GolfGTIforum.co.uk
Model specific boards => Golf mk6 => Topic started by: Ess_Three on 13 September 2009, 12:41
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Can anyone tell me what the winter wheel & tyre size is as suggested by VW?
I'm assuming a 205/50/17 would work well enough, just wondering what the 'book' says?
Thanks,
Glen.
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205 is still pretty wide for winter really. In the snow you need narrow tyres.
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205 is still pretty wide for winter really. In the snow you need narrow tyres.
205s are about as narrow as I can find...I have 195/54/16 on my Fabia vRS for winter (205/45/16 summer)...and used to run them on my Mk3 16v Anniversary (215/40/16 summer) and never had a problem, as long as they are proper M&S tyres rated for the cold. The compound and tread design have more of a bearing than saving an extra 10-20mm in width in my experience.
My old man runs 205 wide 16" winter tyres on his Mk5 GT 170 TDI and has no issues even in deep snow up here in the frozen north.
I'm sure 205s will be fine in a car the size of a Mk6.
I just wondered what VW suggest for a Mk6?
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All I know is the narrower the better.. That's why rally cars use amazingly narrow tyres in snow conditions.
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Winter wheel size for the Mk6 GTI is 6x16 with 205/55R16 tyres. Or I guess you could use the sizes recommended for the standard Golfs - 6x15 with 195/65R15.
Info taken from Volkswagen.de configurator.
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You guys change your tyres for the winter and summer months ?
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Only if it's gonna snow properly. Which is once every 5 years here in the CO2-enriched Southeast. And then only if I have a set of suitable steels wheels and winter tyres available. Which I used to, but not anymore. Although I wished I had back in February... 225/40's and 10 inches of snow don't go together very well, but I had fun trying. :wink:
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Winter wheel size for the Mk6 GTI is 6x16 with 205/55R16 tyres. Or I guess you could use the sizes recommended for the standard Golfs - 6x15 with 195/65R15.
Info taken from Volkswagen.de configurator.
Thanks for that...same size as on the Mk5, I think. I'm sure that's what my old man runs on his Mk5 in winter.
Cheers..
I don't believe you can go smaller than a 16" wheel though as they won't clear the front brakes.
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All I know is the narrower the better.. That's why rally cars use amazingly narrow tyres in snow conditions.
But they aren't just for snow.
I tend to put 'winter' tyres on for about 4 months (Dec to Mar) as they give much better grip in snow, but also in the frost.
With the weather we get, it's probably more use in the frost than the snow...but if it wasn't worth doing, I wouldn't have been buying winter wheels and tyres for the last 10 years!
It also saves your nice shiny 18" wheels from the risks of ice caused kerbing.
Rally cars also use studded tyres...but that's not an option!
To be fair, going sidewards at 120 MPH in the snow isn't too high up my proirity list...more actually being able to get up the road outside my house...and that won't be done at speed, or sideways (I hope).
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You guys change your tyres for the winter and summer months ?
Yup.
Every daily driver for the last 10 years or so.
I wouldn't have believed the difference with proper winter tyres on had I not tried it...so every year, I change to proper winter wheels and tyres for the worst 3-4 months of the year.
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Glen, do you already have a set of winter wheels? :undecided: If not, I can dig up the official winter alloy wheels for the Mk5, or if you prefer, I'll look for some similar steels.:afro:
And for tyre sizes, probably one of the best websites for wheel and tyre conversions is this one: http://www.venommotorsports.com/library/tirewheelcalculator.asp Just enter your existing tyre and wheel sizes, and fiddle around with potential options, and it will show you all the differences for wheel revolutions, gearing etc. :cool:
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Think Im going to just go with the 17" wheels as my winter wheels. Is there any better than normal tyres for the wet winter months??
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Think Im going to just go with the 17" wheels as my winter wheels. Is there any better than normal tyres for the wet winter months??
What, as in conventional 'summer' tyres such as Mich PS2, Dunflop ShyteMaxx, Goodyear F1 Aysmm? :undecided:
Or do you mean which is the best pukka specialist winter tyre? :undecided:
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Think Im going to just go with the 17" wheels as my winter wheels. Is there any better than normal tyres for the wet winter months??
What, as in conventional 'summer' tyres such as Mich PS2, Dunflop ShyteMaxx, Goodyear F1 Aysmm? :undecided:
Or do you mean which is the best pukka specialist winter tyre? :undecided:
Yes sorry should have made that a little clearer. I have the Goodyear F1's (and Potenzas) as my summer tyres so would want something thats good for all the rain and frost we should be having this winter.
Is it worth the change i.e saving your summer tyres for the goodtimes and investing in some tyres that operate better at lower temps and dont mind a little rain??
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Glen, do you already have a set of winter wheels? :undecided: If not, I can dig up the official winter alloy wheels for the Mk5, or if you prefer, I'll look for some similar steels.:afro:
And for tyre sizes, probably one of the best websites for wheel and tyre conversions is this one: http://www.venommotorsports.com/library/tirewheelcalculator.asp Just enter your existing tyre and wheel sizes, and fiddle around with potential options, and it will show you all the differences for wheel revolutions, gearing etc. :cool:
I do not...I don't have a Mk6 either (yet!)
I do have some 195/45/16 Pirelli Snowsports which have never left me stranded in snow, or given me problems in the ice over the last 3 or 4 years (accross both the Mk3 GTI and Fabia vRS)...in fact I have been known to leave them on when it gets a little warm, as you can slide the car around really easily with them on when it gets too warm for them!
I had Toyo SnowProx before the Pirellis.
I don't think I'd run steels...a 17" set of OEM 'nice' easy to clean wheels I can live with.
I had the Spowsports on BBS RXs when I run RXIIs for summer on the Golf, and them on the standard vRS wheels when I run BBS RXs for summer...so want the car to 'look' reasonable whilst still being able to be driven.
205/50/17s seem as close as you can get, diameter and revs/mile wise...so they seem a good option, but any official info would be appreciated, thanks!
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Hmm, dont think I'll be changing anything, I never have in the past 18-20 years, If its snowing out, I'll drive, if the snow is lying the gritters do a good job out my way, if its frosty/black ice I drive like a 70 yo on a Sunday. Job done for me.
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Yes sorry should have made that a little clearer. I have the Goodyear F1's (and Potenzas) as my summer tyres so would want something thats good for all the rain and frost we should be having this winter.
Is it worth the change i.e saving your summer tyres for the goodtimes and investing in some tyres that operate better at lower temps and dont mind a little rain??
Yes, it is...if you get the temperatures to justify them. Not just the snow / slush...but if you spend months where the temperature is below 5 degees for several months, I think they are worth it. Having started swapping onto winter wheels on my daily drivers, I can't see me stopping any time soon.
I can't even get my Mk3 GTI off my lockblock driveway in the snow with it's 215/40/16 Toyo T1-Rs on...but put the Pirelli Snowsport 195/45/16s on and I can drive it anywhere (and I have tried 195/50/15 'normal' tyres instead of the Snowsports and they just don't work like winter tyres do).
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Hmm, dont think I'll be changing anything, I never have in the past 18-20 years, If its snowing out, I'll drive, if the snow is lying the gritters do a good job out my way, if its frosty/black ice I drive like a 70 yo on a Sunday. Job done for me.
Probably depends where you live in the UK.
Southerners don't get winters (south of Hadrians wall) so they probably don't need winter tyres. Up here in the frozen, rural, north you do, if you want to go anywhere.
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Hmm, dont think I'll be changing anything, I never have in the past 18-20 years, If its snowing out, I'll drive, if the snow is lying the gritters do a good job out my way, if its frosty/black ice I drive like a 70 yo on a Sunday. Job done for me.
Probably depends where you live in the UK.
Southerners don't get winters (south of Hadrians wall) so they probably don't need winter tyres. Up here in the frozen, rural, north you do, if you want to go anywhere.
I'm in Glasgow. Can get bad at times, but not as bad as up north.
