Disco 4 in the snow ?
Discussion
I went to the Alps in a D3 which was definitely not running winter tyres, just whatever it came with. The driveway to our accommodation was very steep, and covered in ice to the extent that you physically could not walk up it in ordinary outdoor boots.
The D3 in snow mode just pottered it's way up the slope as if it was bone dry. Very impressive.
Ref the Evoque, does it have the same system as the FL2? Have also driven one of those in deep snow and that was equally impressive, again on standard UK tyres. You could feel all 4 wheels working and clawing their way up the hill. Interesting to drive, and again, very competent.
The D3 in snow mode just pottered it's way up the slope as if it was bone dry. Very impressive.
Ref the Evoque, does it have the same system as the FL2? Have also driven one of those in deep snow and that was equally impressive, again on standard UK tyres. You could feel all 4 wheels working and clawing their way up the hill. Interesting to drive, and again, very competent.
I think with Germany you just have to have 'appropriate tyres' for the weather (although I may be wrong) - meaning that if you go and it doesn't snow and you don't cause an accident you'll be fine (and legal). Actually, even if you do cause an accident which isn't tyre related you'll still be legal. But, if you cause an accident that is tyre related - such as driving on all seasons rather than winter tyres and you skid and hit someone - you'll be at fault and prosecuted. I think...
I looked into this last year when considering a trip to Germany. Seems like they are mandatory in Germany since 2010:
http://www.theaa.com/motoring_advice/overseas/snow...
Note also the need to carry snow chains, if likely to be in a region requiring them.
http://www.theaa.com/motoring_advice/overseas/snow...
Note also the need to carry snow chains, if likely to be in a region requiring them.
I had a play around a couple of years ago with an Evoque (on new summer Continental ContiCrossContact UHP tyres) and a couple of small FWD cars on new winter tyres (a Ford Ka on Firestones and a Renault Clio on Goodyears). I found the steepest hill I could to do some traction tests. Even with a run-up, the FWD cars couldn't make it more than half way. The Evoque, however, could stop at any point on the hill and resume seemingly without any bother at all. It was astonishing and for me completely dispelled the myth that a 2WD car with winter tyres is better than a 4WD one on summers. The M+S-rated tyre options on the Evoque and Discovery will make for very accomplished cars in the snow!
David87 said:
I had a play around a couple of years ago with an Evoque (on new summer Continental ContiCrossContact UHP tyres) and a couple of small FWD cars on new winter tyres (a Ford Ka on Firestones and a Renault Clio on Goodyears). I found the steepest hill I could to do some traction tests. Even with a run-up, the FWD cars couldn't make it more than half way. The Evoque, however, could stop at any point on the hill and resume seemingly without any bother at all. It was astonishing and for me completely dispelled the myth that a 2WD car with winter tyres is better than a 4WD one on summers. The M+S-rated tyre options on the Evoque and Discovery will make for very accomplished cars in the snow!
Yes but although they were summers, they were effectively all season M&S tyres - with 4wd. I'd wager the fwd hatchback on winters would be better on cold, icy roads. People use winter tyres not for snow, but for better performance when the roads freeze... All empirical and documented research backs up that proper winters are always best (i.e.high silica compound and sipes). I seem to have a slightly different experience with my D3 which I have used through the last 6 winters. I live towards the top of one of the steepest hills in the peak district. Its used for cycling time trials as its so challenging. Anyway it was frightening in the snow with OE m&s tyres. Stop on the way up and you start to slide backwards, downhill even with all the fancy electrics you feel like it wants to let go (OK it didnt let go big style!) and so it was very very slow going and right next to the edge to try and use the snow and mud banks to gain purchase / as a contingency catch me. Fitting chains was a pita as you soon come to tarmac. I did end up buying 'spikes spiders' which are great. After the first couple of winters I fitted AT's. OK they arent a winter tyre but the tread certainly makes the car much less likely to slide around etc. I reckon a small front wheel hatch back with winter tryres would fare better on the hill than a Disco in summer 'M&S' tyres.
