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Model specific boards => Golf mk7 => Topic started by: mcmaddy on 27 June 2020, 13:14

Title: All season tyres, which ones?
Post by: mcmaddy on 27 June 2020, 13:14
I'm going down the route of all season tyres for use in the colder months and wondered which all season tyres people have used and recommend. I've seen the tyre reviews youtube where the top three are Michelin Crossclimate+, Goodyear vector 4 season gen2 and the Conti all season. Living in the North East the temperatures are usually that bit colder than down south but we don't really see that much snow so full winter tyres have been discounted. Anyone using either of the three tyres above?
Title: Re: All season tyres, which ones?
Post by: monkeyhanger on 27 June 2020, 13:59
I'm going down the route of all season tyres for use in the colder months and wondered which all season tyres people have used and recommend. I've seen the tyre reviews youtube where the top three are Michelin Crossclimate+, Goodyear vector 4 season gen2 and the Conti all season. Living in the North East the temperatures are usually that bit colder than down south but we don't really see that much snow so full winter tyres have been discounted. Anyone using either of the three tyres above?

How soon do you want these Chris? Costco are as cheap ss anywhere for Michelins and they have their discount promo on right now (that comes around every 9-12 weeks).
Title: Re: All season tyres, which ones?
Post by: mcmaddy on 27 June 2020, 14:29
I'm going to buy the other wheels tomorrow. Just not sure which ones to buy really.
Title: Re: All season tyres, which ones?
Post by: Watts on 27 June 2020, 16:40
I'm going to buy the other wheels tomorrow. Just not sure which ones to buy really.

Which wheels are you going for?
Title: Re: All season tyres, which ones?
Post by: Panelpin on 27 June 2020, 16:44
I put the continental all weather tyres on last sept , I am very impressed , they are quiet ,  fuel economy was up by a couple of mpg , I go into north wales a lot  driven in snow a few times , no problems at all
Title: Re: All season tyres, which ones?
Post by: barrym381 on 27 June 2020, 16:44
Has your car arrived yet I remember you saying it was getting cancelled if it hadn’t arrived by the end of the month
Title: Re: All season tyres, which ones?
Post by: mcmaddy on 27 June 2020, 17:39
Has your car arrived yet I remember you saying it was getting cancelled if it hadn’t arrived by the end of the month
no still not arrived  :sad:
Title: Re: All season tyres, which ones?
Post by: mcmaddy on 27 June 2020, 17:40
I'm going to buy the other wheels tomorrow. Just not sure which ones to buy really.

Which wheels are you going for?
I'm buying a pristine set of Belvederes.
Title: Re: All season tyres, which ones?
Post by: Kingy25 on 27 June 2020, 17:46
I put Michelin cross climates on my wife’s Beetle. She has commuted (trans Pennine) to Heathrow from the Peak District so had snow, ice etc. They have been very good. Both comfy and wear very well.
I also had them on a company car when I travelled to Scotland and the North East throughout winter. They were impressive. Not (by a long way) as good as full winters, but an excellent compromise if you only want one set of tyres.
Both cars were 18” so suited the available all season sizes.
I have a Golf R on 19” and did look at all season (very limited in 19’s) so have decided to go with full winters Nov to March as a local tyre place will price match and store tyres if you switch them at least once a year. Mind you, by then I may have sourced a second set of wheels as I’ve nearly bought a few sets but can’t decide which I like!
Title: Re: All season tyres, which ones?
Post by: mcmaddy on 27 June 2020, 18:32
I think all season tyres on a second set will be just fine for me.
Title: Re: All season tyres, which ones?
Post by: Paul70 on 27 June 2020, 19:42
I really like my Michelin CrossClimate + tyres but I have never tried another brand of all season tyres so cannot compare. Saying that I liked my PS4s on a previous golf and I know you don’t rate them but the CC+ are based on a summer tyre and I personally find them responsive for what they are.
Title: Re: All season tyres, which ones?
Post by: Kingy25 on 28 June 2020, 00:10
I think all season tyres on a second set will be just fine for me.

