Winter tyres - a diesel app

[Husbandofstinky]

Following the snow we had back in February/March this year I've decided to go for winter tyres on the diesel's this year. They did struggle a bit back then.

It may seem a bit early to talk about this, but when would you say would be the best time to put them on? 1 November, 1 December? all the way through to say end of March or thereabouts?

Talking about the east Anglia/Midlands here and not Stornaway either.

I know it sounds a bit mad but winter tyres tend to out perform summer tyres below 7oC. I'm all for the additional performance that these products offer this time of year. Cost overall is not an issue as you'll obviously be saving your summer rubber.

Thinking about it cars tend to be used early the in the morning (on the way to work) and coming home when temperatures are far from their daily peek. Keeping an eye on the outside temp there and then would be a good idea.

I don't know whht other members thoughts are on these tyres.

Any recommendations either?

 

[jonjay]

Would it be an idea to get a tyre that is asymmetric so it copes with the all-weather type scenario. I gather your not talking about a ful fledged snow tyre?

Falkens 912
Goodyear Asymmetrics

are two that spring into mind.

 

[Viking]

Toyo Snowprox for me last year, and just getting them fitted again this week. Due to the superior wet weather traction they gave I ran them til they were worn out about 3 months ago. But they were very impressive in cold, wet, snow, and general winter conditions.

 

[Husbandofstinky]

Thinking of a proper winter tyre.

http://http://www.falkentire.com/Tires/Eurowinter-HS439-5

Name says it all really.

 

[willives]

I'm fitting a set of Goodyear Ultra Grip 6's next week. I drove a VW Passat fitted with these to Switzerland last year, and it was amazing.

It had no problems in the ice and snow, and even in the pouring rain it drove like it was a dry road.

My all-season tyres were totally useless today, no traction, rubbish grip, I think proper winter tyres are the way forward over the winter months.

http://ssl.delti.com/cgi-bin/rshop....&Cookie=froogle&typ=D60087&dsco=110&ranzahl=4

 

[jonjay]

Thinking of a proper winter tyre.

http://http://www.falkentire.com/Tires/Eurowinter-HS439-5

Name says it all really.

I just think it may be overkill. We may have a cold but dry winter but then again we may have a snowy/rainy winter so it would be a good idea. Only concern is for power diesel cars especially tuned ones in dry conditions may be dangerous?

 

[Viking]

Winter tyres give you...

1. Different compound to cope with lower temperatures.
2. Different tread pattern to cope with winter weather (that's rain, sleet, snow, slush, ice etc.)
3. improved traction, improved braking, safer cornering.

Regardless of what people may think, winter isn't just about snow. And tyre manufacturers know this also, hence they make winter tyres and snow tyres. Each have a different characteristic. I personally don't feel the need to be travelling in snowy conditions but if snow happens when I'm out and about I like the security. And even in just wet weather they shift more water than summer tyres.

 

[Willie]

As above.
I have used winter tyres for the past three years on my LCR
This made the car 100% useable all year round.
People in Britian have a lack of understanding about winter tyres.
These are not like the old ones with studs but are amazing in ice and snow.
There is a few posts on this in other sections of the forum.
BTW I'm away to buy Michelin PA3's for my Audi A4 TDI, I have the PA2's for my LCR and still going strong after 2 years of heavy use and lots of dry tarmac wheel spins

 

[jonjay]

Winter tyres give you...

1. Different compound to cope with lower temperatures.
2. Different tread pattern to cope with winter weather (that's rain, sleet, snow, slush, ice etc.)
3. improved traction, improved braking, safer cornering.

Regardless of what people may think, winter isn't just about snow. And tyre manufacturers know this also, hence they make winter tyres and snow tyres. Each have a different characteristic. I personally don't feel the need to be travelling in snowy conditions but if snow happens when I'm out and about I like the security. And even in just wet weather they shift more water than summer tyres.

really good post.

 

[muddyboots]

HOS - have you read this thread:

http://www.seatcupra.net/forums/showthread.php?t=144819

I have had Toyo SnowProx tyres on the Ibiza a few years ago, but they were nowhere near as good as the Dunlops RobT and I have got (see other thread).

Have a read of these winter tyre reviews:
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/surveyresults/surveydisplay.jsp?type=W&VT=C

The Wintersport 3D's were top of the tree, but looks like there's even better ones out there now.

With regards to when to switch over, I tend so switch in November time, when the temps start to drop consistently, and I think I took them off around March this year.
They might seem expensive, but while you're using your winter tyres, you're not using your normal ones, so aside from fitting costs or the cost of a spare set of rims, it balances out long term.