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Im in Leeds... it rains quite alot and is relatively hilly (is that even a word??) :smiley:
p.s. my first visit to scotland today!! :laugh:
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Im in Leeds... it rains quite alot and is relatively hilly (is that even a word??) :smiley:
p.s. my first visit to scotland today!! :laugh:
Don't forget your Passport. :grin:
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Im in Leeds... it rains quite alot and is relatively hilly (is that even a word??) :smiley:
p.s. my first visit to scotland today!! :laugh:
Don't forget your Passport. :grin:
I hope thats a joke :huh:
:shocked:
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and your warm socks and waterproofs :smiley:
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I'm in Glasgow. Can get bad at times, but not as bad as up north.
You get winters as you say, but being West Coast, you are normally warmer than the East (Gulf Stream and all)...
Also depends on whether you have to drive on roads that aren't maintained (gritted, ploughed etc) as is the case in the Eye-bur-deen area.
Gritters traditionally appear in time for the last of the thaw.
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p.s. my first visit to scotland today!! :laugh:
How was it for you?
Did you escape OK? :grin:
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and your warm socks and waterproofs :smiley:
Ho-ho-ho...
But on the flip side, you won't need Ori-nasal masks for the smog since the air is as pure as it comes (well, maybe not down in Weegie-land) and there are some of the best roads in the world to drive on, with hardly any traffic.
Swings and roundabouts!
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p.s. my first visit to scotland today!! :laugh:
How was it for you?
Did you escape OK? :grin:
I havent left yet!! :laugh:
Leaving at 3 :wink:
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p.s. my first visit to scotland today!! :laugh:
How was it for you?
Did you escape OK? :grin:
I havent left yet!! :laugh:
Leaving at 3 :wink:
Need some suggestions for a nice route? :tongue:
You in East or West?
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Need some suggestions for a nice route? :tongue:
You in East or West?
NE, just north of Aberdeen.
As for a route, if you want to research a cracker...try heading for Blairgowrie, then over Glenshee to Braemar, then towards Ballater, head over the Lecht on the infamous Cockbridge to Tomintoull road, then Grantown...you are then deep in Whisky country...just drive anywhere round there. It's sublime.
Cockbridge-Tomintoull, probably the best road i've found in the UK:
(http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z72/Ess_Three/Car10.jpg)
Even in winter, us northern types attack it with enthusiasm...
(http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z72/Ess_Three/DSCF1046.jpg)
For a really good drive, from there, head for Inverness, via Carrbridge/Aviemore, go down the side of Loch Ness and pick up some of the sublime West Coast roads back down towards Glasgow.
Aww...those pictures are making me sorry to be stuck offshore!
Anyway, I digress...
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Need some suggestions for a nice route? :tongue:
You in East or West?
NE, just north of Aberdeen.
As for a route, if you want to research a cracker...try heading for Blairgowrie, then over Glenshee to Braemar, then towards Ballater, head over the Lecht on the infamous Cockbridge to Tomintoull road, then Grantown...you are then deep in Whisky country...just drive anywhere round there. It's sublime.
Cockbridge-Tomintoull, probably the best road i've found in the UK:
Even in winter, us northern types attack it with enthusiasm...
For a really good drive, from there, head for Inverness, via Carrbridge/Aviemore, go down the side of Loch Ness and pick up some of the sublime West Coast roads back down towards Glasgow.
Aww...those pictures are making me sorry to be stuck offshore!
Anyway, I digress...
That's amazing. Guess what I'm doing the first dry weekend of October! :
I'll butt out since i'm taking you off-topic :lipsrsealed:
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That's amazing. Guess what I'm doing the first dry weekend of October! :
I'll butt out since i'm taking you off-topic :lipsrsealed:
Following the road on from the photo, just over the hill, is the Lecht Ski Centre.
Just behind is a 1/6 hill up from Corgarff Castle.
I suggest you drive to the Lecht, pull in, cool off, turn round and drive it the other way too.
Do that over and over until the fun police in the passenger seat sells you that you are sad and should stop.
Multi-map it...hours and hours worth of brilliant scenery and roads, properly in the wilds.
Good fun. Great road. Summer or winter - weather or tyres (see what I did there? :rolleyes: Back on topic! :grin: )
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WOW!!! that some awsome roads right there. Im only going to edinburgh for one night so I doubt Im gonna get to tackle those roads... but if i was I would just have to take the R with the weather you guys are used to! :smiley:
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WOW!!! that some awsome roads right there. Im only going to edinburgh for one night so I doubt Im gonna get to tackle those roads... but if i was I would just have to take the R with the weather you guys are used to! :smiley:
The R would be unstoppable on roads like that...my S3 was (once it had proper suspension on), as long as it's not too low.
