Why dont we change between Winter and summer tyres in the UK

[Bristol spark]

Because we don't need them, i really can't remember the last we even had a few inches of snow over here.

Im not sure winter tyres are even needed really, i drove around in north USA in January in around -30 and my hired SUV was only on summer/all year tyres! (technically i should have had chains) I didn't crash.

[Pica-Pica]

HustleRussell said:

In south east, manage without, never been stranded.

Coastal North West Wales is fine too, rain is the biggest issue.

[BoRED S2upid]

It’s nowhere near cold enough here I deiced the cars twice last year. If I lived further north it might be different.

[Sheepshanks]

RobM77 said:

ESP will only reign in an imbalance using differential braking, and also slow you down if it has the grip to do so. If you enter an icy bend too fast then it won't be able to help. It therefore follows that there are lots of situations where summer tyres and ESP won't be able to help, whereas winter tyres and ESP will be fine. That's because winter tyres give you more grip, so for example they might make a corner ok at 40mph that would be only safe at 20mph with summer tyres - so enter that bend at any speed up to 40mph with winters and ESP will do its best to help, whereas enter at even just 30mph on summers and you're going in the ditch.

Sure, but popeyewhite was suggesting the car would be more likely to skid on Winters at >7C. I think that's nonsense.

[PorkInsider]

swerni said:

Audemars said:

Because people are skint maximising their monthly pcp and onky want to buy part damaged/part worn used tyres. These people also do not have a house big enough to house them let alone an extra set of alloy wheels with winter tyres.

You're humandong's alter ego AICMFP

AICMSF, surely?

[designforlife]

Because it's "winter" and it's 11 degrees Celsius.

[TooMany2cvs]

Sheepshanks said:

Sure, but popeyewhite was suggesting the car would be more likely to skid on Winters at >7C. I think that's nonsense.

No, it's true - winters wear more and grip less as tarmac warms up, just as summers grip less as it cools. 7degC is about the cross-over point.

[Sheepshanks]

TooMany2cvs said:

No, it's true - winters wear more and grip less as tarmac warms up, just as summers grip less as it cools. 7degC is about the cross-over point.

So again, reference the S Class that the original comment is about, its ESP will stop that.

[nickfrog]

Sheepshanks said:

So again, reference the S Class that the original comment is about, its ESP will stop that.

Maybe or maybe not. ESP can't create friction that is not there in the first place.

[iphonedyou]

Because most of the country is 10 degrees and wet all year round.

[TooMany2cvs]

Sheepshanks said:

TooMany2cvs said:

No, it's true - winters wear more and grip less as tarmac warms up, just as summers grip less as it cools. 7degC is about the cross-over point.

So again, reference the S Class that the original comment is about, its ESP will stop that.

ESP doesn't create grip - it just deals with a lack of it, same as ABS, same as TC.

Right up until the point it can't, because the laws of physics still apply.

With TC, that means you simply sit stationary, with power constantly being cut as soon as the car starts to move.
With ABS, that means you simply sail straight on, with your right foot being massaged.
With ESP, it means you watch the scenery going all directions, wondering when and how hard you'll come to a stop.

[Sheepshanks]

nickfrog said:

Maybe or maybe not. ESP can't create friction that is not there in the first place.

Like I said, unless you're being brutal with the car (or you've turned it off, as BMW drivers seem to commonly do) it'll stop you getting to the point where grip becomes an issue.

The Mercedes system still works even when it's "off" - Merc doesn't trust drivers of its cars.

[CarAbuser]

Because winters are worse than summers unless it snows. "Tyre Reviews" did a good video about this on YouTube.

A premium summer will out-perform winter tyres on 99% of our winter days.

[Davie]

In the UK, some of us think a set of Triangle or Joyrides on a Golf R is acceptable so what hope have you got of changing that mentality to the point people will pay a premium to have two sets of tyres and swap them as and when the climate dictates.

[TooMany2cvs]

CarAbuser said:

Because winters are worse than summers unless it snows. "Tyre Reviews" did a good video about this on YouTube.

Got a link?

This is the nearest I can find, and it's a LOT less clear-cut than you make out.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RU4O3ulin80

[Harji]

I've had them on for the last few years, well till I got rid of the BMW, I am looking for a commuter car, and will put them on again.

[nickfrog]

Sheepshanks said:

Like I said, unless you're being brutal with the car (or you've turned it off, as BMW drivers seem to commonly do) it'll stop you getting to the point where grip becomes an issue.

If ESP (other stability systems are available) has triggered then grip limits have already been breached on 1 axle, by definition. And if both axles run out of friction, ESP can't do anything.

[nickfrog]

Audemars said:

Because people are skint maximising their monthly pcp and onky want to buy part damaged/part worn used tyres. These people also do not have a house big enough to house them let alone an extra set of alloy wheels with winter tyres.

You sound very much like you're speaking out of experience.

[Ransoman]

I don't bother with winter tyres and am rarely stuck. I always buy half decent brands with decent wet weather performance though.

[James TiT]

CarAbuser said:

Because winters are worse than summers unless it snows. "Tyre Reviews" did a good video about this on YouTube.

A premium summer will out-perform winter tyres on 99% of our winter days.

How do you work that out please?