who has their winter tyres on?

[Mic]

Next Sunday.....probably.

Mic

 

[rothbury]

Not using winter tyres, never needed them. I get to work and all over the county when the majority are off sick cos they cannot get anywhere because of snow. The only issue is making sure my long driveway is clear of snow and ice as it rises toward the road.

In my old SLK, a few years ago i got over a small ice/snow coated bridge that people were turning away from in off road vehicles

My old Laguna was great in the snow/sleet. It had very good traction and i could bomb around with confidence plus it had ASR with a snow function

The W204 is OK to, bit light on the front end but i will adapt my driving to conditions

Odd that- my s204 was undriveable pretty much as was the s211 estate I had before that. By that I mean it was such an effort in snow . The sloping office car park usually defeated it so I got round in a Mini. So for this year and the current E estate it is Dunlop Wintersports 3Ds which Kwik fit did yesterday. I ordered exactly the size and spec from the handbook and they were hugely expensive unfortunately. 245/45/17 H99. Initial impressions are good but only just below 7 degrees here. Very quiet and probably better ride than the Contis but slightly worse fuel consumption which is to be expected. Nice to know that I will be able to get around safely whatever the weather. The other tyres are in the Kwik Fit hotel till I ask for them back . All very efficient actually and this was after my usual tyre place not even being able to get me any .

 

[exjag]

Being an old codger I'm lucky enough to be able to leave my motor in the garage when it's not fit to go out, especially as my last three cars - an audio A6 and two Jags - were atrocious on snow and ice. Had to go out two years ago when everyone was at a standstill in deep snow, so put tyre chains on the wife's Corolla. But that's fiddly especially with frozen fingers, and a nightmare when you reach uncovered tarmac. Found that generally the Corolla will handle most snow without assistance. Haven't used the E Class in snow yet, and don't intend to do so unless there's a domestic emergency.

But what intrigues me about winter tyres is why all the fuss about putting them on in October/November and taking them off in March? Why not leave them on all year round? Modern winter tyre compounds are suitable for the purpose I would say??

 

[gizze]

I have started using Michelin Latitude Tour tyres now, so I can leave them on all year round.
Seem to get stunning reviews as both a winter tyre and they have been excellent as a summer tyre.

 

[exjag]

If you click around on this site, you'll see some informative stuff.

http://www.tyrereviews.co.uk/Article/RWD-Winter-Tyre-VS-Summer-Tyres-Race.htm


This is from Continental tyres site:-

"When should I fit winter tyres to my car?

It is recommended that you switch to winter tyres in the UK between October and April.

If you are reluctant to change tyres and have nowhere to store summer tyres when they are not in use, you are better off using winter tyres all year round.

Winter tyres are as quiet and comfortable as summer tyres and, thanks to sophisticated compound technology, do not wear any more quickly.

There is a slight trade off with stopping distances as a winter tyre does not stop as quickly in the dry as a summer tyre, however, on balance if it is not possible to switch tyres in the winter, experts say you are better off with winter tyres all year round. This is because the difference in stopping distances of summer tyres in winter is far greater than for winter tyres in the summer."



From Which? website

") Will winter tyres affect my insurance?

We've heard of a few people asking their insurers about this and being told that winter tyres are counted as a 'modification'. In fact we’ve heard of at least one person being declined insurance if they fit them. We’ll continue to investigate this.

As far as we're concerned, as long as the tyre meets the car manufacturer's specified size, and minimum speed and load ratings, they should not be counted as a ‘modification’ to the car and should not therefore change the insurance risk. And many might argue that improving grip in winter conditions should reduce the risk of accidents, thus pleasing insurers."

 

[rothbury]

Being an old codger I'm lucky enough to be able to leave my motor in the garage when it's not fit to go out, especially as my last three cars - an audio A6 and two Jags - were atrocious on snow and ice. Had to go out two years ago when everyone was at a standstill in deep snow, so put tyre chains on the wife's Corolla. But that's fiddly especially with frozen fingers, and a nightmare when you reach uncovered tarmac. Found that generally the Corolla will handle most snow without assistance. Haven't used the E Class in snow yet, and don't intend to do so unless there's a domestic emergency.

But what intrigues me about winter tyres is why all the fuss about putting them on in October/November and taking them off in March? Why not leave them on all year round? Modern winter tyre compounds are suitable for the purpose I would say??

Yes that is certainly a possibility as winter tyres are nearer the performance of summer tyres in high temperatures than vice versa. However the best solution is to let each tyre do what it does best and that means changing them at an appropriate time of the year.
For all the doubters this is a good article:

Naysayers
Winter tyres seem to create a very split opinion here in the UK. The two general arguments against seem to be:
•Our weather isn't bad enough
•You should be able to drive to the conditions
backed up by the general statement of "I'VE managed fine without them all these years."

Regarding the first point, the last two winters have shown that our weather can indeed become bad (and PROLONGED) enough to fully justify them. Further, the naysayers generally mis-categorise winter tyres as purely designed for snowy conditions, whereas in fact they are beneficial between roughly October/November and March/April, which our own experience last winter confirms, and I will report on below.

