Calling all winter tyre users
Discussion
Ozone said:
LocoBlade said:
I bought HS439s last winter to fit my 123d (225/40-18) and I can thoroughly recommend them on the slight proviso that they're the only winter tyres Ive ever driven on. I fitted them in late October and due to the summer tyre of choice being in short supply, they were left on until mid May including through what turned out to the UK summer in late April having covered about 8k miles. Overall in snow and ice they were very good, the car went from being a liability even getting it off the drive to something that I sought the uncleared / ungritted back roads to work in 6" of snow with no concerns at all about getting stuck or losing control. http://youtu.be/RmDmSk-ddA4
On dry tarmac they don't have the outright grip of a good summer tyre as there's more block movement when cornering hard, but they werent at all bad and quite fun to push to their limit. Economy was no different to my summer tyre and they've only worn about 1.5mm on the rears so with a bit or rotation should be good for 2-3 more winters before getting down below the ~4mm threshold most recommend not to go past with winter tyres.
Thats handy to know, thanks.On dry tarmac they don't have the outright grip of a good summer tyre as there's more block movement when cornering hard, but they werent at all bad and quite fun to push to their limit. Economy was no different to my summer tyre and they've only worn about 1.5mm on the rears so with a bit or rotation should be good for 2-3 more winters before getting down below the ~4mm threshold most recommend not to go past with winter tyres.
Edited by Kentish on Thursday 15th September 12:51
I was throughly impressed with a 'budget' set (£50 a corner) of M&S marked tyres that I fitted to a little van I was running a few winters ago - the grip was amazing, easily surpassing the 'decent brand' all-weather tyres that were on before, and it was this experience that really convinced me the benefits of winter tyres.
However my only experience with Nankang tyres were on the rear of a BMW 328i which, in the wet, were exteremly dangerous (or great fun, depending on your viewpoint).
I would never, ever, advocate the fitment of any Nankang tyres.
However my only experience with Nankang tyres were on the rear of a BMW 328i which, in the wet, were exteremly dangerous (or great fun, depending on your viewpoint).
I would never, ever, advocate the fitment of any Nankang tyres.
Very long running thread, and not the only one on the subject either!
For my Saab I have a spare set of wheels shod with the Khumos which my lad had on his Evo before fitting Vredesteins to his winter wheels. They were brilliant last winter & I am looking forward to using them again this year. After one season with him and one with me they still have an average of 5-6mm tread, above the magic "minimum of 4mm for best performance for winters". I am now looking forward to inheriting his Vredestains for next year as he is going to get a set of 18s for the Evo. Result.
To anyone who doubts the fitting of winters, to use an old saying "don't kniock it till you've tried it" As well as being able to drive out of very deep snow etc etc, they are extremely good where the outside temperature falls below 5 degrees, whether the roads are wet or dry. Of course the downside is does one buy a spare set of wheels, or face the constant expense to a tyre depot of swapping over? I was lucky, my spares, genuine Saabs and even the same pattern as the originals, only cost me £220 including diesel to get to Worksop to pick them up. Off the bay, all straight with only a few minor marks.
Definitely worth having.
For my Saab I have a spare set of wheels shod with the Khumos which my lad had on his Evo before fitting Vredesteins to his winter wheels. They were brilliant last winter & I am looking forward to using them again this year. After one season with him and one with me they still have an average of 5-6mm tread, above the magic "minimum of 4mm for best performance for winters". I am now looking forward to inheriting his Vredestains for next year as he is going to get a set of 18s for the Evo. Result.
To anyone who doubts the fitting of winters, to use an old saying "don't kniock it till you've tried it" As well as being able to drive out of very deep snow etc etc, they are extremely good where the outside temperature falls below 5 degrees, whether the roads are wet or dry. Of course the downside is does one buy a spare set of wheels, or face the constant expense to a tyre depot of swapping over? I was lucky, my spares, genuine Saabs and even the same pattern as the originals, only cost me £220 including diesel to get to Worksop to pick them up. Off the bay, all straight with only a few minor marks.
Definitely worth having.
RizzoTheRat said:
Anyone bought wheels and tyre sets from MyTyres? They'll do me 16" steel wheels and tyres for between £105 (Avon ice touring) and £140 (Continental WinterContact) per corner which doesn't sound too bad.
