OPC has just email'd me with winter tyre offers
Discussion
So I guess my main question is.... knowing how few days of snow we get in Blighty how useful are snow tyres in reality?
My point of reference is 20 years of driving on all-weather tyres (as opposed to mud and snow tyres) which are now being branded as summer tyres. Last year on these tyres (Goodyear Eagle F1 on Subaru Impreza) I noticed very little drop off in handling with the exception of a patch of black ice one night where my instinct was to relax the throttle and not touch the steering until it got some feel back. In that scenario, I doubt that anything short of studded tyres would have helped.
What is the feeling of the other Porsche owners. And yes it is a likely scenario that I would just leave the Cayman at home if there is a forecast of snow/frost/ice....
My point of reference is 20 years of driving on all-weather tyres (as opposed to mud and snow tyres) which are now being branded as summer tyres. Last year on these tyres (Goodyear Eagle F1 on Subaru Impreza) I noticed very little drop off in handling with the exception of a patch of black ice one night where my instinct was to relax the throttle and not touch the steering until it got some feel back. In that scenario, I doubt that anything short of studded tyres would have helped.
What is the feeling of the other Porsche owners. And yes it is a likely scenario that I would just leave the Cayman at home if there is a forecast of snow/frost/ice....
My understanding of winter tyres is down to the tempreture and tyre compound. Winter tyre compounds work better I believe from tempreatures below 5 degrees, summer tyres becomming harder at this lower temp. Considering we can dip below these temps for several months they can be a wise choice if you drive allot.
There was a great test in Evo last year with their long term XF on summer then snow tyres. Realy makes you think about getting a second set of winter wheels and tyres.
There was a great test in Evo last year with their long term XF on summer then snow tyres. Realy makes you think about getting a second set of winter wheels and tyres.
gsewell said:
And yes it is a likely scenario that I would just leave the Cayman at home if there is a forecast of snow/frost/ice....
Didn't you just answer your own question? Doesn't that mean it would just be a waste of money for you?
I've gone with winter tyres because I need my C4S to be usable as much as is reasonably possible over this winter, but if that wasn't the case then I wouldn't have bothered.
I never have before.
Winter tyres start giving improvements over "normal" tyres below 7c, but it's only in snow and ice that there's a real benefit that careful driving alone couldn't bring.
I purchased my first set of winter tyres last year having struggled and on times failed to get around the previous year in my then owned 350Z. Whilst I acknowledged that my Cayman may have been marginally better in the traction department due to being mid engined, the fat tyres and summer compounds that are MPS'2 didn't really improve the situation in my opinion. The winter tyres on the other hand were simply amazing. The levels of grip and control were vastly improved and not just in snow but in any conditions that were sub circa 7 degrees. If you don't plan on using your Cayman much during the winter then save yourself some money, if you do, however, you won't regret purchasing winter tyres.
My wife and I live in Cumbria and last year we fitted snow tyres on our run-around car. Wow! what a difference. It was completely surreal driving the car, a massive amount of grip in snow, ice and slush. I think optimal temperatures for snow tyres are <7c but that is road temperature, so the air temperature might be higher.
The only thing you may need to watch out for is ground clearance when the snow builds up at the front of the car.
The only thing you may need to watch out for is ground clearance when the snow builds up at the front of the car.
Lived in and just outside of Munich in 03/04 and drove cars with winter tyres - the difference is marked in wet, snowy and in particular slushy conditions. Very very worthwhile if it's a daily driver.
My Cayman on the other hand won't be coming out on any but the nicest days, and so I won't be bothering, especially at that price (and that's the starter price, presumably for a Box or Cayman running 17s).
As I said though, worth considering if you'll be doing a lot of miles. The 'main car' is a company car, so we won't be doing anything to that, but if it were my own, I'd probably buy a set for December - March.
My Cayman on the other hand won't be coming out on any but the nicest days, and so I won't be bothering, especially at that price (and that's the starter price, presumably for a Box or Cayman running 17s).
As I said though, worth considering if you'll be doing a lot of miles. The 'main car' is a company car, so we won't be doing anything to that, but if it were my own, I'd probably buy a set for December - March.
gsewell said:
So I guess my main question is.... knowing how few days of snow we get in Blighty how useful are snow tyres in reality?
You were right in the title rather than the above.gsewell said:
So I guess my main question is.... knowing how many days of winter we get in Blighty how useful are winter tyres in reality?
Is better.We get a lot of winter in blighty.
Pretty much half a year of it. as has been said winter tyres are excellent in winter and even better the more extreme it gets.
