 Poster: A snowHead
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@chocksaway, @DB, cheers both. I've not found anything in the manual yet but I'll keep searching. Might ask on briskoda.net too.
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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@tyremen, So a question then for you. If a Snowtyre has a small nick in the sidewall, not down to the wires just a flap of rubber hanging off, which passes the MOT is it safe to drive on. It does seem a shame to swap as it is nearly new but I don't want it going bang.
Thanks
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Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
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@Jake43, see the bottom of page 8 of this thread. As for the nick - 'it all depends'. You say it is small and 'just flap of rubber' - difficult to advice without seeing it. If structural integrity is not damaged, then it should not be a problem. You can easily ask for a second opinion by stopping at several garages or tyres shops. Post a picture of the 'nick', however, any advice is just an oppinion - you have to assess the risk yourself, bearing in mind that damage to the sidewall is more serrios than to the rolling surface.
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You need to Login to know who's really who.
You need to Login to know who's really who.
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@Jake43, when I took a divot from a sidewall brushing a high kerb, the local tyre mechanic said legally he was obliged to tell me as a client to change it but he would happily leave it on his own car. As everyone is scared of being sued now I doubt anyone will officially tell you a damaged tyre is 'OK'.
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Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
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@mooney058, @albinomountainbadger, Thanks. Well it past an MOT so I guess it should be ok. Car did 296 Miles last year !
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You'll need to Register first of course.
You'll need to Register first of course.
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@Jake43, car that just 'sits' is not necessary better than the one that does 10.000 miles on roads outside cities. Without having seen the damage it s difficult to advice. Is there a chance MOT did not spot it? Thus a second opinion (or several second opinions) would be advisable.
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@mooney058, I will try and get round to posting a picture, but it is tiny and MOT spotted it as an advisory.
It could have happened at the same time she wiped out the front snow tyre in a Edinburgh Pothole. I did not see that tyre but it had to be replaced. Its not the sitting around I was trying to get across it was the fact it seems a lot of money for little miles when driven so little and generally slowly in towns. Though it is off down the motorway next week. Hence the interest.
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Just had two new Goodyear vectors fitted to the S-max, we have used these all year round for the past three years, it works out well as they last just about our annual mileage of 20k on the front so a new pair for each winter.
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You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
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| Boris wrote: |
| mooney058, as I said, I'm a convert, have them on both cars, but I can understand why people don't. Not worth it for one trip a year in many peoples view |
It's worth it whenever it's cold. We have plenty of ice in the UK. As someone else said, they're worth if for the half second you might have skidded.
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| KenX wrote: |
| I've got M & S tyres on my L200, last time it snowed, I got past several stranded vehicles on a hill, however, on the way down it was another story, pretty much as slippery as summer tyres, leading me to believe it was only the 4WD that helped uphill, and that M & S tyres aren't really a whole lot better than summer tyres in snowy conditions! |
You need proper winter tyres - with a mountain symbol, not just M&S ones which are just aggressive tread.
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snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
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(posted this in the for sale ads but thought I'd stick it here as well for good measure)
Just sold my old car and I've got 4 winter tyres left over from it.
They're...
Evergreen EW62 Winters (mountain, snowflake and M+S marked)
195/55/16 87H
2x with 7mm tread and 2x 7.5mm
Done 1.5 UK winters. Evergreen, despite not being big-brand tyres, are decent quality and these have been superb when it has snowed.
£40 each or £150 for all 4.
I've 4x 16" Mazda6 alloys in less than perfect condition as well.
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And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
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I am changing cars... Old tyres are 195/55R/16, new ones are 205/55R/17.
What happens if I mount my old car's snows (they are on their own wheels)? Presumably a speedo misread, but any safety or other issues?
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| wittenham wrote: |
I am changing cars... Old tyres are 195/55R/16, new ones are 205/55R/17.
What happens if I mount my old car's snows (they are on their own wheels)? Presumably a speedo misread, but any safety or other issues? |
Unless you're very lucky, the old wheels won't be suitable for the new car.
