Winter Tyre Test Video

Ultrasonic

OddballJamie wrote: »

You should really be putting a whole set of winters on rather than just two. Could lead to losing the back end in corners and possible insurance problems from mixing tyre types.

Definitely good advice. Mixing summer and winter tyres is asking for trouble. Don't do it.

Edit: Mixing tyres might also invalidate insurance - check if you really do want to do this.

neilmcl

If any of the MSE team are reading it may be an idea to merge this and the other winter tyre thread - https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/4732881

Ultrasonic

neilmcl wrote: »

If any of the MSE team are reading it may be an idea to merge this and the other winter tyre thread - https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/4732881

I can't believe there are two winter tyre threads going in August! Not sure how they could be merged easily though? They each now have a cross-link to the other at least. I guess one could be locked...

Alias_Omega

Ultrasonic wrote: »

I don't think there is any way that winter tyres can be argued to be a scam.

Naa, i'm still not convinced.

The tyres on the car are 225/45/18 (Z), throw 4x Winter Tyres at that and your looking somewhere near £600-700.

However my excess is £200.

Jamie_Carter

Ultrasonic wrote: »

That's obviously not true. If it were then all summer tyres would be slicks . And just to be clear, I know full well that the tread pattern on summer tyres is nothing to do with grip on dry roads (where slicks are optimal) and all about wet weather performance.

The more nuanced point you were getting at was I suspect that the tread pattern shifts water to keep the maximum area in contact with the road. Which is true but I don't see it proves your point. For winter tyres to be better they need to both clear water and grip the road. You can't just say they clear more water (which they might), but then ignore the grip part from that bit of the tyre in contact with the road.

Edit: Actually, perhaps what I've just argued is why under virtually all conditions summer tyres are better in warm weather rain than winter tryes, but doesn't address your specific aquaplaning point.

The best tyres for grip in dry conditions would be slicks. But in the UK slicks are illegal for road use, because they have to be able to disperse some water.

In lower classes of motor racing they will often cut groves in slicks to make intermediate tyres, so that they do have some grip in the wet.

Ultrasonic

Alias_Omega wrote: »

Naa, i'm still not convinced.

The tyres on the car are 225/45/18 (Z), throw 4x Winter Tyres at that and your looking somewhere near £600-700.

However my excess is £200.

What is your life worth?

Ultrasonic

Jamie_Carter wrote: »

The best tyres for grip in dry conditions would be slicks. But in the UK slicks are illegal for road use, because they have to be able to disperse some water.

In lower classes of motor racing they will often cut groves in slicks to make intermediate tyres, so that they do have some grip in the wet.

All probably true but I'm not quite sure what point you are trying to make?

lovesgshp

Compulsory here in Italy to have winter tyres or chains carried in the car between certain dates. Heavy fines if not and police spot checks are normal for tyre types or chains in those dates.
Have a oldish Citroen Xsara that runs all year on winter tyres, but also has snow chains. Does not do a lot of mileage, so no real problem with wear. Went back to the UK for a holiday some years back and found it quite amusing how many UK drivers were stuck in the snow, but then, there is no legislation for tyres or chains there.
Our other vehicle a Mitsubishi Pajero, which is used more, has its tyres changed for the winter. Garages here charge about 20 Euro for the whole job and also store your tyres.
Never run a mixture of winter/summer tyres, as you are asking for handling problems!!
If you travel to the continent in the winter months, then these are some of the requirements.
http://www.theaa.com/motoring_advice/overseas/snow-chains-winter-tyres.html

OddballJamie

Alias_Omega wrote: »

Naa, i'm still not convinced.

The tyres on the car are 225/45/18 (Z), throw 4x Winter Tyres at that and your looking somewhere near £600-700.

However my excess is £200.

The money will be saved when you realise your 'summer' tyres are lasting twice as long.

Rolandtheroadie

Ultrasonic wrote: »

What is your life worth?

Oh come on, they've probably more chance of losing their lives getting to their front door in the morning than losing it in a crash caused by not having winter tyres on.