Winter tyres

As seen elsewhere, it is time for the Annual winter tyre debate. Worth it or not?

From my perspective, it's a no-brainer. I have a set of 15" alloys with winter tyres fitted and am just about ready to swap them over.

Why?

Three winters ago, we had an extended period of bitterly cold Arctic weather. In fact we had over two weeks with laying snow on the road, approximately 3-4 inches. during that time we couldn't even get the car out of the drive(it's quite steep up to the road), never mind attempt to get out of the village. We had to rely on relatives with a 4x4 to bring basic necessities. Sheila was also unable to get out to work, so was losing money.

I emphasise that we live approximately 2 miles from the nearest road that receives any attention from the council's gritting department. The road to there is single track with a change in elevation of around a 100 feet.

Initially I bought 3 spare wheels from ebay and got some part worn winter tyres fitted to them and my original spare as soon as possible.

The difference was immediately obvious. We could drive the car out onto the road over hard packed snow with no difficulty. We were also able to negotiate the roller coaster single track to the main road
So for an outlay of around £160 we were back in business! :yesnod:

The next year I bought a cheap set of 15" alloys and again fitted part worn winter tyres. I sold on the 'winterized' spares and this paid for the 15s and tyres. :thumbsup:

What a lot of people don't appreciate is that Winter tyres are made of a different rubber material that stays pliant at lower temperatures. Once below about 6-8 C. The rubber of Summer tyres are rock solid, and they lose substantial amounts of grip.

Last year, all the residents in my close had to park hundreds of yards away from their homes to be on a driveable road. It was only a 50 yards traipse across an uphill field for me. But it was a nightmare drive to work. Hill shown in the video.

In the end I used the wifes' peugeot 206, as my car was stuck down the hill after it snowed. Anyway, I crashed it into a ditch after sliding on ice. Winter tyres were much more successful.

In the video, at 02:26, my son in law says "That car is made for the snow."

Not really, but the tyres were.

How come your video works, but mine doesn't?

David Aiketgate wrote: How come your video works, but mine doesn't?

Not sure. Didn't work for me either until I used the upper link input style.

Thanks, Mr Ping. :thumbsup:
That video really highlights the difference!

Mine worked :woohoo: :thumbsup: :woohoo:

Impressive video, even with an American accent! :thumbsup:

Winter wheels and tyres fitted!
Bring it on! :bust:

If you haven't seen Mr Ping's Tyre Rack video on page 1, click on the little number [1] now. Leigh great find :broon:

David, Is that your white Turbo reflecting in the door above?

PQD44 wrote:
David, Is that your white Turbo reflecting in the door above?

Indeed it is... :yesnod:

:ohmy: Black one needs a clean now!! :coat:

bryan young wrote: :ohmy: Black one needs a clean now!! :coat:

:yesnod: