Winter tyres - yay or nay

[Gazza77]

Originally Posted by fizzwheel

Just had a quick peak at Kwik Fit, would these not do ?

Continental 4x4 Winter Contact, Tyre Size 215/60H17, Winter Tyre 4x4 Tyre

Not as cheap as the Grabber though, I think I paid £90 a corner for our last ones, the Continentals according to Kwik Fit are £154 fitted, but I bet you could get cheaper than that.

They probably would suffice, however which winter tyre to get isn't quite the question. There are a few options of winter tyres available in the right size, including the Nokian's from an earlier post, it's whether or not they offer enough benefit to warrant a £600 expense. The Grabber would have been an alternative as an AT that is supposedly excellent in cold weather, (and to be honest, what I'd probably have gone for) however as they don't make them in the right size, that's sadly not an option.

lol, must be one of teh first 31's then mines an 08 30. i may have printed off the spec sheet when i was looking, i'll have a look when i get home, may be quicker if you have a scrappy nearby with a primera, drive down and tyr a wheel

[Gazza77]

Originally Posted by Kilted Ginger

lol, must be one of teh first 31's then mines an 08 30. i may have printed off the spec sheet when i was looking, i'll have a look when i get home, may be quicker if you have a scrappy nearby with a primera, drive down and tyr a wheel

It is a fairly early one, same as your's is a fairly late one.

If you could look it would be good thanks, cheers, and thanks to all that have offered opinions and advice so far.

[fizzwheel]

Originally Posted by Gazza77

it's whether or not they offer enough benefit to warrant a £600 expense.

Sure I get you, I supposed it depends on what value you put on being able to get around if we have another winter like the last two have been.

Remember winter tyres wont just give you grip in snow / ice, they'll also work better on a dry road when the temperature drops. as IIRC they give better grip at lower temperatures than a summer tyre does due to the compounds being different in a winter tyre.

[Gazza77]

Originally Posted by fizzwheel

Sure I get you, I supposed it depends on what value you put on being able to get around if we have another winter like the last two have been.

Remember winter tyres wont just give you grip in snow / ice, they'll also work better on a dry road when the temperature drops. as IIRC they give better grip at lower temperatures than a summer tyre does due to the compounds being different in a winter tyre.

Nail, head, hit.

That's my main concern, as that's what the conditions may well be like. The roads are often ploughed and gritted, thus bloody slippery!

[G]

I'd be tempted if I didn't enjoy slidding about in a rear wheel drive so much.

I work in Denmark/Germany/Norway etc and in a few of the EU countries I work, winter tyres are mandatory. The cars we have over there have winter tyres on from end of November until April time and they make a massive difference. The start to make a noticable difference at around 7c.

I just can't bring myself to buy some over here for the relatively infrequent snow/ice we have.

[Mr Speirs]

Originally Posted by G

I'd be tempted if I didn't enjoy slidding about in a rear wheel drive so much.

Yeah...how did that work out for you last winter? I seem to remember you being unable to leave your estate for nearly 2 weeks!

[dizzyblonde]

If we can't get we want grabber wise round here, then we'll prob go for the Pirellis again. They've done two winters and haven't failed, when everyone else around us have.....but they flex and squish, so the sidewalls don't last as long as you would wish.

Meh, I hate 4x4 tyre shopping

[Gazza77]

Originally Posted by dizzyblonde

If we can't get we want grabber wise round here, then we'll prob go for the Pirellis again. They've done two winters and haven't failed, when everyone else around us have.....but they flex and squish, so the sidewalls don't last as long as you would wish.

Meh, I hate 4x4 tyre shopping

Have to admit, I wish I could get them for around £60 a corner like I can for the MX5.

Maybe I ought to just take the in-laws approach, they just go to the local garage they use for all repairs, ask for tyres and they fit some. It's a good place, so I would expect them to get decent tyres and they seem happy enough. Maybe I just think too much.

I fitted winter tyres to the front my focus (FWD) last winter and never got struck anywhere and i had a 35 mile commute to and from work. I've still got them fitted and theres loads of life left in them too!! Only down side is the front pushes a bit in the wet. For work i drive a Hi lux fitted with normal tyres and last winter in never got stuck anywhere on or off road, and its loaded with tools and gear!!! Its all about how you drive not what your driving on. To many people start spinning the wheels then to get more grip accellerate!! And ABS should be turned off in snow. Its more of a hinderance than a help in snow!! The Audi Q7 actually stops by locking the front wheels slightly to make a build up of snow to help stop it?? Don't know how it works but it does!