Mungler Posted December 12, 2013 Report Share Posted December 12, 2013 Do snow tyres work or rather make any significant difference? I was thinking about getting an extra set of alloys off ebay for the wife's motor and then getting snow tyres put on the rims for a 'swap out' over the winter period. The question is, does a change of tyres make much of a difference come bad weather? I asked someone who does it and the answer I got seemed a bit artificial - more to justify their expenditure on extra tyres and wheels. If they are to be believed they give your car magical qualities and anyone who doesn't swap their tyres at winter is a dead man just waiting to drive into a tree. Cheers all. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sako751sg Posted December 12, 2013 Report Share Posted December 12, 2013 Huge difference,really is chalk and cheese with a good set.However,if your not a rally driver,dont try to be but normal snow driving grip is enhanced no end. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Catamong Posted December 12, 2013 Report Share Posted December 12, 2013 It all depends on your style of driving, and how much driving you plan to do if the weather turns bad...? You can have the chunkiest tyres on the market fitted to your 4 x 4, but once the snow arrives and you get stuck in a queue behind loads of beemers and mercs with their low profile slicks, like everybody else, you're going nowhere. I opted for a compromise on my XC90, I've fitted Goodyear Wrangler tyres, they're "Mud & Snow" tyres and are definitely better in snow than your average road tyre. They're not noisy and they certainly last a lot longer than your average road tyre, they're also not cheap but I find when it comes to tyres, you get what you pay for. A lot of people rave about Vredestein Winter tyres, worth a Google..? Cat. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Matt_ Posted December 12, 2013 Report Share Posted December 12, 2013 Auto express did a video on YouTube with two ford kuga's on an indoor ski slope and I was like you with the whole is it a farce thing and after watching I was truly shocked at the grip! Worth a watch Matt Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
twitchynik Posted December 12, 2013 Report Share Posted December 12, 2013 They're not snow tyres... Winter tyres. Designed to work under 7c and the more sipes (slits on the tyre surface) gather snow which aid traction. I've a set of alloys and winters for my RWD, was able to go about my business unhindered on the roads last year. I wouldn't have have fancied my chances without them. A set of Conti WinterContact 850's is going on the other half's Aygo shortly. They'll stay on all year like they have done on my old girls Fiesta and my brothers Focus since last November. No problems at all and no noticeable excessive wear. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Son Of Potter Posted December 12, 2013 Report Share Posted December 12, 2013 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kent Posted December 12, 2013 Report Share Posted December 12, 2013 Road tyres are a compromise for wet and dry driving on clean roads, expelling water and keeping maximum surface area of rubber in contact with the tarmac surface for grip. This is the total opposite to what you need in snow, driving in snow you want to bite through and search for traction and clear the snow from the treads as the wheel turns. A lot can be done in snow tyres, even a 4x4 with low profile type road tyres will slither about like a drunk Camel on roller skates! Simply road contact is what its all about. Remove snow tyres as soon as the snow season leaves as they will be noisier, use more fuel and grip less under normal conditions when its all about surface area of dry rubber regards traction. Some more local type tyre depots will store the snow tyres for you in the off season, re-fitting at the start of each winter. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sako751sg Posted December 12, 2013 Report Share Posted December 12, 2013 Road tyres are a compromise for wet and dry driving on clean roads, expelling water and keeping maximum surface area of rubber in contact with the tarmac surface for grip. This is the total opposite to what you need in snow, driving in snow you want to bite through and search for traction and clear the snow from the treads as the wheel turns. A lot can be done in snow tyres, even a 4x4 with low profile type road tyres will slither about like a drunk Camel on roller skates! Simply road contact is what its all about. Remove snow tyres as soon as the snow season leaves as they will be noisier, use more fuel and grip less under normal conditions when its all about surface area of dry rubber regards traction. Some more local type tyre depots will store the snow tyres for you in the off season, re-fitting at the start of each winter. I always thought the idea of the patterned grip on winters was to fill the tread because snow on snow makes for excellent traction? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Flashman Posted December 12, 2013 Report Share Posted December 12, 2013 Winter tyres: what they are and why you should be using them during the winter months There is a huge lack of awareness in the UK about winter tyres. Either motorists are not aware they exist or they think that the tyre can only be used during times of heavy snow or ice. In fact, drivers will benefit from using winter tyres on slush, ice, frost and even wet roads. In fact any time the temperature dips below +7 degrees centigrade, you’re better off on winter tyres. Why? Unlike summer tyres (everyday standard tyres in the UK), winter tyres do not harden at lower temperatures. That means they give you a much better grip on the road and the ability to stop in a shorter distance, increasing your safety on the road. What’s the difference between a winter and a summer tyre? The rubber compound of a winter tyre is very different to a summer tyre. It is designed specifically to work in temperatures under +7 degrees centigrade. What happens to a summer tyre when the temperature drops is that the tyre compound loses its flexibility, making it less grippy in low temperatures. Winter tyres are made from specially developed compound with more natural rubber so they don’t harden when it’s cold, which means increased grip on the road and greater safety. On ice and snow winter tyres provide grip that no summer tyre can match. A vehicle fitted with winter tyres will come to standstill on a snow-covered road (from a speed of just 30mph) after 35 metres – with normal tyres the braking distance required is a further 8 metres (43 metres). That is another two car lengths. For more information on the Continental winter tyre product range, click here Safety during the winter months: Drivers are six times more likely to have an accident during the winter months, with the numbers rising further when snow and ice add an extra hazard. During the big freeze at the start of 2010, more than 3 million motorists had an accident and 45 per cent had two or more near misses according to a survey by Continental Tyres. Nearly half of all accident claims are made during the winter months. Motorists are unprepared for the wintry conditions when driving, and many are unaware that they can improve safety by switching to winter tyres. Winter tyres are a legal requirement in other EU countries such as Austria, Germany and Finlandand many offer specific winter recommendations. There is however, no legislation or guidance in this country and most people aren’t even aware of winter tyres. There isn’t anything in the Highway Code on the subject. 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. Other winter safety tips: Visibility is vital. Keep your windscreen and windows clear Check your lights are clean and working Reduce your speed on slippery surfaces and avoid harsh braking or acceleration At low speeds use second rather than first gear to avoid spinning the wheels To slow the car change down and use engine braking but if you need to use the brakes apply them gently Increase the distance between you and the vehicle in front – in rain, ice and snow leave enough space to stop safely Allow up to ten times the normal braking distance, especially on motorways Check your tyres: The legal limit for tread depth on tyres is 1.6mm, but safety experts at Continental Tyres recommend a minimum of 3mm for wet weather safety. Ensuring tyres are correctly inflated will also improve your cars handling as well as saving you money. Put together an emergency kit, such as food, drink, torch and extra clothing, for journeys in severe winter weather, and keep it in the back of your car Plan ahead and allow enough time to get to your destination. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
islandgun Posted December 12, 2013 Report Share Posted December 12, 2013 Excellent answer Flashman, cheers Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kent Posted December 12, 2013 Report Share Posted December 12, 2013 I always thought the idea of the patterned grip on winters was to fill the tread because snow on snow makes for excellent traction? I am only speaking though experience of seeing clogged tread on many stuck cars, is that like mud sticks to mud? Because I sure as heck know clogged tyres don't get you very far in the goo. You could be making a good point though I haven't seen it myself. My Mrs ran an A4 last winter on low profile road tyres it was the worst car / tyre combo I have ever experienced in the snow, far worse than the old Cortina / sierras etc. that car clogged its tyres and needed near constant digging out with even a sprinkle. Mainly due to the road tyres and the awful traction control system. She will be just fine now driving my old Scooby Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shaun4860 Posted December 12, 2013 Report Share Posted December 12, 2013 I have a Seat Altea, low profile tyres and traction control Worst car I have driven in the snow Best thing for me when driving in snow is to turn the traction control off as it just kills the engine when the wheels start to spin Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
