Winter tyres vol 2
Discussion
Barchettaman said:
Dunc, the Michelin CrossClimates are a great year-round compromise for UK winters. I'll be fitting them year-round when my current sets of summer and winter tyres wear out.
It's difficult to imagine a scenario where FWD and CrossClimates would be inadequate in a UK winter on-road.
This. But if you really want winters, there's only one option. The Continental WinterContact TS860.It's difficult to imagine a scenario where FWD and CrossClimates would be inadequate in a UK winter on-road.
http://www.tyrereviews.co.uk/Tyre/Continental/Wint...
Interestingly, Continental have finally given in and launched an all season tyre called the AllSeasonContact. This promises to be more snow bias than the CrossClimate, but less snow bias than the Vector 4Seasons Gen 2, so will sit somewhere in the middle of them.
It will be very interesting to see them in tests.
I have two sets of wheels.
The idea is to have a set of winter tyres on one set, and set of really sticky summer tyres on the other.
I have done this for many years.
I bought a new (well, second hand) car recently and this morning picked up another set of wheels for it from ebay and then was wondering what winter tyres to fit on them. The priority is for best grip when its really cold and/or wet.
The idea is to have a set of winter tyres on one set, and set of really sticky summer tyres on the other.
I have done this for many years.
I bought a new (well, second hand) car recently and this morning picked up another set of wheels for it from ebay and then was wondering what winter tyres to fit on them. The priority is for best grip when its really cold and/or wet.
BIG DUNC said:
What winter tyre would you guys recommend for best grip in 205/55-16?
It is for an X type if that makes any difference.
I know its only August, just planning ahead.
My 3 series has a set of Conti Winter Contact T830P/T850P and my X3 Pirelli Sottozero's - Either Tyre are just fine - I found the Pirelli's better but that may have been the 4WD. The Conti's did better in tests It is for an X type if that makes any difference.
I know its only August, just planning ahead.
http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/accessories-tyres/930...
http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/accessories-tyres/win...
On sheet ice/black ice they didn't help much. I tried both cars on winters in the Yorkshire Dales hooning in slush and snow and both makes were more than fine so I would choose on wet weather grip and water clearance for the UK conditions.
http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/accessories-tyres/931...
Edited by ian in lancs on Wednesday 9th August 17:07
BIG DUNC said:
Thanks for the suggestions everyone.
I will read the reviews linked, and then I suppose it will be time to get the credit card out.
Got both sets from eBay. Buy with care and you'll be fine. The X3 set (£450 for BMW wheels and tyres) were used for one winter, stored by the dealer over summer and the car was exchanged for an X5. Thus wheels and tyres surplus to requirements. Bolt on / bolt off easy! The 3 series wheels and tyres were more and I had to fit TPMS valves but about 40% of what BMW wanted.I will read the reviews linked, and then I suppose it will be time to get the credit card out.
Edited by ian in lancs on Wednesday 9th August 17:30
Edited by ian in lancs on Wednesday 9th August 18:02
A900ss said:
I've only driven on two tyres of winter tyres, both in proper winter use in the Alps, Pirelli Sottozero 3 and Nokian WR D4’s. I did about 7k on each set of tyres.
The Nokians were a lot better than the Pirelli's in snow, ice, wet and dry.
Just my experience.
I've had both makes also and I agree. I found the Pirellis a hell of a lot louder than the Nokians as well.The Nokians were a lot better than the Pirelli's in snow, ice, wet and dry.
Just my experience.
While we're sharing on this thread in summer, it's probably a good time to point out that the Michelin CrossClimates are bearing up well all year round. Beats the hassle of two sets of tyres for me, compromise is not quite as good in very icy conditions and a little less good at finding grip in heavy rain than summer tyres.
HustleRussell said:
I find Tyreleader etc are cheaper than eBay for new tyres. However I invariably buy from Camskill as they're only a few quid more expensive than Tyreleader and they are UK based.
Me too. Never had a problem with them. I think they only advertise what they have in stock. I got some TS860s from them last year. OP - I would wait until September at the earliest to buy them. I think if you buy them now you will be getting last years tyres. Yours is a very common size so it would be unusual not to be able to get hold of some in the Autumn.
Cold said:
I was only thinking of this thread this afternoon. Just picked up my winter wheels from my local "The Wheel Specialist" after having the rims refurbed. All the scratches and kerb gouges gone and looking shiny again. They're back in the garage now, waiting for winter.
What did it cost if you don't mind me asking? My winter wheels are looking a mess with the paint bubbling in places. A local place wants £60 a wheel to refurb them, I don't know if it's worth it or not.tjlees said:
Actually not taken the winters off the OH car!
A bit less grippy (and fun) but wearing well.
I got a set of newly refurbed Volvo "Tethys" alloys for the OHs V70 last year; very smart wheels, and they came with brand spanking new (ie. unused) Yokohama winter tyres on (W drive something or other). £300 which I thought was a bargain, especially as 3 of her old ones were buckled and all thetyres were getting very worn. Fantastic and got rid of a dreadful motorway speed shudder.A bit less grippy (and fun) but wearing well.
I even ebayed the old ones for 120 quid
I've just left the winters on all year; she works from home so it doesn't see much use except for shopping and tip etc or for me to use in winter. They've lasted fine and we will be getting rid of the car before they wear out.
RicksAlfas said:
Me too. Never had a problem with them. I think they only advertise what they have in stock. I got some TS860s from them last year.
OP - I would wait until September at the earliest to buy them. I think if you buy them now you will be getting last years tyres. Yours is a very common size so it would be unusual not to be able to get hold of some in the Autumn.
Thanks for the tip.OP - I would wait until September at the earliest to buy them. I think if you buy them now you will be getting last years tyres. Yours is a very common size so it would be unusual not to be able to get hold of some in the Autumn.
Will get them late Sept or early Oct.
Probably wont actually be fitting them until November, although that does depend on what the weather does.
BMW E91 has its winter boots on running naked steelies, summers were getting to illegal tread so rather than buy a new pair of summers just stuck on the winters that were ready to roll.
Car feels good, give them time to scrub in, been great in the heavy heavy rain we have had up here in North West.
Anyone interested they are: 205/55/16 XL Riken winter boots purchased from Camskills (very reasonable price)
Car feels good, give them time to scrub in, been great in the heavy heavy rain we have had up here in North West.
Anyone interested they are: 205/55/16 XL Riken winter boots purchased from Camskills (very reasonable price)
Edited by DailyHack on Monday 11th September 06:13
RammyMP said:
What did it cost if you don't mind me asking? My winter wheels are looking a mess with the paint bubbling in places. A local place wants £60 a wheel to refurb them, I don't know if it's worth it or not.
My local 'The Wheel Specialist' charged about £250 for a set of 15's. 
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