When to switch tyres, summer-winter-summer-winter ?

[Nigel Worc's]

Just a quick question chaps, I'm looking for opinions of those that use winter tyres, as well as tyre supplier, mechanics etc.

At what point is it recommended you switch ?

I put winter tyres on a couple of weeks ago, as the average temp was below 7.5.

I've switched the wheels back today, as it is 15 degrees here.

Am I destined to be doing this all winter ?

[Krikkit]

I'd go with Novemberish to Feb/March time for winters - if the weather warms up for a bit don't bother changing them - they work best under 7 degrees once summer tyres start getting too cold, but they work well enough once it's warmer.

I've been very impressed by my winters in this cold weather, the grip in the damp is monumental.

[rsv gone!]

I dunno but I might be following you. My winters are squirmy and soft in this 'barmy' weather.

[Black_S3]

No need to keep switching. 15 degrees will be more like 10 road temp and only for the warmest part of the day.

On at some point nov/dec, switch back march/april.

[Nigel Worc's]

rsv gone! said:

I dunno but I might be following you. My winters are squirmy and soft in this 'barmy' weather.

Mine were too, which is why I've switched them back.

I was planning on, if it is averaging below 7.5, popping the winters on, if it gets back up above ten, putting the summers back on.

I have been impressed by the grip of the winters in the cold & wet, but like you, I can clearly tell they are not happy now.

I wonder if I'll be changing them back and forth every couple of weeks ?

I wondered if there are any official figures.

[jebus]

Well I change them when the temps are staying below 7 ish a lot, and when the tires start to feel less grippy (Good Year F1) Brilliant tires but do start to feel a drop in grip when it gets cold. Only got the changed over today, since beeen busy etc, got Violated at 20 quid + vat per tyre, but was running late and wanted them sorted. Will be finding somewhere that doesn't want to rip you a new one in April ish when its warmer again.

[s m]

When they forecast snow, I switch mine over ( unless it's very cold beforehand )

Takes me just over an hour on the drive and gets me out in the fresh air

10 mins to go round and 'break' all wheel nuts

5 mins to jack up at rear under diff

10 mins to swap both rears

5mins to drop rear

5 mins to jack front

10 mins to swap fronts

5 mins to drop front

10 mins to tighten all wheel nuts

10 mins to fetch out jack and wheelbraces, spray Copaslip etc

[lbc]

Nigel Worc's said:

I wondered if there are any official figures.

This is the law for Sweden, where winter tyres are compulsory.

Requirements regarding winter tyres December 1st to March 31st

During the period from 1 December to 31 March there are special requirements in Sweden on which type of tyre a certain vehicle is to have
when there are wintry conditions on the road.
These requirements apply to both light and heavy vehicles, as well as for vehicles registered in Sweden and abroad.

The road conditions are considered to be wintry when there is snow, ice, slush or frost on any part of the road.
The Swedish Police decides whether there are wintry conditions on a certain road.
Winter tyres are produced specifically for winter driving and are labelled M+S (M.S, M-S, M&S or Mud and Snow).
Winter tyres can be studded or non-studded. Studded tyres may be used from 1 October to 15 April.


A definition of winter tyres
Winter tyres can be studded or non-studded so called friction tyres. The tyres must be

especially manufactured for winter road conditions and
marked with M+S, M-S, M.S., M&S, MS or Mud and Snow.
Note: There are occurrences with tyres marked with M and S that are not especially manufactured for winter road conditions, but for terrain driving.

As you can’t tell from looking at the tyres if they’re especially manufactured for winter road conditions, the Scandinavian Tire and Rim Organization, STRO, and Däckbranschens Informationsråd have created lists of allowed winter tyres.

Summer tyres have a mixture of rubber that makes them too hard during cold weather. That’s why you should use winter tyres when the temperature is around the freezing point and below.

The best tyres at the back
The tyres with the best pattern depth or the tyres that has the best grip on the road should be mounted at the back on the vehicle to decrease the risk of sliding when breaking or taking turns. The tyres with the highest studs should be mounted at the back. This goes for both front wheel and back wheel steered cars.

Storage of tyres
Store your tyres in a cold, dry and dark place.

Exceptions from the requirements

A vehicle is allowed to drive in the following cases, if it could be operated without the risk of endangering the traffic security:

When test driving or towing a vehicle to reparation or similar purposes.
Driving the shortest and most suitable way to and from the closest motor vehicle inspection site.
Driving with a vehicle sales license (green registration sign) the shortest most suitable way from harbour, railway station, manufacturing plant, repair shop, storage premises or similar, to other similar premises or garages. With a vehicle sales license it is also allowed to drive the vehicle for demonstration or sales purposes.
If the tyres (according to the record in the Swedish road traffic registry) has a rim diameter of 10 inches or less.

Edited by lbc on Thursday 18th December 21:34

[Patrick Bateman]

Nigel Worc's said:

Just a quick question chaps, I'm looking for opinions of those that use winter tyres, as well as tyre supplier, mechanics etc.

At what point is it recommended you switch ?

I put winter tyres on a couple of weeks ago, as the average temp was below 7.5.

I've switched the wheels back today, as it is 15 degrees here.

Am I destined to be doing this all winter ?

Really?

Once they're on, they're on. I waited later this year, a thermal boiler suit helps if you're to be changing them on the drive in the cold.

Edited by Patrick Bateman on Thursday 18th December 21:30

[redtwin]

I bought my first set of winters in October and fitted them last month. I only bothered with winters as my tyres were getting low and a nearly new set of winters popped up on Ebay for a steal. I was thinking of switching back next spring, but after speaking with a co-worker who is now in his second year on the same set of winters I think I will just leave these on year round.

[Ozzie Osmond]

Nigel Worc's said:

At what point is it recommended you switch ?

When you get to Scandinavia ..... or Switzerland.

[MG CHRIS]

I swapped them over beginning of November as my summer set were on the wear markers, they will stay on till march april depends when the temps rise. fk swapping them back on and off all the time never once noticed im on winter tyres oh st its warm the tyres are going to fall apart as a few people think with winter tyres abover 7c.

[anonymous-user]

This is a wind up right

[Simes205]

Jimboka said:

This is a wind up right

+1

[Tunku]

Just leave them on

[rallycross]

Stop fannying around and leave them on for winter. I left mine on all year on one of my cars makes bugger all difference and they didn't wear out any quicker than my normal tyres.