Winter tyres or change car.

[Rob.T]

Last year we had a little snow, first time in years, the C class was hopeless even on the flat, we abandoned it in a doctors surgery car park overnight.
This year we want to be ready, I’m thinking of either buying a Volvo V70 or trading the C class in for an E class and sticking winter tyres on it. Would it be OK in the snow with winter tyres or would it be wise to buy the Volvo.
We still have the A class which is front wheel drive but wifey is going part time next March and the A class will be gone, think she’s just jealous because I am retired, one of the downers of marrying a young chick (64).

 

[Blobcat]

Keep the car and fit winter wheels/tyres - or if current hoops are worn fit some all seasons… Cross Climate 2’s get a good write up (I‘ve bought a set so hope so…)

My previous E’s decided they wouldn’t move at all up here when the snow came down “Electronics say No” - switched to winter tyres and can drive around without issue.

My SLK is light on the back with plenty power, winter tyres means I can drive around without drama - I live 750’ up a hill in the frozen north…

 

[EmilysDad]

does it ever snow enough in Plymouth to worry about winter tyres?

 

[rorywquin]

If you use your winter tyres in temperatures above 7c they will not last very long. How cold does it actually get there?

 

[Blobcat]

If you use your winter tyres in temperatures above 7c they will not last very long. How cold does it actually get there?

My smart has winters on the rear all year round (all seasons front) no issues with increased wear and it lived in Birmingham and South Wales for ~4 years with the same tyres

 

[mioba]

Its a rather expensive way to overcome snow, in buying a car.
I recall when I moved to S Germany many years ago when the snow hit (and I mean deep snow) nothing stopped. All cars had winter tyres. I was amazed and it was an eye opener.
Winter all the way, unless you really need the car upgrade also.

 

[Rob.T]

Its a rather expensive way to overcome snow, in buying a car.
I recall when I moved to S Germany many years ago when the snow hit (and I mean deep snow) nothing stopped. All cars had winter tyres. I was amazed and it was an eye opener.
Winter all the way, unless you really need the car upgrade also.

We were thinking of changing the car anyhow, just wandering if it would be best to buy an E class or just go front wheel drive and buy a Volvo.

 

[Rob.T]

does it ever snow enough in Plymouth to worry about winter tyres?

 

[EmilysDad]

A light dusting then ,,,,

 

[mioba]

Go for the car you prefer and put winter tryes on.
In Germany most taxis are mercs and they dont stop due to snow.

 

[mioba]

you call that snow

 

[rf065]

If you use your winter tyres in temperatures above 7c they will not last very long. How cold does it actually get there?

Just not true, in fact on visits to S. France/Spain and Prague a few years ago, in summer with temps reaching into the low 40's Centigrade, I was amazed how many cars still had winter tyres on which led me to believe they just use them all year round. I've used them myself for 15 years now and they are extremely hard wearing in all temps.

 

[DSK]

A spare set of wheels of wheels with winters is the safest and most dependable option. Bolt on and bolt off as needed.

Second is a good set of all season tyres as mentioned.

A volvo won’t be much better as it’s always the tyres that matter most in adverse conditions over a car.

(I’ve always managed to drive in the snow between Yorkshire/Midlands and London over what we’ve had within reason over the past 12ams on UHP tyres in both front and rear drive cars. It wasn’t easy, a total pita and wish I’d stuck my spare winters on at times but with patience and gentle control always managed. )


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[rf065]

We were thinking of changing the car anyhow, just wandering if it would be best to buy an E class or just go front wheel drive and buy a Volvo.

Modern front wheel drive cars with modern wide and low profile tyres are also useless in snow.

 

[Harrydog]

Winter wheels and tires for me.

 

[EmilysDad]

I admit there are better cars in snow than a rear wheel drive automatic, but most of my cars have been exactly that & I've always got where I wanted to go.

and I've yet to buy a single winter tyre

 

[mioba]

Just not true, in fact on visits to S. France/Spain and Prague a few years ago, in summer with temps reaching into the low 40's Centigrade, I was amazed how many cars still had winter tyres on which led me to believe they just use them all year round. I've used them myself for 15 years now and they are extremely hard wearing in all temps.

well I dont think ppl in those countries are so car savvy tbf. winter tyes are much softer and do wear down when it gets warmer.
In germany there is a mad rush to get winters on when its cold and get them off when it warms up. Not only to prevent the rapid wear but also critical stopping ability.

 

[rf065]

well I dont think ppl in those countries are so car savvy tbf. winter tyes are much softer and do wear down when it gets warmer.
In germany there is a mad rush to get winters on when its cold and get them off when it warms up. Not only to prevent the rapid wear but also critical stopping ability.

Just not true, winter tyres are not softer, just a different compound and they do not wear faster in warmer climates. I've used them for 15 years and can tell you that they are harder wearing than most summer tyres.

 

[mioba]

Just not true, winter tyres are not softer, just a different compound and they do not wear faster in warmer climates. I've used them for 15 years and can tell you that they are harder wearing than most summer tyres.

Well disagree. I work for a supplier of rubber to nearly all tyre manufacturers.
I love a tyre thread.

 

[rf065]

Well disagree. I work for a supplier of rubber to nearly all tyre manufacturers.
I love a tyre thread.

And I've used them for 15 years, they do not wear out quicker in summer temps. Might not grip so much in warm weather as a summer tyre would, but they are not soft tyres.