If you are running two wheel sets surely one set on summer and one set on winter is the perfect combination? All season are great if just running one set of wheels all year round. As good as all seasons are (I’ve run cross climates and Pirelli all seasons) they are designed as a compromise for all year use if you just run one set of wheels.
The wife’s last car (Mazda 2) had x2 sets of wheels so ran conti winters on the second set and their ability in the snow/ice in the Peaks was amazing. The car would go anywhere it had clearance and was better than the BMW X3 we had with Pirelli All Seasons on despite being front wheel drive whilst the BMW used their x drive system.
Title: Re: All season tyres, which ones?
Post by: mcmaddy on 28 June 2020, 08:13
I think all season tyres on a second set will be just fine for me.

If you are running two wheel sets surely one set on summer and one set on winter is the perfect combination? All season are great if just running one set of wheels all year round. As good as all seasons are (I’ve run cross climates and Pirelli all seasons) they are designed as a compromise for all year use if you just run one set of wheels.
The wife’s last car (Mazda 2) had x2 sets of wheels so ran conti winters on the second set and their ability in the snow/ice in the Peaks was amazing. The car would go anywhere it had clearance and was better than the BMW X3 we had with Pirelli All Seasons on despite being front wheel drive whilst the BMW used their x drive system.
could be right to be honest. Currently looking at full winters too 👍
Title: Re: All season tyres, which ones?
Post by: Paul70 on 28 June 2020, 11:56
Based on your previous posts subjective handling is an important requirement for you. As the previous posts states its all about compromise so perhaps full winter tyres whilst providing stunning traction and grip may not be as nice to drive especially as temperatures creep up, so a key factor is how much traction do you need? Ive used cross climates in the alps for the last 3 years and they have been faultless in all weather conditions. They provided grip even on sheet ice with the appropriate throttle modulation. Of course they are not as good as full winters but they do a bloody good job and drive really well.
Title: Re: All season tyres, which ones?
Post by: martin998877 on 28 June 2020, 12:33
I really like my Michelin CrossClimate + tyres but I have never tried another brand of all season tyres so cannot compare. Saying that I liked my PS4s on a previous golf and I know you don’t rate them but the CC+ are based on a summer tyre and I personally find them responsive for what they are.

I'm finding my crossclimate's good too, very quiet compared to my previous tyres and good handling in the dry and wet.
Title: Re: All season tyres, which ones?
Post by: Guzzle on 28 June 2020, 12:56
I'm sure the all season tyres are very good, i've read many a review praising them. But i'm not sure I would want to incur the outlay and the hassle of a second set of wheels if I wasn't going to get the benefit of a full winter tyre. The difference between my Pilot Alpin 4's and the Bridgestone's is night and day in winter driving conditions. Winter tyres aren't just for snow, the softer rubber compound sets them apart from all season tyres. Anything sub 7°C is ideal for the winters, which for me is about 5 to 6 months of the year for the time of day when i'm traveling to and from work.

If the all season tyres are good enough for winter use, then surely they're good enough for summer use too? They exist to give you better performance than a summer tyre in winter, and better performance than a winter tyre in summer. If that's all you want then all season tyres will be fine. But they won't match either the summer or the winter tyre in the respective seasons they were designed for.
Title: Re: All season tyres, which ones?
Post by: Paul70 on 28 June 2020, 14:08
I'm sure the all season tyres are very good, i've read many a review praising them. But i'm not sure I would want to incur the outlay and the hassle of a second set of wheels if I wasn't going to get the benefit of a full winter tyre. The difference between my Pilot Alpin 4's and the Bridgestone's is night and day in winter driving conditions. Winter tyres aren't just for snow, the softer rubber compound sets them apart from all season tyres. Anything sub 7°C is ideal for the winters, which for me is about 5 to 6 months of the year for the time of day when i'm traveling to and from work.

If the all season tyres are good enough for winter use, then surely they're good enough for summer use too? They exist to give you better performance than a summer tyre in winter, and better performance than a winter tyre in summer. If that's all you want then all season tyres will be fine. But they won't match either the summer or the winter tyre in the respective seasons they were designed for.


I fully agree with all of the points you’ve raised. Perhaps, I was not clear in my point of view, so let me clarify.

