Winter Tyres II

meg00

I have just returned from Kwikfit. I had my Skoda Fabia booked in for a winter service, and to put the 2 winter tyres on. I have now been informed that it is their policy to only replace all 4 wheels with winter tyres.
I was originally told (last winter) that the tyres only needed to be fitted to the 'drive wheels'.
Can anyone offer advice please?

DTDfanBoy

It sounds like Kwikfit have actually got something correct for a change

Ebe_Scrooge

Winter tyres should be fitted to all 4 wheels. Are you getting confused with snow chains ? These do only need to be fitted to the driven wheels.

And I'll say this before eveyone else piles in - why on earth are you going to Kwikfit for a service ? You'd save yourself a whole pile of grief ( and cash ) by asking around friends and neighbours for a recommendation of a good local independant.

scheming_gypsy

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K7xXDMkVFlE

Horizon81

My oh my. Another winter tyres thread. I've read many of these and from what I've learned the conclusion is thus... 4 winter tyres are of course better than 2, however 2 is much better than none. I've read many accounts from people who have purchased just 2 (friends included) fitted them on the driven wheels and have never had any problems.

I think the car you're putting them on makes a difference. From speaking to a garage owner recently, his take on it was smaller FWD like yours can have just the 2 fitted. Bigger cars (longer wheelbase) ideally need the 4. Saying that, my mate had a VW Bora and just fitted 2 and had no problems with lift off oversteer or the back overtaking the front as naysayers will say.

Look on youtube and of course the tyre manufacturers will say to buy 4 and will Kwik fit. More profit for them. You're best off talking to actual people who have actually fitted 2. I'm sure if you go to a local independent they'll have no qualms in fitting 2 only.

Dieselman

Good video shows it how it is.:D

Mate at work drives a C class 220 cdti with all four winters on, it handles just fine and takes those hills he laughs when he see's similar cars stuck or spinning.:D

Prothet_of_Doom

I fitted winter tyres to just the front end of a FWD cavalier.

It is not illegal, but now I look back, it made the handling a bit tail happy. A bit like a 205GTi on lift off (If anyone knows what I mean)

It was okay when accelerating on bends, but take your foot off, and the back would try to spin you round.

Big Big Mistake.

meg00

I do know the difference between tyres and chains................

The recommendation for only 2 tyres was given by an independant last year.

I was hoping not to have to buy another 2 as I am changing the car next spring.

Horizon81

meg00 wrote: »

I do know the difference between tyres and chains................

The recommendation for only 2 tyres was given by an independant last year.

I was hoping not to have to buy another 2 as I am changing the car next spring.

In that case, make an informed decision. Don't let Kwik Fit 'policy' swing you either way (pardon the pun)

molerat

If Kwikcrap don't want your money I am sure there are many other tyre shops available that will be happy for your custom and will most likely take less of your hard earned into the bargain..

AdrianC

meg00 wrote: »

Can anyone offer advice please?

I wouldn't, personally.

But if K-F refuse to swap 'em over, and you're happy to drive with just a pair on - then get the jack and wheelbrace out and swap 'em over yourself...