4WD on summer tyres vs 2WD on winter tyres.

verityboo

Another good demonstration

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mfuE00qdhLA&t=14s

Mr.Generous

I got a second hand set of alloys for £50 (in poor condition) which I paint with Hammerite every couple of years. They carry my full winter tyres. They go on from Dec to Feb - they are cheaper than sport compound summer rubber and perform better when ever temp is at or below 5 deg c.


If its warmer than 5 the winters perform about 5 - 10% below the summer tyres, (best guess, I know) but if its cold the winters perform 20% better, if it is snow or ice then about 300% better.

Most amusing on a car with quite wide (235) rubber to out corner, out accelerate and out brake every car without winter rubber when it does snow, which is not often enough for my liking. Small cars with narrow tyres aren't bad on snow, but I have got stuck in my wife's Ka a few years ago, with winter tyres you get some traction on sheet ice.

The rubber has loads of silicone, its a much softer compound and the tread pattern grips a bit of snow into the tread that then grips the road - like the way snow sticks to snow when you roll a snowman.


They really do work. I tried out a mates new Focus on 4 new summer tyres on a snowy car park and you basically don't have steering control at any speed, on winter tyres you have to try and provoke a skid with hard steering and heavy right foot.


From a cost point of view I've maybe broken even - I've had my car from new for 9 years, so got loads of wear from the winters.


Wife hates them because the old wheels look scruffy. can't have everything I suppose.

EssexExile

And here I am at 67, been driving for 50 years & never yet felt the need for special tyres in the winter. For the few days there is snow on the ground I drive more carefully.

loskie

Mr Generous I think you mean Silica NOT "Silicone"

hollie.weimeraner

JP1978 wrote: »

Quite surprised that the resident driving gods haven't been posting to tell us that they have used summer tyres for 30 years and never got stuck.....

Essex Exiles post should have appeased you :rotfl:

EssexExile wrote: »

And here I am at 67, been driving for 50 years & never yet felt the need for special tyres in the winter. For the few days there is snow on the ground I drive more carefully.

TherealMandM

daveyjp wrote: »

I have seen a Range Rover stuck in a slightly muddy rugby field because the owner thought well worn summer tyres would be adequate.

I also happily overtook a 4wd 3 series during the snow earlier this year which couldn't get up a slight incline alao due to the summer tyres.

Do you often get out of your car to go inspect the tyres of the car you overtook?

James2k

agrinnall wrote: »

You missed a bit:


In terms of performance/traction: 4wd on winter tyres > 2wd on winter tyres > 4wd > 2wd.

you missed one too.

4wd on winter tyres > 4wd on A/T tyres > 2wd on winter tyres > 4wd (on crap tyres) > 2wd.

Penelopa.Pitstop

EssexExile wrote: »

And here I am at 67, been driving for 50 years & never yet felt the need for special tyres in the winter. For the few days there is snow on the ground I drive more carefully.

Probably because you don't live in Scotland, don't go to continent or Alps and don't drive Merc. Can't comment on other RWD, but Merc SLK was useless in 1cm of snow, couldn't drive it straight unless reversing.

I put winter tyres on Quattro and happily go to continent. RWD on winters was still a bit funny in certain conditions and I didn't enjoy drifting in fresh, deep snow.

James2k

Penelopa.Pitstop wrote: »

and I didn't enjoy drifting in fresh, deep snow.

Then you are insane,

4wd drifting in the snow is awesome!

dont bother with winters on my S5, but the jeep has AT tyres which dont care what they are driving through, altogether much fun is had (in scotland)

The rx8 i had was crap though, so i would get them if my car had rwd.. maybe

LandyAndy

EssexExile wrote: »

And here I am at 67, been driving for 50 years & never yet felt the need for special tyres in the winter. For the few days there is snow on the ground I drive more carefully.

Nor me, although I've only been driving 44 years

Penelopa.Pitstop wrote: »

Probably because you don't live in Scotland, don't go to continent or Alps and don't drive Merc. Can't comment on other RWD, but Merc SLK was useless in 1cm of snow, couldn't drive it straight unless reversing.

.

And that is the point. In most parts of the country there is no need for a change of tyres.