Winter tyres are better than all season in winter, I am not trying to suggest otherwise. Most summer tyres are better than the CC+ in summer. This last point is my personal view (not scientific), I preferred the feel of the CC+ compared to the S001 when I replaced them last autumn, but Ive no doubt the S001 would be quicker against the stopwatch in warm and dry conditions.

My point is that in most driving conditions during UK winter months the CC+ would be as good as a full winter, the difference would be minor in the 5 degree wet road conditions you mentioned but the trade off is they have the dynamics of a summer tyre so will mostly likely feel nicer when driving, which is a key factor when you own a high performance golf. In more extreme climates in the UK,  I would recommend winters every time but the Sunderland area does not have an extreme climate.

I am of course biased as I have two sets of wheels, one with CC+ tyres and the other with CUP 2s.
Title: Re: All season tyres, which ones?
Post by: mcmaddy on 28 June 2020, 14:25
Based on your previous posts subjective handling is an important requirement for you. As the previous posts states its all about compromise so perhaps full winter tyres whilst providing stunning traction and grip may not be as nice to drive especially as temperatures creep up, so a key factor is how much traction do you need? Ive used cross climates in the alps for the last 3 years and they have been faultless in all weather conditions. They provided grip even on sheet ice with the appropriate throttle modulation. Of course they are not as good as full winters but they do a bloody good job and drive really well.
cheers 👍👍
Title: Re: All season tyres, which ones?
Post by: mcmaddy on 28 June 2020, 14:31
I'm sure the all season tyres are very good, i've read many a review praising them. But i'm not sure I would want to incur the outlay and the hassle of a second set of wheels if I wasn't going to get the benefit of a full winter tyre. The difference between my Pilot Alpin 4's and the Bridgestone's is night and day in winter driving conditions. Winter tyres aren't just for snow, the softer rubber compound sets them apart from all season tyres. Anything sub 7°C is ideal for the winters, which for me is about 5 to 6 months of the year for the time of day when i'm traveling to and from work.

If the all season tyres are good enough for winter use, then surely they're good enough for summer use too? They exist to give you better performance than a summer tyre in winter, and better performance than a winter tyre in summer. If that's all you want then all season tyres will be fine. But they won't match either the summer or the winter tyre in the respective seasons they were designed for.


I fully agree with all of the points you’ve raised. Perhaps, I was not clear in my point of view, so let me clarify.

Winter tyres are better than all season in winter, I am not trying to suggest otherwise. Most summer tyres are better than the CC+ in summer. This last point is my personal view (not scientific), I preferred the feel of the CC+ compared to the S001 when I replaced them last autumn, but Ive no doubt the S001 would be quicker against the stopwatch in warm and dry conditions.

My point is that in most driving conditions during UK winter months the CC+ would be as good as a full winter, the difference would be minor in the 5 degree wet road conditions you mentioned but the trade off is they have the dynamics of a summer tyre so will mostly likely feel nicer when driving, which is a key factor when you own a high performance golf. In more extreme climates in the UK,  I would recommend winters every time but the Sunderland area does not have an extreme climate.

I am of course biased as I have two sets of wheels, one with CC+ tyres and the other with CUP 2s.
with Sunderland being a seaside city so to speak it's got to be a very heavy snowfall for it to lie for any great length of time. Wet roads and surface slush are more likely 👍. To be perfectly honest I'm sure any winter or all season will be better in the cold than the standard bridgestones even though I haven't had any major issues with them.
Title: Re: All season tyres, which ones?
Post by: Guzzle on 28 June 2020, 15:11
I'm sure the all season tyres are very good, i've read many a review praising them. But i'm not sure I would want to incur the outlay and the hassle of a second set of wheels if I wasn't going to get the benefit of a full winter tyre. The difference between my Pilot Alpin 4's and the Bridgestone's is night and day in winter driving conditions. Winter tyres aren't just for snow, the softer rubber compound sets them apart from all season tyres. Anything sub 7°C is ideal for the winters, which for me is about 5 to 6 months of the year for the time of day when i'm traveling to and from work.