I buffed the sump on the S3 with an 'enthusiastic' drive up over Glenshee chasing a re-mapped & modified 2.7TT S4.
From Blairgowrie to Glenshee we pulled 9 mins on the rest of the group (A4s, RS4s, RS6s, S3s included).
If you have the kahoonas, you can go seriously quick on some great roads.
The ITR was brilliant on them...but the 996 a tad low and wide...I was always worried for the front spoiler, the S3 was just devastating on them.
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I can imagine! thats why I have always felt a car of the similar size of the golf is all you really need on everyday roads and even the ones you have posted pics of.
S3 tuned or R32 turbo'd would be perfect to show up other more expensive car as many journos have pointed out even the Focus RS does when driven hard over these kind of roads. I sometimes think that all this talk of silly bhp numbers is a little far fetched when lets be honest you can only use so many in your daily 0-30 dash(0-70 if your lucky).
I cetrainly think that when I have the financial means and time I would op for a full on track car (super 7 or something) and daily driver such as the Golf everytime over a 'look at me' ferrari everytime (unless its on its way to a track :grin:).
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Wow that brings back memories of when I lived in the granite City (Aberdeen) often went to the Lecht for a spot of skiing, and that journey is totally awesome. :laugh:
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I would op for a full on track car (super 7 or something) and daily driver such as the Golf
+1.
Even the basic 1.4 Caterham 7 does 0-60 in 6.4 seconds (ish). Fast enough for me.
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Just got back!! :cool:
Awesome place :cool: Some really scary roads on the way there (A68)... and edinburgh is just a fabulous place. Shame I was only there for one night. Often stayed away from colder places but the weather this morning was clear blue skies and sunshine.
Definately going to go back sometime soon! Lucky people living somewhere with roads like that :smiley:
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Summer performance Tyres lose their edge once below 7'C so winter Tyres are actually a very intelligent choice from mid Nov thru Mar. The grip offered on dry roads is quite surprising, you'd expect them to be all mush and slidey but at low temps they will match a summer tyre it surpass it. At zero and below they are as good as a summer tyre at 10-15'c temps, in snow unsurpassed bar proper snow tyres and chains. Chech out www.mytyres.co.uk for winter tyre options
vredstein wintracs are reportedly very very good, pirelli snowpro and Michelin alpin are Porsche approved and excellent in snow as well as rain n cold
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I still find the thought of changing tyres for the summer and winter months particularly funny. Are we road drivers or F1 drivers ?
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I still find the thought of changing tyres for the summer and winter months particularly funny. Are we road drivers or F1 drivers ?
Try it...and you will know.
Ever driven on Toyo R888s or Yoko A008s on a warm road or trackday?
If you had, you'd know the difference compound makes when matched to the conditions.
Ever driven a track on slicks?
Again, if you had, you'd not want to drive on a dry track without them.
Ever driven a hot Hatch on a road at 1-2 degrees on winter tyres?
If you had, you be looking to fit them.
It makes THAT much difference.
You don't need to be a F1 driver...any driver with a pulse will spot the difference immediately.
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I still find the thought of changing tyres for the summer and winter months particularly funny. Are we road drivers or F1 drivers ?
Try it...and you will know.
Ever driven on Toyo R888s or Yoko A008s on a warm road or trackday?
If you had, you'd know the difference compound makes when matched to the conditions.
Ever driven a track on slicks?
Again, if you had, you'd not want to drive on a dry track without them.
Ever driven a hot Hatch on a road at 1-2 degrees on winter tyres?
If you had, you be looking to fit them.
It makes THAT much difference.
You don't need to be a F1 driver...any driver with a pulse will spot the difference immediately.
Sorry thats not what i mean, i mean how is everyone driving or how fast is everyone driving to need these different tyres. Yes in snow conditions they may/will help, but weve hardly got snow for months at a time.
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I still find the thought of changing tyres for the summer and winter months particularly funny. Are we road drivers or F1 drivers ?
