly72 wrote: »

Can you explain why please? I've only got two. I was told two was sufficient.

Thanks

If you only have 2 on a front wheel drive they will grip and your back 2 will not. You will end up spinning like a top as your back end passes you !

:rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl:

mikey72

shammyjack wrote: »

If you only have 2 on a front wheel drive they will grip and your back 2 will not. You will end up spinning like a top as your back end passes you !

:rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl:

I've only ever used two on the front, and I can definitely say the back has never passed me, and I have never spun like a top, even on snow and ice.
In fact the grip on the back has remained exactly the same as if I had left the summer tyres on the front, it's got no worse, but the car does pull up hills, and also it brakes well.

shammyjack

mikey72 wrote: »

I've only ever used two on the front, and I can definitely say the back has never passed me, and I have never spun like a top, even on snow and ice.
In fact the grip on the back has remained exactly the same as if I had left the summer tyres on the front, it's got no worse, but the car does pull up hills, and also it brakes well.

You have been lucky up till now ! I hope it lasts !

Is the price of 2 tyres really worth risking your life for ?

butterfly72

shammyjack wrote: »

You have been lucky up till now ! I hope it lasts !

Is the price of 2 tyres really worth risking your life for ?

Surely having two on the front is safer than no winter tyres at all. Two at the front only can't make the back tyres have less grip! I still drive ridiculously slow in the ice and snow and dont take any risks even with the winter tyres insitu.

shammyjack

butterfly72 wrote: »

Surely having two on the front is safer than no winter tyres at all. Two at the front only can't make the back tyres have less grip! I still drive ridiculously slow in the ice and snow and dont take any risks even with the winter tyres insitu.

You asked for advise, I gave the best that I could given my 45 years driving experience gained in several different countries .


You choose whether to take the advise or not .

mikey72

shammyjack wrote: »

You asked for advise, I gave the best that I could given my 45 years driving experience gained in several different countries .


You choose whether to take the advise or not .

How many years on winter tyres, and in what combinations on fwd/rwd cars?