There's a 6% difference in the circumferences of the two sets of tyres and that's well above the recommended 2.5%
The old tyres might not be the right load capacity as required on the new car
See here http://www.tyresave.co.uk/tyresize.html
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You know it makes sense.
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thanks RL... apparently the standard size for the car [a Mini Countryman] is 205/60/16, but that still shows at c5% on the link you gave me.
Oh well, an unexpected expense of changing a car... anyone for a set of Prius snows on steel rims...
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Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
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Bought some winter tyres, ready for two drives down to the Alps. We're not off until February and then again in April, but I need new fronts anyway so it made sense to put the winters on and defer buying normal tyres until after we get back from the second trip. Went for Vredestein Wintracs, and so far I've been very impressed - quiet and hold the road well.
On to my question. The car is a Mercedes E350, and has different sized wheels on front and back -- the fronts are 235/40/18 and the rears 265/35/18. On our old car (Mercedes E320, older shape with same size wheels front and rear) we used to put a winter tyre on the spare, as it was a full size spare. This came in useful one year when we were in the Polish countryside and got a flat -- I think it we'd have been quite stuck without it, as the conditions were really terrible (deep snow over frozen roads). So I got to thinking I should look at the spare on the new car, and it has a space-saver wheel. I suppose that this is so that it can substitute for either the front or the rear as needed, but it does mean that if we do have a flat tyre we're kind of stuck.
Would it be worth swapping the space saver over for a winter tyre? (Can you even get Winter tyres for space savers?). Am I worrying needlessly?
Thanks,
-simon
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Poster: A snowHead
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Hello guy my name is Chris, a year or so ago we were quite active on here answering all you winter driving needs.
Just to let you know were here if you need anything, as always were here to help and there is some discount to be had.
Cheers Chris
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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Hi Chris
Looking for some steel wheels and winter tyres for a Hyundai I10 running on 165/60/14 75H summers can you drop me a PM with a quote please as there is nothing on your website for a complete set of wheels
Cheers
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Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
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Hello @RDSpearing, Message and quote sent.
Thanks Chris
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You need to Login to know who's really who.
You need to Login to know who's really who.
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| tyremen wrote: |
Hello guy my name is Chris, a year or so ago we were quite active on here answering all you winter driving needs.
Just to let you know were here if you need anything, as always were here to help and there is some discount to be had.
Cheers Chris |
Hi Chris
I've asked everyone the same question and come to the conclusion that what I want doesn't really exist, but before giving up I thought I'd try only last time and ask you.
Range Rover Sport, running 19 or 20 inch rims. What I want is a tyre that has the off-road performance of something like the Grabber AT, BUT to be a proper winter tyre too.ot seems I can either have a winter tyre which won't cut it in the mud, or an off road tyre which lacks the soft compound for cold weather.
Thoughts?
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Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
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You write "proper winter tyre" that would not be the same as an off-road tyre. The design of both tyres are different, not only the compound, but also rhe thread pattern, speed index, etc
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You'll need to Register first of course.
You'll need to Register first of course.
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@tyremen, well as You've asked.
Currently running 245/45/18 front and 275/40/18 rears on a Mercedes S-Class, do you have any wheel/winter tyre combos that are suitable?
Thanks
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@foxtrotzulu, You are correct, I have just done a search and turned up one or the other not a all in one, this will be down to a couple of things.
1, The sizes you need (I have only search for standard sizes please let me know if you have changed.
2, What your looking for is a tyre that will monster most terrains and all weathers, but these tyres are not put together because there worlds apart.
The tyre I have come across that may be able to cater your needs would be the crosscontact AT M+S by continental but is only avalible in limited sizes at the moment
but in the future this could be an option. example shown here https://www.tyremen.co.uk/tyres/20570r15-continental-conticrosscontact-96t-sl
Chris
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| mooney058 wrote: |
| You write "proper winter tyre" that would not be the same as an off-road tyre. The design of both tyres are different, not only the compound, but also rhe thread pattern, speed index, etc |
I appreciate there is a compromise, but take the Grabber AT for example. That has a reasonable number of sipes, the tread pattern is OK in snow, but it's really the compound that bothers me. Less fussed about the speed index as that doesn't affect how well it performs either in mud or in the snow. Obviously, it has to be sufficient for the vehicle.
