Small cars in winter query.....

neilmcl

Iceweasel wrote: »

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.

Just to clarify, I'm sure you meant winter tyres. Winter tyres are not snow tyres. Sorry to be pedantic but this sort of thing can add to the confusion and misconception regarding winter rubber.

terryya

My wife's Corsa with winter tyres on was awesome last winter. Went anywhere we wanted. We live on quite a steep hill but got up and down no problem when everyone but the couple of people with Discoverys where leaving them at the top.

The only trouble was that after I went out the first time, a few of the people who watched through the curtains thought they could do it as well but didn't have winter tyres and got nowhere.

Best investment I've made in a long time and shouldn't cost much more in the long run as the 'normal' tyres should last longer since they're only getting used for half the time

elsien

Although storage of winter tyres when you have no shed, garage or loft does tend to rule them out anyway.

Chickabiddybex

Last winter I saw soooo many 4x4s think they were invincible powering up hills in the snow... Then sliding back down them again sideways because they are so top heavy

neilmcl

elsien wrote: »

Although storage of winter tyres when you have no shed, garage or loft does tend to rule them out anyway.

A lot of tyre fitters will store your tyres, for a small fee of course.

terryya

elsien wrote: »

Although storage of winter tyres when you have no shed, garage or loft does tend to rule them out anyway.

Good point. I got them for the first time this year after we moved to a new house with a garage.

gilbert_and_sullivan

RWD is only a problem when fitted with the wrong tyres, you can also help things by putting some weight in the boot.

My RWD is the only 2WD car that makes it out from where we live when it snows heavily...apart that is from the geezer who has the sense to reverse his FWD up the hill, we don't get gritted here its all by hand from the bin.

rs65

gilbert_and_sullivan wrote: »

RWD is only a problem when fitted with the wrong [STRIKE]tyres[/STRIKE] driver

My last 3 cars have been RWD autos and I've had no problems.

AndyPK

Small cars are better for snow.

Goldiegirl

I have a Yaris and my husband has on Auris.

My little car performs very well in the snow, yet the Auris slips and slides all over the place, and can't get a grip