Tyres performed poorly in recent snow — get better summer ones or all-season?

DocQuincy

Thanks everyone, I'll go for the Cross Climates. Really useful. 

I don't think it's the driving style since my friend had a go in our car after driving his up the hill and had the same result. 

daveyjp

greyteam1959 said:

Most of your problems most probably result from lack of experience in driving in snow rather than your tyres.

Pro rally drivers will struggle on snow covered hills in a car with summer tyres and 4.5mm of tread.

baser999

Another vote for CrossClimates - had them on previous and current cars, both SUVs.

Wouldn’t waste your time and money on chains unless you live in an area where there’s going to be driving in the snow for extensive periods. 

DocQuincy

Just called a local tyre place and he said Maxxis AP3s are very similar in pattern to Cross Climates. His system only seemed to be able to source Cross Climates 2s which were about £150–£160 depending on the retailer. Maxxis AP3s were only around £100.

I'll look into these but interested to hear if anyone has experience with the AP3s.

400ixl

What are these mid budget tyres you have bought?

Experience may well pay a big part in the situation as well. You say you pumped up the tyres, in snowy conditions you want them to be a the lowest recommended levels, so you have likely over inflated them for the conditions.

Flight3287462

Local tyre places only seem to carry budget-mid range tyres these days which is a real pain in an emergency.

What size are your tyres?

Have a look here https://www.tyrereviews.com/Article/2022-Tyre-Reviews-All-Season-Tyre-Test.htm

Don't get too hung up on which is top in reality the top three or four will all be pretty close.  Find the best value.

To be fair the Maxxis AP3 doesn't look a total disaster but do a bit of research

https://www.tyrereviews.com/Tyre/Maxxis/Premitra-All-Season-AP3.htm

DocQuincy

Thanks, I'd say budget mid-range summers are what I have now. I took them in and they had them in stock.

Thanks for your links. Tyres are 215/55ZR16.

I did look this morning. Whereas I couldn't find a bad word said about Cross Climates, the AP3 were generally well liked. I'm thinking/hoping compared to what I have now they'll perform much better.

Regarding the inflation, I had though that but there doesn't seem to be a consensus on whether under inflation is a good idea.

moneysaver

Cross climate 2's are the latest from Michelin.  I had the first version on my Focus & would not hesitate to buy again, the grip is amazing from them.

I do not have the Focus now but when I need to renew on my current car it will be Cross Climates.

Moneysaver

Herzlos

DocQuincy said:

Just called a local tyre place and he said Maxxis AP3s are very similar in pattern to Cross Climates. His system only seemed to be able to source Cross Climates 2s which were about £150–£160 depending on the retailer. Maxxis AP3s were only around £100.

I'll look into these but interested to hear if anyone has experience with the AP3s.

Maxxis are a reputable tyre manufacturer - huge in the mountain bike field. The AP3's do look a lot like the Michelin CrossClimates and do have the Snow certification on them (the snowflake in the mountain). So they'll be fine.


Underinflation is a gray area. Basically, lower pressures means more surface area and more grip, so good for snow, lots of mud etc, but too low and you risk damaging the rims and fuel economy will drop. Running them a bit lower in winter won't cause you any problems though.

Of course, if you get stuck somewhere, it may be prudent to let some air out of the tyres until you're unstuck and then reinflate them.

DocQuincy

Amazing, thank you everyone, this has been so helpful.