Try it...and you will know.
Ever driven on Toyo R888s or Yoko A008s on a warm road or trackday?
If you had, you'd know the difference compound makes when matched to the conditions.
Ever driven a track on slicks?
Again, if you had, you'd not want to drive on a dry track without them.
Ever driven a hot Hatch on a road at 1-2 degrees on winter tyres?
If you had, you be looking to fit them.
It makes THAT much difference.
You don't need to be a F1 driver...any driver with a pulse will spot the difference immediately.
Sorry thats not what i mean, i mean how is everyone driving or how fast is everyone driving to need these different tyres. Yes in snow conditions they may/will help, but weve hardly got snow for months at a time.
I think S3's point was that if you use the correct tyres for the correct conditions, they will be a million miles more effective that the best tyres used in the incorrect conditions.
Its not about speed, but about grip, which is only really used to its full when driving hard.... or most importantly braking!
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I still find the thought of changing tyres for the summer and winter months particularly funny. Are we road drivers or F1 drivers ?
Try it...and you will know.
Ever driven on Toyo R888s or Yoko A008s on a warm road or trackday?
If you had, you'd know the difference compound makes when matched to the conditions.
Ever driven a track on slicks?
Again, if you had, you'd not want to drive on a dry track without them.
Ever driven a hot Hatch on a road at 1-2 degrees on winter tyres?
If you had, you be looking to fit them.
It makes THAT much difference.
You don't need to be a F1 driver...any driver with a pulse will spot the difference immediately.
Sorry thats not what i mean, i mean how is everyone driving or how fast is everyone driving to need these different tyres. Yes in snow conditions they may/will help, but weve hardly got snow for months at a time.
I think S3's point was that if you use the correct tyres for the correct conditions, they will be a million miles more effective that the best tyres used in the incorrect conditions.
Its not about speed, but about grip, which is only really used to its full when driving hard.... or most importantly braking!
spot on R32 - i ran Goodyear Eagle F1's last winter and the grip when it got cold was shocking to say the least and that was just at normal pace!!
Can't afford winter tyres so i'm hoping the new Assymetrics are a tad better in the colder months :undecided:
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Sorry thats not what i mean, i mean how is everyone driving or how fast is everyone driving to need these different tyres. Yes in snow conditions they may/will help, but weve hardly got snow for months at a time.
I for one like to drive pretty hard...not in the snow naturally, but I do like to not get stuck.
Changing to winter tyres in December means you get rid of the cold road induced wheelspin you get with 'all weather' tyres, and it's more like driving in summer again with more grip...so back road journeys from December to Match sort of time, when it's cold but dry and not snowy/icyy are back to being fun!
The flip side being, if it's really cold I have more grip 'cos the compound is still working down to zero and below...and if it's snowy I can actually get some forward motion - which is nice.
I have only not fitted winter tyres one year in the last 8 or so, and after being stuck in the driveway several times, i'll make sure I don't get caught again.
If you don't get the weather, or live in a city where the roads are cleared properly...it's probably not worth it.
I don't live in a city...and the roads don't get cleared...so for me, it's worth it.
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I think S3's point was that if you use the correct tyres for the correct conditions, they will be a million miles more effective that the best tyres used in the incorrect conditions.
Its not about speed, but about grip, which is only really used to its full when driving hard.... or most importantly braking!
That's how I would have like to have put it! :nerd:
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I for one will be making the change to winter tyres for my 17" wheels. Last year we had about 5 days of snow in total, and it was difficult enough getting to work in the R32. Getting moving wasnt the problem... stopping was!!
I would imagine in a FWD car its going to be slightly more eventful :laugh:
Although I will probably go for a good allround winter tyre that operates well at low temperatures, grips well in the wet, and is ok for small amounts of snow/frost if there is any.
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I for one will be making the change to winter tyres for my 17" wheels. Last year we had about 5 days of snow in total, and it was difficult enough getting to work in the R32. Getting moving wasnt the problem... stopping was!!
I would imagine in a FWD car its going to be slightly more eventful :laugh:
Although I will probably go for a good allround winter tyre that operates well at low temperatures, grips well in the wet, and is ok for small amounts of snow/frost if there is any.
