Winter tyres fitted today

[Sohlman]

Finally got my spare wheels and new vredestein winter tyres fitted. Wheels cost me £800 tyres where £596 fitting £40.

Dealer manual does not recommend them. Why?

Initial impression is that the ride has softened around 25%.

I have had winters on all my cars forthr last 4 years, but let's see if the manual is right or talking rubbish

[ARAF]

The manual is talking about technology from 10 or more years ago. Back then, nobody recommended 19" winter tyres (and very few made them), but that has changed with the larger wheels that are now in vogue - though not as good as a tyre with more sidewall.

[Sohlman]

Thanks ARAF speedy reply as usual.

I posted up another photo of the tread, but for some reason it did not stick.

[r8black]

In all my years of driving and that's a fair few, I've never changed tyres for the seasons
It's totally unnecessary IMHO .
Sounds like a complete waste of hard earnt cash
Victims of advertisements?
Just adjust your driving to suit the surface

[shakermikee]

... or let your summer tyres rest up while using your winter tyres.

It doesn't cost any more than usual tyre costs, as you can't drive around with all 8 wheels/tyres at once. Just the initial outlay of an extra set of tyres and cost of fitting if you can't do it yourself.

[pah250]

I also had mine fitted at the weekend. Have re-used the ones I had on last winter as there was barely any wear. Dunlop Winter Sport on mine.

Also, as last year was the first time I ever had winter tyres on, it was also the first time in my memory that it didn't snow!

[Sarge 4x4]

Wise men both of you.................. If you use your car every day it makes sense, I love the Vredestein wintrac's and we sell lots.

All my family on winter tyres and I use them for winter tyre testing so we can pass on our experiences to customers.

[ARAF]

I live at the top of a hill, in a village. When the snow is down, these roads aren't cleared, so many cars get stuck once the compacted snow has turned to ice. My winter tyres have always got me home.

I didn't bother to put them on at all last year, but am doubly ready this year, if there's a chance of snow, as I now have winter wheels/tyres for the BMW (thanks Sarge), as well as for the little Renault.

[R8VXF]

Sarge 4x4 said:

Wise men both of you.................. If you use your car every day it makes sense, I love the Vredestein wintrac's and we sell lots.

All my family on winter tyres and I use them for winter tyre testing so we can pass on our experiences to customers.

how much for winters for the GTS, and can you store my summers?

[jonnM]

I'm impressed you managed to source a second set of 5.7 VXR alloy wheels, they're rarer than hens teeth

Edited by jonnM on Wednesday 17th December 18:32

[Magic919]

Found mine was ok in the snow.

[fastbikes76]

r8black said:

In all my years of driving and that's a fair few, I've never changed tyres for the seasons
It's totally unnecessary IMHO .
Sounds like a complete waste of hard earnt cash
Victims of advertisements?
Just adjust your driving to suit the surface

I for one can say until you have used winter tyres you simply cannot comprehend the difference.

The wife and I both own identical Mitsubishi GTO's. These are AWD with front, rear and centre LSD's so traction is virtually NEVER an issue. The wife runs 17" winter tyres and I was on my 19" Toyo Proxie's when heading to a meet one day. We approached a junction where I slowed down to around 15mph before attempting to turn right, a wonderful 360 ensued closely followed by the wife telling me to stop messing about. We swapped cars and she soon learnt the issue was zero grip on the snow/ice opposed to me being a idiot (for once) even with AWD.

Trust me when I say the grip difference is monumental, no matter how much you drive to the conditions.

Watch the vid half way down the page
http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/accessories-tyres/666...

Edited by fastbikes76 on Wednesday 17th December 18:34

[monaro55]

Just put my winter Nokian tyres back on yesterday. Anyone who hasn't ever used winter tyres really need to try them the difference is huge not just for snow but most winter conditions. As has been said before you are not wearing out any more rubber it's just the outlay of another set of tyres. the only extra cost is the fitting, a few notes [not many] to a fitter and he's happy.

[Xpuffin]

Just a point worth mentioning, whilst of course I agree about the validity of new winter tyres being a vastly different product to that of 10 years ago, as it specifically states not to use them in the owners handbook I'd be calling my insurance company and getting their opinion on useage prior to fitting them

[blue666uk]

Xpuffin said:

Just a point worth mentioning, whilst of course I agree about the validity of new winter tyres being a vastly different product to that of 10 years ago, as it specifically states not to use them in the owners handbook I'd be calling my insurance company and getting their opinion on useage prior to fitting them

This ^^^^^^^^^

When I had winters, I did all the research, most insurance companies have a disclaimer saying you at least have to notify them you're running winters, even if they don't charge extra for it. Some believe it or not, do class it as a mod and charge an extra premium, there is a website somewhere (can't remember) which lists winter tyre friendly insurance companies, I was with Admiral, no issues, and with them, they didn't need to know so not an issue.

[r8black]

Also there isn't any benefit until temperatures are at 7 degrees or lower as the silica compound doesn't react correctly above
That, perhaps if you live in the suburbs or countryside where snow may linger longer and ice may form longer there may be some benefits but to city dwellers its a complete waste of money and effort.

[blue666uk]

r8black said:

Also there isn't any benefit until temperatures are at 7 degrees or lower as the silica compound doesn't react correctly above
That, perhaps if you live in the suburbs or countryside where snow may linger longer and ice may form longer there may be some benefits but to city dwellers its a complete waste of money and effort.

Possibly, but most people commute for example happens early morning when it is still very cold, even if the daytime temp then 'warms' up to above 7 degrees, when they drive first thing, its often colder. Same applies at the end of the day when temps dropping. Only if you do midday day time driving you won't have as much benefit in milder winter days.

[Sarge 4x4]

R8VXF said:

Sarge 4x4 said:

Wise men both of you.................. If you use your car every day it makes sense, I love the Vredestein wintrac's and we sell lots.

All my family on winter tyres and I use them for winter tyre testing so we can pass on our experiences to customers.

how much for winters for the GTS, and can you store my summers?

What you mean you have tread left !!!!

Give me a call.

[Sarge 4x4]

I would rather drive a big powerful V8 with winter tyres in the summer than summer tyres in the winter/snow.....

You can adapt your driving to accommodate for the winter tyre in the summer but summer tyres in the winter/snow !!!!!!!!!!

Where are you going to have to leave it ?

But most important is to drive to the conditions of the road and your ability.

When and if the snow comes I for one will be one of the first to go out and play.

I don't have to drive my Gen-F in the winter as I have 4x4's to play with.

[R8VXF]

Sarge 4x4 said:

R8VXF said:

Sarge 4x4 said:

Wise men both of you.................. If you use your car every day it makes sense, I love the Vredestein wintrac's and we sell lots.

All my family on winter tyres and I use them for winter tyre testing so we can pass on our experiences to customers.

how much for winters for the GTS, and can you store my summers?

What you mean you have tread left !!!!

Give me a call.

I think I better hand my Bogan card back, 350 miles and tyres still looking good! Also got 215 miles out of a tank of fuel!

Will give you a bell tomorrow