I don't feel as though I'm asking for a water ski that also works well on a hard piste but it does feel a bit like that at times. Perhaps I'm asking the wrong question. Maybe it should be .... 'Which on/off-road tyre has the softest compound in cold weather. i.e. I'm not expecting a snowflake symbol but I want something better than your bog standard summer tyres.
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You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
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@ansta1, Please can you tell me your vehicle year.
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I keep hearing an advert on the radio for a new kind of winter/summer combo tyre? Whats the initial thoughts on it?
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snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
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With my Discovery I found the Grabber AT to be better than the Michelin M&S in snow and pretty good going up and down the mountain. I don't think a lot touches it for all round performance. Although I had the earlier version of it which I think had a more aggressive pattern. Lasted around 70k miles.
However the goodyear winter tyres on my megane scenic fwd mean that is better than the discovery going up and down snowy/icy mountain. So I guess the AT2 is the best compromise but if you want to use the car in the alps a lot and get waved through without having to put chains on then there's nothing for it but to get a snowflake tyre.
| foxtrotzulu wrote: |
| mooney058 wrote: |
| You write "proper winter tyre" that would not be the same as an off-road tyre. The design of both tyres are different, not only the compound, but also rhe thread pattern, speed index, etc |
I appreciate there is a compromise, but take the Grabber AT for example. That has a reasonable number of sipes, the tread pattern is OK in snow, but it's really the compound that bothers me. Less fussed about the speed index as that doesn't affect how well it performs either in mud or in the snow. Obviously, it has to be sufficient for the vehicle.
I don't feel as though I'm asking for a water ski that also works well on a hard piste but it does feel a bit like that at times. Perhaps I'm asking the wrong question. Maybe it should be .... 'Which on/off-road tyre has the softest compound in cold weather. i.e. I'm not expecting a snowflake symbol but I want something better than your bog standard summer tyres. |
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And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
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| tyremen wrote: |
| @ansta1, Please can you tell me your vehicle year. |
MY2002
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Hello Tyremen - perhaps you could give me some advice on the best tyres for my Discovery 2 TD5 (2003)? We own and run a catered chalet in the Swiss Alps so need to have really good tyres. So far I have been using Vredstein Wintrac Extreme tyres (235/70/16) which have worked well but are now worn down to between 4-6mm of tread depth so I was going to replace them for this coming winter. Although the tyres have been good I still have to use snow chains from time to time. I have Cooper Discoverer MS2's on my Subaru Outback and I have never had to use chains. Is this simply because the Discovery is a much heavier car or are the tyres better? What would you recommend?
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You know it makes sense.
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@ansta1, There is 2 options I can offer you 17" depends on your engine size? 17" wheels and tyres £1042 -10% £937.00 delivered, 18" Wheels and tyres £1107.52 -10% £996.76 delivered.
Chris
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Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
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@tyremen, 5litre petrol engine!
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Poster: A snowHead
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@ansta1, 18" it is then 17" will not fit.
Chris
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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| tyremen wrote: |
@ansta1, 18" it is then 17" will not fit.
Chris |
Thought so, what's the make and model of rubber on those prices?
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Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
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@ansta1, The 17" are Continental and the 18" Vredestein
Chris
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You need to Login to know who's really who.
You need to Login to know who's really who.
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| foxtrotzulu wrote: |
| mooney058 wrote: |
| You write "proper winter tyre" that would not be the same as an off-road tyre. The design of both tyres are different, not only the compound, but also rhe thread pattern, speed index, etc |
I appreciate there is a compromise, but take the Grabber AT for example. That has a reasonable number of sipes, the tread pattern is OK in snow, but it's really the compound that bothers me. Less fussed about the speed index as that doesn't affect how well it performs either in mud or in the snow. Obviously, it has to be sufficient for the vehicle.
