Winter Tyres

[Snoopy]

Looks a small amount of what we got. The main problem was the 3 inch of solid ice under the snow. So i know what you went through.
The worst problem was just about everyones drain guttering came off when the snow on the roofs decided to come down. A poor lad down the streets polo bonnet got a nice big crease in it off that sadly

[Rolfe]

Well, you're higher than we are - I clock in at 230m.  I was worried about the guttering because there was a helluva weight on it, but it seems to have survived.  A friend who had a new sun-room built two years ago had the guttering of that come down though.  I suppose, with it being so new, she'll get it repaired under warranty.

They say there's more cold weather coming, I just hope there isn't another 18 inches of snow in it, that's all.

Rolfe.

[percymon]

For those now thinking about winter tyres, your choices could well be limited now. Most tyres companies are now back on summer tyre production and stocks will be low.

www.mytyres.co.uk  also sell winter wheel sets with steel wheels (option on left hand menu)- for 15/16" rims they only charge about £15 extra for the rim, which considering even used steel wheels make £50/set on ebay is very good value imo. The wheel offsets appear to be correct o OEM too.

[Snoopy]

www.mytyres.co.uk  also sell winter wheel sets with steel wheels (option on left hand menu)- for 15/16" rims they only charge about £15 extra for the rim, which considering even used steel wheels make £50/set on ebay is very good value imo. The wheel offsets appear to be correct o OEM too.

Great find 

[Snoopy]

4" of snow this morning!
I think i need a Golf R with studded tires http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dq2c3NvoWyg 

[Egbutt Wash]

4" of snow this morning!
I think i need a Golf R with studded tires http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dq2c3NvoWyg 

Golf R's are lowered.  Any deeper than 4" of snow and it piles up in front, just like my old Evo.
Fiat Panda 4x4 on winter tyres, perfecto.

[percymon]

Fiat Panda 4x4 on winter tyres, perfecto.

a 2wd Panda on Pirelli P3000 tyress can handle six inches of fresh snow  - its the only thing that coped at new year in my household, and barely a flicker from the traction control light.   Panda 4x4 on winter tyres is good for 12" of snow, based on pictures ive seen on relevant forums.

[Rolfe]

I can definitely sniff the first harbingers of spring now, so I'm thinking about next year.  The question is, complete set of winter wheels, or just change the tyres?

I have the standard 17" wheels anyway.
I have absolutely no intention of doing the job myself either way - I'll get Andrew at the garage to make the change whether it's wheels or tyres.
I would anticipate changing in early December and back again in late February.
Oh, and I'd prefer if the winter set still fitted the AutoSocks I got this year - presumably that would still be the case if I just changed to winter tyres using the same wheels, but I don't know about changing the wheels.

Which option would you guys recomend?

Rolfe.

[percymon]

Stick with the current tyre size on your current rims (225/45/17) and your snowsocks will fit fine, although how much use they'd see with winter tyres in place is debatable.

A lot depends on how long you intend to keep the car and what that translsates to in terms of tyres swapping costs versus separate rims.

If you allow £12 per rim to remove tyre, fit other tyre and balance then twice per year its ging to cost you £50 to swap tyres around.  Do this for 2 or three years and you might as well buy a second set of rims


If you were happy to use 16" wheel n tyres for winter then there is additional saving on tyre costs between 205/55/16 an 225/45/17 (typically £40/50 per tyre)

So in effect you have three scenarios...

1. just swap tyres at £100/yr and £600 initial outlay for winter tyres in 225/45/17
2. buy 16" steel rims and winter tyres - typically £550-600 per set, and pay the garage 2 x £20 to swap wheels (or smile nicely and get it done for free)
3. buy used Mk5 alloys to fit tyres to - £240 +£500 tyres for 16", £300 +£600 for 17"s

The cheapest option is a set of 16"steel wheels and winter tyres, provided you are happy with the looks of steel wheels n trims !


The best site i've found to compare prices (including a winter wheel set option on the left hand menu) is www.mytyres.co.uk

[DDRFan]

F##k the winter tyres. I hope by the time they announce the options list for the MK7, this will be on the options list.

http://thatwillbuffout.com/2010/02/15/funny-car-photos-russian-tank-treads/