Discussion
My sister has a mk.3 and struggles with the winter weather. The chap at her local dealer reckons winters are a waste of time on an MX-5, but I'd expect that to be a load of rubbish. Sure, the weight distribution and layout mean it's never going to be a Landie, but surely proper winter boots make life easier? She's a doctor & drives it every day.
Anyone on here any experience with them? Worth it? Recommendations?
Anyone on here any experience with them? Worth it? Recommendations?
NeoVR said:
so what winter tyres are people using? - is it worth considering the budget brands?
I missed out on a used set of michelin alpins for 178quid yesterday
I have Verdistein Wintrac Xtremes because they have a very good write up. They were ₤550 for all four then ₤10 per corner to fit. I missed out on a used set of michelin alpins for 178quid yesterday
My cousin got budget winter tyres for his RS4 and they are very noisy. The Verdisteins I got are very much quieter than the Toyos I use during the summer months.
My opinion is that winter tyres will make a huge difference. I have Continental Ice Contacts with spikes this year, last year it was non-spiked winters. From my experience this and last winter in Norway:
- New snow is fine, as long as the ground clearance isn't a problem.
- Ice isn't a problem except when starting, but that was conditions that most cars were having problems (I suspect this was due to the spikes though, which wouldn't be on the car in the UK).
- Rotten snow (where the snow is hard but when you put pressure on it then it turns to powder) is a problem if you go off-roading!
- Thin layer of new snow on ice is interesting, but possible at low speeds when you're prepared for the car sliding around.
- The mushy snow when it all starts sticking together (like firmer slush) is also interesting as the car has to "dig down" until it finds something more solid.
It still depends a lot on how you drive, but it helps a lot. In regards to budget/ non-budget tyres then my advice is to try and get the best you can. With non-spiked winter tyres a lot of the grip is dependant on the rubber, which is generally not as good on the budget brands although the tread pattern may be similar. The same goes for tyres that are older - don't bother with tyres over 5 years old.
As Lazza said the weight distribution is 50/50 so it results in very predictable sliding and is easy to hold as long as you don't lift off and then put the power back on. It's perhaps worse because of the lack of weight, as it can "float" more on snow and so get less traction that modern heavy cars.
For getting winter tyres, generally it's best to get a size down (15" to 14" etc) and if possible to get narrower tyres. Check the size conversion on miata.net - they have a calculator to help.
- New snow is fine, as long as the ground clearance isn't a problem.
- Ice isn't a problem except when starting, but that was conditions that most cars were having problems (I suspect this was due to the spikes though, which wouldn't be on the car in the UK).
- Rotten snow (where the snow is hard but when you put pressure on it then it turns to powder) is a problem if you go off-roading!
- Thin layer of new snow on ice is interesting, but possible at low speeds when you're prepared for the car sliding around.
- The mushy snow when it all starts sticking together (like firmer slush) is also interesting as the car has to "dig down" until it finds something more solid.
It still depends a lot on how you drive, but it helps a lot. In regards to budget/ non-budget tyres then my advice is to try and get the best you can. With non-spiked winter tyres a lot of the grip is dependant on the rubber, which is generally not as good on the budget brands although the tread pattern may be similar. The same goes for tyres that are older - don't bother with tyres over 5 years old.
As Lazza said the weight distribution is 50/50 so it results in very predictable sliding and is easy to hold as long as you don't lift off and then put the power back on. It's perhaps worse because of the lack of weight, as it can "float" more on snow and so get less traction that modern heavy cars.
For getting winter tyres, generally it's best to get a size down (15" to 14" etc) and if possible to get narrower tyres. Check the size conversion on miata.net - they have a calculator to help.
Edited by Mx5guy on Wednesday 21st December 07:55
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