I don't feel as though I'm asking for a water ski that also works well on a hard piste but it does feel a bit like that at times. Perhaps I'm asking the wrong question. Maybe it should be .... 'Which on/off-road tyre has the softest compound in cold weather. i.e. I'm not expecting a snowflake symbol but I want something better than your bog standard summer tyres. |
Grabber AT is a mud tyres that can be used on road. it is not a winter tyre though! The same manufacturer has 'Snow Grabber' model - compare the pics and you will see why one is considered summer and the other as winter tyre - these have many more micro sipes (what is where snow gets trapped and snow to snow friction is what gets your traction).
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Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
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| Freshtrax wrote: |
| Hello Tyremen - perhaps you could give me some advice on the best tyres for my Discovery 2 TD5 (2003)? We own and run a catered chalet in the Swiss Alps so need to have really good tyres. So far I have been using Vredstein Wintrac Extreme tyres (235/70/16) which have worked well but are now worn down to between 4-6mm of tread depth so I was going to replace them for this coming winter. Although the tyres have been good I still have to use snow chains from time to time. I have Cooper Discoverer MS2's on my Subaru Outback and I have never had to use chains. Is this simply because the Discovery is a much heavier car or are the tyres better? What would you recommend? |
Hello, My answer would be neither.
100% Cooper winter is not better than Vredestein winter and if anything I would say an heaver car/SUV would offer more traction due to the snow been compacted down more and quicker then a lighter car/SUV.
This could be down to a few factors, simply deeper snow/worse conditions also it's a known fact narrower winter tyres perform lots better then the wider tyres.
On the outback they can use depending on year and model 215/60r16 - 225/60r16 this can make a world of difference using 215 on the out back then using 235 on the Discovery.
Thanks Chris
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You'll need to Register first of course.
You'll need to Register first of course.
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| tyremen wrote: |
@ansta1, The 17" are Continental and the 18" Vredestein
Chris |
What is the profile of the 18's?
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Hi Chris, thanks for your reply. Coopers on Outback are indeed 215 compared to 235 Vredestein's on Discovery. I use smaller wheels/tyres in the winter than summer on both vehicles for the reasons you quoted. Given that I will be replacing the winter tyres on the Discovery and could choose any manufacturer, which tyre would you recommend?
Dan. 
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@mooney058,
| Quote: |
Grabber AT is a mud tyres that can be used on road. it is not a winter tyre though! The same manufacturer has 'Snow Grabber' model - compare the pics and you will see why one is considered summer and the other as winter tyre - these have many more micro sipes (what is where snow gets trapped and snow to snow friction is what gets your traction).
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I appreciate it's not a winter tyre and therein lies the problem. The Snow Grabber has the sipes but to my eyes it isn't likely to be much use in mud. The sipes are actually of less interst to me. This isnt a vehicle for use in the Alps, but in the fields of Berkshire/Wiltshire when the temperatures are <7 degrees.
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You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
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| foxtrotzulu wrote: |
@mooney058,
| Quote: |
Grabber AT is a mud tyres that can be used on road. it is not a winter tyre though! The same manufacturer has 'Snow Grabber' model - compare the pics and you will see why one is considered summer and the other as winter tyre - these have many more micro sipes (what is where snow gets trapped and snow to snow friction is what gets your traction).
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I appreciate it's not a winter tyre and therein lies the problem. The Snow Grabber has the sipes but to my eyes it isn't likely to be much use in mud. The sipes are actually of less interst to me. This isnt a vehicle for use in the Alps, but in the fields of Berkshire/Wiltshire when the temperatures are <7 degrees. |
It is your call. If I were you, I would take a full set of Grabber AT and a full set of Snow Grabber.
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Hi Chris, bit of an uninformed viewpoint here so was wondering if you might be able to help me.
I'm getting a new car delivered through work in a couple of weeks, and am wanting to sort out winter tyres / wheels for it, but don't know anything about the wheel size at the moment (as it's all being handled by work).
What I do know is that it's a BMW 120D M-Sport, and it will be a 65 reg. Conscious that this is a really low level of info but wanting to get prepared for once the car does come.
Do you know what kind of tyres / wheels / prices I would be looking at for this?
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FAQ