Both Pirelli Snowcat and Toyo SnowProx are good.
I notice Toyo do SnowProx in 225/40/18s!
Eek!
Better compound...but still pretty wide for the white stuff...and with such a low profile if you do slide off...I'd be worried about bending the wheel/suspension.
I think a 17" wheel with slightly narrower M&S tyre will give ther grip that's needed but with a bit more protection for the wheel and suspension...so I'd say you are spot on with the 17s. At least it'll not look too odd either.
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Fair doo's, you guys obviously have much more of a reason to change because of your weather conditions.
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Fair doo's, you guys obviously have much more of a reason to change because of your weather conditions.
I don't call them 'winter tyres', just plain 'tyres'... :laugh:
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Fair doo's, you guys obviously have much more of a reason to change because of your weather conditions.
I don't call them 'winter tyres', just plain 'tyres'... :laugh:
You guys have too much money then if you get them changed twice a year. How much does the change cost out of interest ?
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I had my standard alloys fitted with Continental something-or-other winter tyres which lasted several years. The original tyres were worn out, so didn't cost very much at all. It's actually required by law in some northern European countries to have and use winter tyres in the winter months.
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So what do you guys do, lump your 4 tyres to a garage and have them fit them to your wheels twice a year ? Surely you guys know how much it costs if so many people do it.
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Forgot to mention, I also had larger alloys which I used the rest of the year. So two sets of wheels/tyres.
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You guys defo have too much money.
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So what do you guys do, lump your 4 tyres to a garage and have them fit them to your wheels twice a year ? Surely you guys know how much it costs if so many people do it.
It's simple...
You trawl the used ads or eBay and pick up a set of OEM wheels cheap - some Mk5/6 compatible 17" wheels on the 'bay for £250...then buy new winter tyres.
The winter tyres are on for 3 months or so...so they last 3-4 years easily at the sort of miles I do, as you are driving a bit less aggressively etc.
The money you spend to buy the winter wheels/tyres is easily offset by not wheelspinning your 'normal' tyres away, not kerbing/risking them on ice, and by actually getting to where you want to go, whenever you want to go there.
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You guys defo have too much money.
As s3 said above. If your still doing the same number of miles then its not really a waste of money but the complete opposite. Consider it an investment in your saftey :wink: :smiley:
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I had a horrible episode 2 years ago driving my Astra SRi, I came down a slight snow covered incline,hit some ice whacked off a fence, shot across the road and ended up on an embankment with a stoved in front end, not to mention a huge laundry bill!!!lol. My question is "would winter tyres have saved me from this?" I hate driving in snow now and will do almost anything not to have to, had thought of snow socks but if you guys think winter tyres would help....Thanks
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I had a horrible episode 2 years ago driving my Astra SRi, I came down a slight snow covered incline,hit some ice whacked off a fence, shot across the road and ended up on an embankment with a stoved in front end, not to mention a huge laundry bill!!!lol. My question is "would winter tyres have saved me from this?" I hate driving in snow now and will do almost anything not to have to, had thought of snow socks but if you guys think winter tyres would help....Thanks
Nothing grips ice dude, and unless you got spikes I very much doubt much will grip snow on inclines either (although someone will be along soon to correct me no doubt) - I doubt much would have saved you that day.
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I did a lot of driving on the continent for work about ten years ago and had Volvo V70 AWD's. The difference between normal and winter tyres in snow conditions is unreal. With the snow tyres you can drive the car as you would normally (within reason). If i lived in an area prone to snow (highlands etc) then I would defo have a set.
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I had a horrible episode 2 years ago driving my Astra SRi, I came down a slight snow covered incline,hit some ice whacked off a fence, shot across the road and ended up on an embankment with a stoved in front end, not to mention a huge laundry bill!!!lol. My question is "would winter tyres have saved me from this?" I hate driving in snow now and will do almost anything not to have to, had thought of snow socks but if you guys think winter tyres would help....Thanks
Nothing grips ice dude, and unless you got spikes I very much doubt much will grip snow on inclines either (although someone will be along soon to correct me no doubt) - I doubt much would have saved you that day.
