Small cars in winter query.....

neilmcl

owen_money wrote: »

BMW's have rear wheel drive, they are useless in the snow

Not with the correct tyres they're not.

aileth

I don't know specifically, but last winter while me and OH were knees deep trying to save our car, some little old hyundai with bike wheels razzed down our steep-inclined snow/ice covered hill, picked up his mate than went back up the hill like it was perfect conditions. We wept a bit to say the least.

My OH also used to know someone who drove an old Micra who was totally untouched when it snowed and did the same.

fivetide

marlot wrote: »

People always say that, but I've often found back roads that nobody else is prepared to touch. Saved me 4 hours one evening last winter. I was fortunate enough to be driving a 4x4 with all season all terrain tyres.

that's great if you can get out or can go via country roads but for anyone in the city or on long stretch of motorway when things go wrong it does make no difference. The main thing is to be sat in something comfy!

vaio

Yep, little, low powered cars with the engine over the (small/narrow) driven wheels will perform well in the snow.

Add winter tyres and they are even better.

Add 4 wheel drive and, like the Fiat Panda I hired in Austria a few years ago, they are pretty much unbeatable. Clowning about in the Alps it was a heap of fun and the only time it got stuck was when the snow built up under the belly and lifted the wheels off the ground.

From the happy position of having 4 wheel drive & winter tyres on my own car I'd say get both but if you can only have one then go for the tyres. The difference they make, particularly when braking, is astounding

lemontart

I have had both small and large never had major issues with either, but I have always driven to suit conditions - very carefully.

OddballJamie

My partners last car (KA) was fantastic in the snow and that was with summer tyres on.
This year I'm going with winter tyres on my own car as we don't have the KA any more.

zaax

Winter or Apline rated tyres are a must.

DKLS

My wife managed in the snow just fine in a 350Z on summer rubber.

Iceweasel

All cars are pretty much the same - unless you fit winter/snow tyres.

Many people still think winter tyres look as if they are for a small tractor or a LandRover Defender with big knobbly bits sticking out which make a noise as you drive along.

That was true - 20 years ago.

I have a BMW - in rural Aberdeenshire. Last winter I bought snow tyres and a 2nd hand set of wheels - cost around £600 for everything. I have now sold my LandRover I don't need it any more.

Check out this amateur comparison video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vOv2g5qTpvA

I fit the snow tyres from November through to March as they are meant for cold weather - not just snow.

If you don't have a set of winter tyres stay at home when it snows.

A BMW on summer tyres wont go anywhere.

A Fiesta or a Golf on summer tyres will go - but it will not be completely under control, as well as if you had winter tyres on it.

By buying winter tyres I have saved myself the running costs of the LandRover and made sure that I will not lose money by not being able to get to work.

And of course my summer tyres will last twice as long.

No-brainer really.

What price safety.

Those who say we don't need winter tyres in the UK have never tried them.

aliasojo

Really appreciate everyone's input, thank you.