 

[Husbandofstinky]

Cheers all (thank you also for the link Lee)

As Viking mentioned winter tyres out perform summer tyres at about 7oC and below. During the winter months whilst going to and from work this I'd expect many a day in the morning and at night where it'll be below temperature.

I know that you think its overkill Maz but during the snow in particular both the Seat and the Pug struggled. Whilst they'll work well in the snow if needed, for the rest of the winter they'll outperform what's already on there.

Winter tyres are not snow tyres, just a different tyre design/compound to cope with lower temperatures i.e. 7oC or below.

 

[Willie]

Cheers all (thank you also for the link Lee)

As Viking mentioned winter tyres out perform summer tyres at about 7oC and below. During the winter months whilst going to and from work this I'd expect many a day in the morning and at night where it'll be below temperature.

I know that you think its overkill Maz but during the snow in particular both the Seat and the Pug struggled. Whilst they'll work well in the snow if needed, for the rest of the winter they'll outperform what's already on there.

Winter tyres are not snow tyres, just a different tyre design/compound to cope with lower temperatures i.e. 7oC or below.

The Michelin PA2+3's are Mud and snow tyres.
But as you said not all are but I would suggest these M+S ones would be the best bet

 

[Jim H]

I would recommend Vredestein tyres. My mother has them on her Furby and are great on snow and slush. I wish they did some for my vRS (205/45 16). I found Snow/slush + Goodyear F1 GSD3s don't mix at all. They even struggle on hard frost. In February I had wheelspin at 40-45 mph about 1500 rpm in top gear.

My dad has used Pirelli snow tyres and again recommend them. How are Toyo Snowprox as I think I can get them for mine?

 

[Husbandofstinky]

Goodyear F1 GSD3s don't mix at all.

The Accord had problems with the snow too (I thought I'd try it one morning as both the Seat and the Pug were bluddy awful in the snow).

Despite the lack of torque the Honda was not much better.

 

[Willie]

It was the GSD3's that made me buy winter tyres. The treads fill with snow then your totally fecked.

 

[mr_merc]

I'll watch this thread with interest as my P6000's (which I think are far too expensive and complete pony, in any weather) are coming toward their life end.

Wondering whether just to do the usual Falken option, or whether to consider a proper wet weather tyre.

 

[allh2k]

I'm running the ZE 912's at the mo not bad could be better in dry but then that cost so perfect for 41 quid each (only 205/55/16) had the 452's previously but they went up by £7 ha so got the cheaper ones.

Both good tyres when on a budget.

 

[Husbandofstinky]

James, I've decided to go on a two sets of wheels option, one with the summer tyres and one with winters. I've already bought a spare set of alloys for the Pug and just after a set for the Seat (I won't bother with the Honda through complete lack of use).

Unless you go for the two sets of wheels approach I think changing over on a regular basis is both a PITA and would cost more after a couple of years or so. As and when you sell the car in theory you would get most of your money back on the outlay of some second hand alloys.

If I had no intention of buying a spare set of rims then I would go for the 452's and play it safe. In fact once the Cont's have worn out, it either be those or F1 assyms.

 

[mr_merc]

James, I've decided to go on a two sets of wheels option, one with the summer tyres and one with winters. I've already bought a spare set of alloys for the Pug and just after a set for the Seat (I won't bother with the Honda through complete lack of use).

Unless you go for the two sets of wheels approach I think changing over on a regular basis is both a PITA and would cost more after a couple of years or so. As and when you sell the car in theory you would get most of your money back on the outlay of some second hand alloys.

If I had no intention of buying a spare set of rims then I would go for the 452's and play it safe. In fact once the Cont's have worn out, it either be those or F1 assyms.

Interesting. Might keep my eyes open for a spare set of alloys, even if only starfish, for the winter.

In the general term though, I think Falkens might be the way forward with my first tyre change since I had the car.

 

[muddyboots]

I've decided to go on a two sets of wheels option, one with the summer tyres and one with winters.

That's what I do.
Last winter I bought my Wintersports and got them fitted on the standard 16" Passat alloys (the existing tyres were fairly well worn out), and then around March/April time as the weather was warming back up I bought a set of 17" alloys with a good set of Michelin Pilots for just over £200, off a chap on Briskoda...

When you add up the cost of paying somewhere to switch over tyres on rims a couple of times a year, for 2 or 3 years, it's not much more to buy a second set of wheels with good tyres (if you keep your eye out on various forums and Ebay).
Besides I don't like the idea of my tyres being unmounted/remounted too many times.