If the all season tyres are good enough for winter use, then surely they're good enough for summer use too? They exist to give you better performance than a summer tyre in winter, and better performance than a winter tyre in summer. If that's all you want then all season tyres will be fine. But they won't match either the summer or the winter tyre in the respective seasons they were designed for.


I fully agree with all of the points you’ve raised. Perhaps, I was not clear in my point of view, so let me clarify.

Winter tyres are better than all season in winter, I am not trying to suggest otherwise. Most summer tyres are better than the CC+ in summer. This last point is my personal view (not scientific), I preferred the feel of the CC+ compared to the S001 when I replaced them last autumn, but Ive no doubt the S001 would be quicker against the stopwatch in warm and dry conditions.

My point is that in most driving conditions during UK winter months the CC+ would be as good as a full winter, the difference would be minor in the 5 degree wet road conditions you mentioned but the trade off is they have the dynamics of a summer tyre so will mostly likely feel nicer when driving, which is a key factor when you own a high performance golf. In more extreme climates in the UK,  I would recommend winters every time but the Sunderland area does not have an extreme climate.

I am of course biased as I have two sets of wheels, one with CC+ tyres and the other with CUP 2s.

Yes I see your point. Of course there is a degree of subjectivity and circumstance. All season tyres have come a long way over the past 5 years or so, and they can be ideal for those that only run one set of tyres all year round. What I am saying is that it if you are going to get a second set of wheels, this comes with a large financial outlay, you also need space to store them, and the hassle of swapping them over twice a year. All season tyres won't offer anything in winter that the winter tyre doesn't offer. Unless it's a mild winter, in which case leave your summer tyres on and save yourself the bother of swapping them over.

Last winter was fairly mild so I didn't bother with my winters and left the summers on instead. There was the odd day when I wished I had, but for most of the time it was fine. The winter before we had Beast from the East, and the full winters allowed me to go about my business knowing I was as prepared as it was possible to be.
Title: Re: All season tyres, which ones?
Post by: Eccie on 28 June 2020, 18:22
Based on your previous posts subjective handling is an important requirement for you. As the previous posts states its all about compromise so perhaps full winter tyres whilst providing stunning traction and grip may not be as nice to drive especially as temperatures creep up, so a key factor is how much traction do you need? Ive used cross climates in the alps for the last 3 years and they have been faultless in all weather conditions. They provided grip even on sheet ice with the appropriate throttle modulation. Of course they are not as good as full winters but they do a bloody good job and drive really well.
cheers 👍👍

mcmaddy I run Continental Winter Contact TS860's on 17" wheels http://www.golfgtiforum.co.uk/index.php?topic=259354.msg2579951#msg2579951 have done for about 8 yr's

Its a belt and braces approach, very very reassuring when the temps drop or even in wet conditions, saved my bacon a few times. If you've got the money and the space to store them, I store them flat on top of each other in wheel bags (2 sets, both cars) in the garage, then I wouldn't hesitate. They just take that heart in the mouth feeling away
Title: Re: All season tyres, which ones?
Post by: mcmaddy on 29 June 2020, 08:56
https://youtu.be/YO0zyQh2l3M
Makes me think do I really need full winters when Crossclimates are like this.
Title: Re: All season tyres, which ones?
Post by: mcmaddy on 29 June 2020, 09:38
https://youtu.be/bKtnczk8Mxk
Decision made, Michelin Crossclimate+ 👍
Title: Re: All season tyres, which ones?
Post by: p3asa on 29 June 2020, 15:08
https://youtu.be/bKtnczk8Mxk
Decision made, Michelin Crossclimate+ 👍



That was easy  :grin:

I watched the video and quite impressive although he did appear a slight Michelin fan boy but still impressed me.

I used to wonder why on earth folk would have winter tyres for the UK climate until I got the chance of a cheap set of Audi alloys and stuck winter tyres on them. Ever since I've been sold and always change my wheels around November. For me its not just the snow which winter tyres are great on, its the low temperatures. You get much better grip.