I assume a full set of summer tyres would cost you a fair whack too, and the best thing about winter tyres is your summer tyres do not wear out while they are in the garage. Spare wheels can be sold in the future, so overall there is almost zero extra cost. You just need to effectively buy your next tyres now rather than when you would have next needed to replace them.
madbadger said:
Spare wheels can be sold in the future
Just a thought but I "read" somewhere that changing to winter tyres on OEM wheels that came a car was fine from an insurance perspective. However, replacing wheels (that have winter tyres on them) may cause some insurance companies to stop cover unless its been agreed with them. redback911 said:
Just a thought but I "read" somewhere that changing to winter tyres on OEM wheels that came a car was fine from an insurance perspective. However, replacing wheels (that have winter tyres on them) may cause some insurance companies to stop cover unless its been agreed with them.
Its probably best to check, but when I notified my insurance company of this they weren't concerned in the slightest. 
Scelto said:
Didn't you just answer your own question?
Doesn't that mean it would just be a waste of money for you?
I've gone with winter tyres because I need my C4S to be usable as much as is reasonably possible over this winter, but if that wasn't the case then I wouldn't have bothered.
I never have before.
Winter tyres start giving improvements over "normal" tyres below 7c, but it's only in snow and ice that there's a real benefit that careful driving alone couldn't bring.
Mr S, do you mind me asking how much you paid for your winter wheels set please?Doesn't that mean it would just be a waste of money for you?
I've gone with winter tyres because I need my C4S to be usable as much as is reasonably possible over this winter, but if that wasn't the case then I wouldn't have bothered.
I never have before.
Winter tyres start giving improvements over "normal" tyres below 7c, but it's only in snow and ice that there's a real benefit that careful driving alone couldn't bring.
Also, will they fit a Turbo if you end up getting one or will you need a new spare set?
cheers
M
Winter wheels and tyres from Porsche - for whatever the British weather brings
As a Porsche owner, you will appreciate the dynamic sportscar performance and pure driving pleasure that only a Porsche can deliver, day after day. And to ensure you continue to enjoy an unrivalled driving experience even in the coldest months of the year, you may want to consider having winter wheels and tyres fitted to your Porsche.
Below +7ºC, summer tyres begin to harden and cause braking distances to increase. Winter tyres have a different tyre tread and higher silicone content within the structure of the tyres that prevent its hardening at low temperatures and gives better grip in cold and wet conditions (see below). This also:
reduces aquaplaning due to a better draining of the water
helps adherence, traction and safety on snow
reduces the braking distance in a consistent manner on rain and snow vs. summer tyres
In addition, all winter tyres in our range are ‘N’ rated which means they have been developed in conjunction with and approved by Porsche engineers, so you can rest assured that they conform to the Porsche specification.
Winter wheels and tyre sets are available from £1,500 inc. VAT and fitment, dependent on your model of Porsche. For more information on winter tyres for your Porsche please contact me on 0191 2958080 or email michael.french@porschenewcastle.co.uk
As a Porsche owner, you will appreciate the dynamic sportscar performance and pure driving pleasure that only a Porsche can deliver, day after day. And to ensure you continue to enjoy an unrivalled driving experience even in the coldest months of the year, you may want to consider having winter wheels and tyres fitted to your Porsche.
Below +7ºC, summer tyres begin to harden and cause braking distances to increase. Winter tyres have a different tyre tread and higher silicone content within the structure of the tyres that prevent its hardening at low temperatures and gives better grip in cold and wet conditions (see below). This also:
reduces aquaplaning due to a better draining of the water
helps adherence, traction and safety on snow
reduces the braking distance in a consistent manner on rain and snow vs. summer tyres
In addition, all winter tyres in our range are ‘N’ rated which means they have been developed in conjunction with and approved by Porsche engineers, so you can rest assured that they conform to the Porsche specification.
Winter wheels and tyre sets are available from £1,500 inc. VAT and fitment, dependent on your model of Porsche. For more information on winter tyres for your Porsche please contact me on 0191 2958080 or email michael.french@porschenewcastle.co.uk
I use winter tyres "Blizzards" on some of my other cars from end of Oct to early March. Great on wet cold roads in Scotland. These are not snow tyres as people get confused, snow tyres are studded and illegal in the UK. I was quoted £3100 for the GT3 but there is no need for a spare set of wheels, I just change the tyres on and off the original wheels on my other cars so I will do the same on the GT3. I will find out tomorrow which tyre they are offering. TBH anything will be better than Cups in the winter. I think PS2s for the rain will be sufficient, I was going to see if they could fit me up with SuperSports.......think I know the answer to that one already.
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