Point two is correct, BUT ONLY AS FAR AS THE LIMIT OF PHYSICS! Winter tyres can provide nearly three times the traction of summer tyres on snow, will be able to retain control (handle) twice as well, and - most importantly - will be able to stop SIX CAR LENGTHS SHORTER on snow even at low speeds. (Source: Auto Express cold weather tyre test, published 23 October 2010.)

Formula 1 drivers are generally considered the most skilled. Yet there are times when they out-brake themselves and they misjudge or exceed the distance they have and the limit of their tyres. And they also suffer from aquaplaning - when even the extreme wet tyres that they use cannot cope with the volume of water and the drivers become passengers.

If conditions can trip up Formula 1 drivers, then to say that you have coped OK without winter tyres up until now - particularly when you have the option of something that can grip three times the amount, be controlled twice as well, and stop in under half the amount of space - is disingenuous. It also fails to take into the account that YOUR car, the conditions YOU encounter, and your OWN driving experience are vastly different to that of everyone else's.

Motoring organisations, tyre manufacturers and the Highways Agency all agree on the benefits of fitting winter tyres. The Government even clarified their own stance on their usage, stating: "for those who can afford winter tyres ... they provide significant additional grip for motoring in such cold conditions." (Source: Hansard)

A final remark is that those who are against use of winter tyres have without exception NOT tried them themselves, whereas those that advocate them generally have. More than that, those who have used them - despite the initial cost, as well as the inconvenience of having to buy, store and swap a second set of tyres - have said they will never return to not running them.

While we doubt we will convert any hardcore "antis" with this article, we hope that by sharing our own experience of running winter tyres for the first time we will be able to persuade the more open-minded of you as to their benefits.

 

[Frontstep]

You are forgetting that Forums;
have poor weather specialists able to negotiate with skills only dream't about by F1 and rally drivers,
Hypermiler specialists able to capture supreme MPG figures far in excess of anyone else,
know instantly about everything (available on Google)
Further they are able to effect complex repairs with the speed of F1 mechanics,

all from the comfort of their armchairs :lol::lol:

I am just off to give my postage stamp sized knowledge on car electronics to the MB F1 team as they clearly have no one better.:lol::lol:

 

[exjag]

I doubt that anyone faced with the evidence would deny the advantages of winter tyres. It's interesting to look at the requirements of some other European countries where they are compulsory - Germany, Sweden, Finland and Austria for example. And where they are only recommended it is in some places an offence to drive on summer tyres and get stuck in snow/ice and cause disruption to other traffic.

How do the British cope with winter? Typically and by virtue of national characteristic they blame everyone else - the Met off, Highways authorities, Police et al, and largely continue to do nothing to help themselves.

We are so often the author of our own misfortune.

Maybe the time has come - climate change and all that - for the government to consider legislation?

 

[exjag]

You are forgetting that Forums;
have poor weather specialists able to negotiate with skills only dream't about by F1 and rally drivers,
Hypermiler specialists able to capture supreme MPG figures far in excess of anyone else,
know instantly about everything (available on Google)
Further they are able to effect complex repairs with the speed of F1 mechanics,

all from the comfort of their armchairs :lol::lol:

I am just off to give my postage stamp sized knowledge on car electronics to the MB F1 team as they clearly have no one better.:lol::lol:

I thought I was cynical, but I think, Frontstep, that you have out-cynicked even me. :lol:

 

[ernieh]

That's mine on today. Interestingly, my 'summer' tyres seem to give a slightly reduced fuel consumption compared to the Khumo winters, 37.2 against 39.4, last winter and 39.2 the winter before, using the OBC figures over ~6.5k miles each time.

This is their 3rd season and they don't look much different after 12k miles from when they were fitted.

Last year the winters earned their keep within 24 hours when someone drove out of a junction in front of me and I stopped with only 6 inches to spare. Although it wasn't frosty at the time, the roads were wet and the temperature was only around 2 - 3 deg C, so I don't think the car would have stopped in time with the summer tyres.


Ernie

 

[exjag]

That's mine on today. Interestingly, my 'summer' tyres seem to give a slightly reduced fuel consumption compared to the Khumo winters, 37.2 against 39.4, last winter and 39.2 the winter before, using the OBC figures over ~6.5k miles each time.Ernie

Don't know what OBC is, but could improved consumption be down to a lighter foot in inclement conditions?

 

[shaggy]

Don't know what OBC is, but could improved consumption be down to a lighter foot in inclement conditions?

obc = on board computer
also the fact that the air is denser when its colder so the mpg can improve in winter/cold weather

my winters are now on

 

[discoking]

I'm off on another euro trip at the end of this month in the 129 and I'm going to put them on for that just incase of bad weather.

 

[rf065]

How do the British cope with winter?

Best practice is to go on the internet, tell everyone that winter tyres are not worth it and how you have never got stuck in 30 years driving in the UK. Add that winter tyres are a cynical ploy by the tyre companies to extract more money from your pocket and simply not needed in the UK's climate.