I still get colleagues and friends questioning why I'd change tyres / wheels as they think its just an extravagance but when I explain to them you are buying your next set of tyres in advance and both sets last twice as long as only one can be used at any one time they generally get the idea  :laugh:

Not to mention it gives the car a completely different look if you have half decent winter alloys. I always look forward to changing mine.
Title: Re: All season tyres, which ones?
Post by: barrym381 on 29 June 2020, 15:27
https://youtu.be/bKtnczk8Mxk
Decision made, Michelin Crossclimate+ 👍



That was easy  :grin:

I watched the video and quite impressive although he did appear a slight Michelin fan boy but still impressed me.

I used to wonder why on earth folk would have winter tyres for the UK climate until I got the chance of a cheap set of Audi alloys and stuck winter tyres on them. Ever since I've been sold and always change my wheels around November. For me its not just the snow which winter tyres are great on, its the low temperatures. You get much better grip.

I still get colleagues and friends questioning why I'd change tyres / wheels as they think its just an extravagance but when I explain to them you are buying your next set of tyres in advance and both sets last twice as long as only one can be used at any one time they generally get the idea  :laugh:

Not to mention it gives the car a completely different look if you have half decent winter alloys. I always look forward to changing mine.
Surprised you wait till November with the weather we get  :grin:
Title: Re: All season tyres, which ones?
Post by: p3asa on 29 June 2020, 17:13
https://youtu.be/bKtnczk8Mxk
Decision made, Michelin Crossclimate+ 👍



That was easy  :grin:

I watched the video and quite impressive although he did appear a slight Michelin fan boy but still impressed me.

I used to wonder why on earth folk would have winter tyres for the UK climate until I got the chance of a cheap set of Audi alloys and stuck winter tyres on them. Ever since I've been sold and always change my wheels around November. For me its not just the snow which winter tyres are great on, its the low temperatures. You get much better grip.

I still get colleagues and friends questioning why I'd change tyres / wheels as they think its just an extravagance but when I explain to them you are buying your next set of tyres in advance and both sets last twice as long as only one can be used at any one time they generally get the idea  :laugh:

Not to mention it gives the car a completely different look if you have half decent winter alloys. I always look forward to changing mine.
Surprised you wait till November with the weather we get  :grin:

Yeah but last year I left them on until May as I couldn't be arsed changing them. So got my monies worth  :grin:
Title: Re: All season tyres, which ones?
Post by: Andy198 on 29 June 2020, 20:18
I've got Continental All Season Contacts on my Golf and been impressed with them, although it was such a mild winter down here, they weren't given much to do. :whistle:
I was going to swap them for the Pirelli summer tyres in April, but with lockdown etc, I just couldn't be bothered to be honest and I've just left them on.
I watched the guy on Tyre Reviews like you and you won't go wrong with any of tyres mentioned.
Title: Re: All season tyres, which ones?
Post by: mcmaddy on 29 June 2020, 22:08
I've got Continental All Season Contacts on my Golf and been impressed with them, although it was such a mild winter down here, they weren't given much to do. :whistle:
I was going to swap them for the Pirelli summer tyres in April, but with lockdown etc, I just couldn't be bothered to be honest and I've just left them on.
I watched the guy on Tyre Reviews like you and you won't go wrong with any of tyres mentioned.
👍👍
Title: Re: All season tyres, which ones?
Post by: Pretzel on 29 June 2020, 22:41
Can I ask what size and speed rating you guys are going for on the Cross Climate tyres?
Title: Re: All season tyres, which ones?
Post by: mcmaddy on 30 June 2020, 08:35
225 40 18 Y
Title: Re: All season tyres, which ones?
Post by: Andy198 on 30 June 2020, 15:22
Yeah, 225/40 R18 V for mine.
Title: Re: All season tyres, which ones?
Post by: Pretzel on 30 June 2020, 16:22
Thanks for the info,

has anyone dropped down to 17" for Cross Climate or is that just for actual winter tyres?
Title: Re: All season tyres, which ones?
Post by: bogwoppit on 30 June 2020, 21:48
Thanks for the info,

has anyone dropped down to 17" for Cross Climate or is that just for actual winter tyres?

We run 225/45 R17 Cross climates + on our PP in the winter months, was too scared to keep the Brescia's on.
Cannot comment on the ride quality as I haven't driven it enough.