al4x Posted December 12, 2013 Report Share Posted December 12, 2013 Do snow tyres work or rather make any significant difference? I was thinking about getting an extra set of alloys off ebay for the wife's motor and then getting snow tyres put on the rims for a 'swap out' over the winter period. The question is, does a change of tyres make much of a difference come bad weather? I asked someone who does it and the answer I got seemed a bit artificial - more to justify their expenditure on extra tyres and wheels. If they are to be believed they give your car magical qualities and anyone who doesn't swap their tyres at winter is a dead man just waiting to drive into a tree. Cheers all. Look at Germany where it's compulsory to fit them in winter, you don't see chaos and all the rear wheel drive cars stranded as you do here Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kent Posted December 12, 2013 Report Share Posted December 12, 2013 I have a Seat Altea, low profile tyres and traction control Worst car I have driven in the snow Best thing for me when driving in snow is to turn the traction control off as it just kills the engine when the wheels start to spin Flaming A4 wouldn't let you go very far before it turned it on again automatically Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bmfrank Posted December 12, 2013 Report Share Posted December 12, 2013 I have a Seat Altea, low profile tyres and traction control Worst car I have driven in the snow Best thing for me when driving in snow is to turn the traction control off as it just kills the engine when the wheels start to spin same with the bmw i have , i got some snow socks off ebay , only used once there ok , also i fill the boot with my tools to keep the back end down Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shaun4860 Posted December 12, 2013 Report Share Posted December 12, 2013 Flaming A4 wouldn't let you go very far before it turned it on again automatically Mine has a physical switch, once its off its off until I switch it back on again A light on the dash confirms when its switched off Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
malkiserow Posted December 12, 2013 Report Share Posted December 12, 2013 Part of the answer is that normal tyres have a compound that goes hard when it gets colder (but still+degrees C). Winter tyres have a softer compound that stays soft to lower temperatures. Soft compounds grip an uneven surface better as the rubber deforms into the road. This why "winter" tyres are still better on tarmac when it gets colder. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zulu Posted December 12, 2013 Report Share Posted December 12, 2013 (edited) Just put Dunlop 3D Winter Sport on wifes Freelander so looking to see how they perform this back end . Edited December 12, 2013 by Zulu Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cawdor118 Posted December 12, 2013 Report Share Posted December 12, 2013 Is is cringeworthy to watch! This idiot can't handle a car on snow in the first place. It's city slickers like this that I can not stand on the road. Trying living in the highlands with "real" snow... None of your 3mm ****! I have never bothered with snow tyres and I drive a car with 40mm profiles... It's the driver not the tyres. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cosd Posted December 12, 2013 Report Share Posted December 12, 2013 Is is cringeworthy to watch! This idiot can't handle a car on snow in the first place. It's city slickers like this that I can not stand on the road. Trying living in the highlands with "real" snow... None of your 3mm ****! I have never bothered with snow tyres and I drive a car with 40mm profiles... It's the driver not the tyres. You must be really special if you can defy physics. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ben0850 Posted December 12, 2013 Report Share Posted December 12, 2013 I run Vredestein wintrac extremes during the winter months. Has to be the best money I have ever spent! It's the difference for me between getting home to the farm from work in Leeds (back into Wensleydale) or just not getting home at all. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scottoj18 Posted December 12, 2013 Report Share Posted December 12, 2013 It all depends on your style of driving, and how much driving you plan to do if the weather turns bad...? You can have the chunkiest tyres on the market fitted to your 4 x 4, but once the snow arrives and you get stuck in a queue behind loads of beemers and mercs with their low profile slicks, like everybody else, you're going nowhere. I opted for a compromise on my XC90, I've fitted Goodyear Wrangler tyres, they're "Mud & Snow" tyres and are definitely better in snow than your average road tyre. They're not noisy and they certainly last a lot longer than your average road tyre, they're also not cheap but I find when it comes to tyres, you get what you pay for. A lot of people rave about Vredestein Winter tyres, worth a Google..? Cat. Iv got the Goodyear Wrangler on my freelander done about 2000miles and they still got loads of grip. Really happy with them Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
955i Posted December 12, 2013 Report Share Posted December 12, 2013 Are you moving to Iceland? Half the time we get barely more than 6" of snow, can get through it in a normal car if you are competent. If you really can't get somewhere ring and say 'can't get there cos of the snow' I've ridden bikes through snowy winters, if you can't get there in a car you are just a woos Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
-Mongrel- Posted December 12, 2013 Report Share Posted December 12, 2013 You must be really special if you can defy physics. Saved me typing a similarly disparaging response. Driver skill comes into it, but so does the kit you are using. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cawdor118 Posted December 12, 2013 Report Share Posted December 12, 2013 You must be really special if you can defy physics. Unfortunately not, I just don't cry when I see 3mm of snow... Man up and plough on... (Pardon the pun) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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