I also live at the top of a very steep hill and the problem is not on the flat or going uphill but more going down as four wheel drive won't be of much help downhill and there's a lot of weight going down!
A few years back I was driving a Range Rover Sport on standard 20 inch tyres in Switzerland, we went up a mountain road no problem at all but going down again I could feel the road was icy and I was going all places but couldn't keep the car on the road, even with HDC on, the system braked the wheels individually and the car went sideways as a result, I slid to the side against a wooden pole to mark the side of the road which stopped the car (without any damage!), I then had to put the car in low range first gear and like this I managed to go downhill very slowly, a nightmare!
My uncle who was driving a two-wheel drive Peugeot on winter tyres had no problem at all going downhill.
Since then I've put winter tyres on my L322 and now my recently acquired L405 and I feel much safer.
You might be OK with all-season M+S but I like to be safe and put winters on, once temperatures drop to 7°C, you're much safer with the specially developed winter compound.
A few years back I was driving a Range Rover Sport on standard 20 inch tyres in Switzerland, we went up a mountain road no problem at all but going down again I could feel the road was icy and I was going all places but couldn't keep the car on the road, even with HDC on, the system braked the wheels individually and the car went sideways as a result, I slid to the side against a wooden pole to mark the side of the road which stopped the car (without any damage!), I then had to put the car in low range first gear and like this I managed to go downhill very slowly, a nightmare!
My uncle who was driving a two-wheel drive Peugeot on winter tyres had no problem at all going downhill.
Since then I've put winter tyres on my L322 and now my recently acquired L405 and I feel much safer.
You might be OK with all-season M+S but I like to be safe and put winters on, once temperatures drop to 7°C, you're much safer with the specially developed winter compound.
I used to have a set of 'winter' 19" wheels with Vredestein Wintrac 4 tyres on my L322 - they are superb
just got an L405 and undecided what to do?
dealer has said try the car with the fitted tyres before you spend money - he said 'your car old car is nearly ten years old and a lot has changed in ten years - try before you buy new wheels/tyres'
fair comment
if I change i'll put Vredestein Wintac 4's on the 20" wheels and get new 21" wheels fitted with 'summer tyres'
just got an L405 and undecided what to do?
dealer has said try the car with the fitted tyres before you spend money - he said 'your car old car is nearly ten years old and a lot has changed in ten years - try before you buy new wheels/tyres'
fair comment
if I change i'll put Vredestein Wintac 4's on the 20" wheels and get new 21" wheels fitted with 'summer tyres'
CSK1 said:
Yes for sure technology has moved but no matter what, the only thing that keeps contact with the road are your tyres.
You may have fancy technology but when going downhill on an icy road you'll be glad you have proper winter tyres.
fair comment and matches what I think - but I will give the existing tyres a chances before I spend a further £2K plusYou may have fancy technology but when going downhill on an icy road you'll be glad you have proper winter tyres.
camel_landy said:
Technology has changed but the rules of physics haven't...
They are fantastic cars but if there's no grip, it can't magic it out of nothing.
Get a set of winters on there, it will make a massive difference.
M
exactly what I'm going to doThey are fantastic cars but if there's no grip, it can't magic it out of nothing.
Get a set of winters on there, it will make a massive difference.
M
just bought a set of 21" Autobiography wheels/tyres with 22 miles use (guy getting 23" wheels - madness)
so now will get Vredestein Wintrac 4's fitted to the 20" wheels
Well not seen any snow and only a few days left.
Heading to Gossler, Hertz Mountains tomorrow but only lowland so still not being tested.
As an aside, the Disco is an absolute pleasure to drive.
I enjoyed my Wife's Evoque for a similar trip last year but love the Disco.
Maybe I'll keep it for myself when she's ready for a change.
Heading to Gossler, Hertz Mountains tomorrow but only lowland so still not being tested.
As an aside, the Disco is an absolute pleasure to drive.
I enjoyed my Wife's Evoque for a similar trip last year but love the Disco.
Maybe I'll keep it for myself when she's ready for a change.
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