Then go out and get stuck when approx 2mm snow arrives and blame the councils for not gritting the roads. Happens every year!

Russ

 

[television]

Best practice is to go on the internet, tell everyone that winter tyres are not worth it and how you have never got stuck in 30 years driving in the UK. Add that winter tyres are a cynical ploy by the tyre companies to extract more money from your pocket and simply not needed in the UK's climate.

Then go out and get stuck when approx 2mm snow arrives and blame the councils for not gritting the roads. Happens every year!

Russ

We have had those post on here where the super drivers manage better than you or I.

I always will remember the first snow when I bought my 124 300TE in Sweden. I walked out of the radio station at 4 Pm and got in and the car would not move a mm, a friend took me to a garage where I bought 4 winter tyres on wheels, put them on and drove home in comfort and ease, their snow is drier than hours and easier to drive on.

I guess after all my years of driving I will never learn the art of driving any mercedes with summer tyres in the snow

 

[shaggy]

Best practice is to go on the internet, tell everyone that winter tyres are not worth it and how you have never got stuck in 30 years driving in the UK. Add that winter tyres are a cynical ploy by the tyre companies to extract more money from your pocket and simply not needed in the UK's climate.

Then go out and get stuck when approx 2mm snow arrives and blame the councils for not gritting the roads. Happens every year!

Russ

made me :lol::lol::lol::lol::lol:

talking about running winter tyres through the summer, how about the new tyres fitted to the new RR Vogue my boss has
they are 50/50 in as much as the outside tread is normal tread and the inner tread is winter with sipes(sp?)
like this one

may well be the way forward?

 

[roop_the_loop]

their snow is drier than hours and easier to drive on

I know what you mean, although actually I their their 'snö' is pretty much the same as ours, in comparable weather that is. Snow and ice is at its most slippery just either side of the freezing point, which is what we tend to get here mostly (at least in the south). By the time the temperature has dropped to -10C or colder the snow gets very squeaky and 'dry' as you say, and not particularly slippery. Hence why up in Lapland when it gets to -30/40C they don't even grit the roads any more as there's no need.

I learned to drive in that part of the world and think I can handle myself on snow and ice pretty well, but obviously only a) with proper tyres on (in the olden days studded, these days studless friction ones), and b) with the roads cleared and maintained promptly. (And might as well throw in: c) with other road-users also knowing how to cope with the conditions!) Here with summer tyres on, roads not cleared, and as you say very slippery snow due to the temperature, it gets interesting to say the least...

Incidentally, if anyone has a chance to try a bit of rally-driving on a frozen lake, I very much recommend it - gives you a chance to get to grips (no pun intended) with snow and ice, and learn to work with it as opposed to against it. Not to mention it's mega-fun!

 

[E320mark]

Fitted the winters to wife's car yesterday. The garage I went to said they are flat out fitting them at the mo! Some of the local farmers were telling them that this winter is to be the worst for decades!

 

[mersum1es]

Incidentally, if anyone has a chance to try a bit of rally-driving on a frozen lake, I very much recommend it - gives you a chance to get to grips (no pun intended) with snow and ice, and learn to work with it as opposed to against it. Not to mention it's mega-fun!

Tell me about! :lol: Some benefit while you are living on isolated part of the world, untouched ice of lake with less than 10cm show on it... nice trick to learn is to drive 80-100km/h, then use hand brake (not tried MB foot/hand operated one :neutral rotate your car 180 degrees and continue high speed backwards. Snow everywhere! Also funny how easily you'll get lost on the lake when its completely dark :Oops:

Edit: still could not see me fitting winter tyres without studs. Grip difference is - huge.

 

[television]

I know what you mean, although actually I their their 'snö' is pretty much the same as ours, in comparable weather that is. Snow and ice is at its most slippery just either side of the freezing point, which is what we tend to get here mostly (at least in the south). By the time the temperature has dropped to -10C or colder the snow gets very squeaky and 'dry' as you say, and not particularly slippery. Hence why up in Lapland when it gets to -30/40C they don't even grit the roads any more as there's no need.

I learned to drive in that part of the world and think I can handle myself on snow and ice pretty well, but obviously only a) with proper tyres on (in the olden days studded, these days studless friction ones), and b) with the roads cleared and maintained promptly. (And might as well throw in: c) with other road-users also knowing how to cope with the conditions!) Here with summer tyres on, roads not cleared, and as you say very slippery snow due to the temperature, it gets interesting to say the least...

Incidentally, if anyone has a chance to try a bit of rally-driving on a frozen lake, I very much recommend it - gives you a chance to get to grips (no pun intended) with snow and ice, and learn to work with it as opposed to against it. Not to mention it's mega-fun!

Yes I had to do the skid pan test before I could take out the outside broadcast unit, and I have driven on the lakes

The first car I took to Sweden was a Citroen CX and the temps were -40c where I was, I got on just fine and never a problem, got back to Harwich and ½" of snow and I could hardly get anywhere