I've just had a set of Vredestein Snowtrac 3s delivered on steel wheels from MyTyres for our Fiat 500. It all went smoothly and I'd recommend MyTyres if you're looking for tyres fitted to steel wheels.
It looks as though prices are already starting to rise this season though.
If you want budget winter jobbies I had great sucess with Marangoni Meteo HP's about £65 a corner from quick fit for my mondeo.
Worked brilliantly in the snow and ice here, also fine in the french alps.
I "forgot" to take them off in the spring (see "couldnt be bothered") and they have done fine all summer too, no probs at all. Done about 17,000 on them and the fronts need replacing now and the rears still have loads of tread, will just stick some more winter ones on at the end of the month.
Worked brilliantly in the snow and ice here, also fine in the french alps.
I "forgot" to take them off in the spring (see "couldnt be bothered") and they have done fine all summer too, no probs at all. Done about 17,000 on them and the fronts need replacing now and the rears still have loads of tread, will just stick some more winter ones on at the end of the month.
Kiltox said:
Anyone used Toyo Snowprox tyres?
Yes, I run Toyo Snow Prox S942 (155/70R13) on my Arosa last year. No complaints at all - noticeably shorter stopping distances than before, only car on our street that didn't have traction problems moving off etc. etc.I could probably coped without them (worst i am a driving god post ever!
) but for the sake of £200 fitted for a new set of 4 it's worth the extra peace of mind that your using the right tool for the job.Needless the say they're going back on this winter!
HTH
Kiltox said:
Thanks - they're £46 a corner for my Picanto so I'm seriously thinking about buying a spare set of wheels.
EDIT - same size as your Arosa
Go for it! I already had a spare set of steels from when I put the alloys on so it was a bit of a no brainer for me. I'm sure you'd find a suitable set of wheels down at the local scrapyard - or on Ebay.EDIT - same size as your Arosa
Xavier259 said:
Go for it! I already had a spare set of steels from when I put the alloys on so it was a bit of a no brainer for me. I'm sure you'd find a suitable set of wheels down at the local scrapyard - or on Ebay.
Or if you're as lucky as I was, you'll rock up at the scrapyard to find a freshly scrapped car, just like yours, complete with the alloys you wanted for winter, which lo and behold, were fitted with winter tyres with plenty of tread! After enquiring how much for the "scruffy E39 alloys with part worn budget tyres" I was delighted to walk away with them for £170.
Looks like Plymouth council are fans of this thread then.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/topics/weather/8796533/...
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/topics/weather/8796533/...
AcidReflux said:
I've just had a set of Vredestein Snowtrac 3s delivered on steel wheels from MyTyres for our Fiat 500. It all went smoothly and I'd recommend MyTyres if you're looking for tyres fitted to steel wheels.
It looks as though prices are already starting to rise this season though.
That looks coolIt looks as though prices are already starting to rise this season though.
My wife will be taking delivery of her Red 500 anyday now.
Been looking on My-tyres for winter tyre/steel wheel package for it, 99% sure we will go for it.
Have you gone for the 14 or 15 inch wheel choice there?
thecurleyone said:
That looks cool
My wife will be taking delivery of her Red 500 anyday now.
Been looking on My-tyres for winter tyre/steel wheel package for it, 99% sure we will go for it.
Have you gone for the 14 or 15 inch wheel choice there?
Cheers. Those are the 14" options. 175/65R14, I think. They're whatever size the owner's manual recommends.My wife will be taking delivery of her Red 500 anyday now.
Been looking on My-tyres for winter tyre/steel wheel package for it, 99% sure we will go for it.
Have you gone for the 14 or 15 inch wheel choice there?
Hope you're as pleased with your 500 as we've been with ours. Great little car.
AcidReflux said:
Cheers. Those are the 14" options. 175/65R14, I think. They're whatever size the owner's manual recommends.
Hope you're as pleased with your 500 as we've been with ours. Great little car.
Excellent, they're the size we're looking at.Hope you're as pleased with your 500 as we've been with ours. Great little car.
Really looking forward to it's arrival (the car)
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