As you say, nothing grips ice...so you'd quite probably still have stuffed it.
Hevever, pay close attention to the tread on winter tyres and you will see lots of little cuts and grooves. They all rub together creating heat...so with a compound that is designed to still be grippy below zero, and tyres that almost create heat and melt the ice...you'd be surprised how much grip you will find, over standard tyres.
Snow/winter tyres can't defy physics...but they can give you a fighting chance.
Not everyone will need them. But it's funny that those who have tried them, swear by them.
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Thanx for your comments, will may well give some winter tyres a go this year. Will keep an eye on the forecasts for this area, sometimes out on the moors the snowfall can be up to 4-5 feet deep.
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If i lived in an area prone to snow (highlands etc) then I would defo have a set.
That was kinda my point..... Not many people will need a set, but many might want a set. There's a difference :nerd:
I don't call them 'winter tyres', just plain 'tyres'... :laugh:
Very few people will live in an area where it's essential to run winter tyres. I'm in Western Scotland and even my stupid 215/35 R18 tyres were ok last winter, which was particularly cold & frosty.
I suggust you folk adapt your driving style, not hope 'winter tyres' will allow you to charge about like your hair is on fire when it's a rainy/icy mid-winter night.
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If i lived in an area prone to snow (highlands etc) then I would defo have a set.
That was kinda my point..... Not many people will need a set, but many might want a set. There's a difference :nerd:
I don't call them 'winter tyres', just plain 'tyres'... :laugh:
Very few people will live in an area where it's essential to run winter tyres. I'm in Western Scotland and even my stupid 215/35 R18 tyres were ok last winter, which was particularly cold & frosty.
I suggust you folk adapt your driving style, not hope 'winter tyres' will allow you to charge about like your hair is on fire when it's a rainy/icy mid-winter night.
+1
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Ok, this may be a bit of an extreme comparison, but has anyone watched the fantastic program, Ice Road Truckers ? If not, these guys have their Trucks march across Canada on ice (frozen rivers/lakes etc) snow and almost arctic conditions with their spiked and I'd expect winter tyres that are build for those conditions. Even then, these guys are not saved by them, you still see them slide around and cant in some instances pick up speed and slow down and they drive
If these guys cant, what makes a GTI with a winter tyre and drivers with very little experience in those driving conditions fair any better ?
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Ok, this may be a bit of an extreme comparison, but has anyone watched the fantastic program, Ice Road Truckers ? If not, these guys have their Trucks march across Canada on ice (frozen rivers/lakes etc) snow and almost arctic conditions with their spiked and I'd expect winter tyres that are build for those conditions. Even then, these guys are not saved by them, you still see them slide around and cant in some instances pick up speed and slow down and they drive
If these guys cant, what makes a GTI with a winter tyre and drivers with very little experience in those driving conditions fair any better ?
You can throw arguments about all day long based on no experience and hypothetical examples...
Those who live in areas where the average temperature is around zero for weeks/months on end, and where it snows, and where the roads aren't cleared will not get out of their driveway with 'summer' compound 225 wide sledges fitted to their FWD Golf.
Been there, tried that...fitted Winter tyres and the problem goes away.
You can drive however you like...but if the grip isn't there, no amount of smart arsed driving is going to find it...
If it's there, and you have tyres that are actually designed to make the best use of it...you have a fighting chance.
This is from experience, not hypothetical examples or internet theorising.
Perhaps out continental cousins set rules about using winter tyres (and have the corresponding drop in accidents) because it's all good craic?
No?
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Ok, this may be a bit of an extreme comparison, but has anyone watched the fantastic program, Ice Road Truckers ? If not, these guys have their Trucks march across Canada on ice (frozen rivers/lakes etc) snow and almost arctic conditions with their spiked and I'd expect winter tyres that are build for those conditions. Even then, these guys are not saved by them, you still see them slide around and cant in some instances pick up speed and slow down and they drive
If these guys cant, what makes a GTI with a winter tyre and drivers with very little experience in those driving conditions fair any better ?
You can throw arguments about all day long based on no experience and hypothetical examples...
Those who live in areas where the average temperature is around zero for weeks/months on end, and where it snows, and where the roads aren't cleared will not get out of their driveway with 'summer' compound 225 wide sledges fitted to their FWD Golf.
Been there, tried that...fitted Winter tyres and the problem goes away.
You can drive however you like...but if the grip isn't there, no amount of smart arsed driving is going to find it...
If it's there, and you have tyres that are actually designed to make the best use of it...you have a fighting chance.
This is from experience, not hypothetical examples or internet theorising.
Perhaps out continental cousins set rules about using winter tyres (and have the corresponding drop in accidents) because it's all good craic?
No?
Slow down there numb nuts, why dont you answer my question since you replied. Ice/Snow/arctic condion truckers cant do what you can on your fancy winter tyres, why is that ? As i have no experience and you do, I look forward to your informative wanky repsonse.
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Slow down there numb nuts, why dont you answer my question since you replied. Ice/Snow/arctic condion truckers cant do what you can on your fancy winter tyres, why is that ? As i have no experience and you do, I look forward to your informative wanky repsonse.
Well done Kev...lost the moral high ground and made yourself look a complete tit.
Resorting to insults...pretty poor retort. I expected better.
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Take alot more to stop an artic than a golf
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Slow down there numb nuts, why dont you answer my question since you replied. Ice/Snow/arctic condion truckers cant do what you can on your fancy winter tyres, why is that ? As i have no experience and you do, I look forward to your informative wanky repsonse.
Well done Kev...lost the moral high ground and made yourself look a complete tit.
Resorting to insults...pretty poor retort. I expected better.
Dont expect better from me my friend, I say exactly what I want and never try to be someone I'm not.
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Dont expect better from me my friend, I say exactly what I want and never try to be someone I'm not.
That's becoming clear...I would rather you be exactly as you are rather than some fake - you'll be respected more that way.
But extend me the courtesy of doing the same...and voicing my opinions as I see them?
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What does all this have to do with a 'Winter Tyres' thread..?
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Dont expect better from me my friend, I say exactly what I want and never try to be someone I'm not.
That's becoming clear...I would rather you be exactly as you are rather than some fake - you'll be respected more that way.
But extend me the courtesy of doing the same...and voicing my opinions as I see them?
Your right. Apologies.
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What does all this have to do with a 'Winter Tyres' thread..?
And what does your post have to do with it too ?
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Your right. Apologies.
Just promise not to stop?
'Work' would not be nearly as much fun without a healthy debate here and there...
Now, can we all agree the Golf GTI is a shopping car now?
(I'll get my coat!) :embarassed:
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What does all this have to do with a 'Winter Tyres' thread..?
And what does your post have to do with it too ?
I'll get my coat and head back to MKV section :lipsrsealed:
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Your right. Apologies.
'Work' would not be nearly as much fun without a healthy debate here and there...
Now, can we all agree the Golf GTI is a shopping car now?
(I'll get my coat!) :embarassed:
wrong thread!!! but ageed on the work thing!
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Well, I'll throw a spanner in the works..... The GTi is really a roundabout car, as we use it for going round roundabouts. So clearly the shopping bit is false.
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Well, I'll throw a spanner in the works..... The GTi is really a roundabout car, as we use it for going round roundabouts. So clearly the shopping bit is false.
:grin:
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I for one will be making the change to winter tyres for my 17" wheels. Last year we had about 5 days of snow in total, and it was difficult enough getting to work in the R32. Getting moving wasnt the problem... stopping was!!
I would imagine in a FWD car its going to be slightly more eventful :laugh:
So just think how shockingly incompetent a rear wheel drive beemer or merc would be! :sick:
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why dont you answer my question since you replied. Ice/Snow/arctic condion truckers cant do what you can on your fancy winter tyres, why is that ?
The reason why SOME of the drivers went off the road, or had big slides was simply because some of the trucks wern't using snow chains - whereas others were. The three 'old timers', Hugh Rowland (I've actually been to his neck of the woods :wink: :cool:), Alex Debagorski (sp?), and the other one, 'Bear' sommat - all used appropriate traction aiding devices. It was the younger upstarts, or those who had little experience of driving on the ice, like TJ Tilcox and Rick Yemm who had 'issues' with grip. :nerd: