Winter tyres

[drisser]

If anyone is doubting the use of winter tyres, I have just taken my 330d (not x drive) out in the fresh snow and driven through 6 inches of fresh powder and onto the road, had a drive around and not a single flash of traction control.

I knew they were good in cold and icy conditions  but honestly now I am blown away.  Yesterday I drove straight up a small hill no problems past front wheel drive cars struggling.

I would take this over 4wd on normal tyres any day of the week and after the 3rd winter with them on I won't ever run a car without winter tyres.  Not only that my 19's with summer tyres are still the originals so after 60k miles I am still on the original sets of summers and winters so they definitely prolong life.

The only problem is everyone else on the road who thinks 4wd is the best thing in the world and drive as if it is some kind of magic button.. Especially anyone with a Quattro badge or an evoque (with "snow" button)

[SRGTD]

Just seen a Land Rover (not sure which model) that was nose down in a ditch on the TV news. The owner must’ve forgotten to spec the magic button or the snow button on theirs, but probably didn’t think they’d need it as it’s a LR with 4WD!

[Restlessnative]

Got my Nokian WRD3's sitting idle in the shed.Figured it was too late in the season to put them on.How wrong!. Car is currently parked up and being covered in snowdrifts.
Nothing moving here.First Red Travel Alert in history.

[JeffPoe]

Winter tyres should be mandatory in winter.

And on the subject of tyres, they should bring in strict safety testing and remove all the Chinese garbage you see on cars.

I once had the misfortune of driving a car on Linglong tyres (actual name). They were bad in the dry, but in the wet they were dangerous. I squirm seeing cars close behind me on the motorway, knowing so many these days have this sort of crap on.

[Jim_mk7.5]

Winter tyres should be mandatory in winter.

And on the subject of tyres, they should bring in strict safety testing and remove all the Chinese garbage you see on cars.

I once had the misfortune of driving a car on Linglong tyres (actual name). They were bad in the dry, but in the wet they were dangerous. I squirm seeing cars close behind me on the motorway, knowing so many these days have this sort of crap on.

Agreed - our country would be moving around and not grinding to a halt.

Reckon they must have crap Chinese tyres in Russia as they manage to crash off the road in a way that cars don't normally crash!

[drisser]

The thing is, the traction is impressive but the steering and braking is on another level with winters on.  I frequently test brake whilst driving and keep pinching myself at how quickly and safely I stop on snow with winter tyres on, almost no anti lock, almost no skidding even on packed snow and you lose very little steering control.

I am a sceptic with most things but I'm totally sold in winter tyres especially this year.

As has been said, the danger going out is those who drive like idiots without the right kit, especially behind you when you know you can stop safely on snow.

[wigit]

I was first convinced when I had a set on a Fiat 500 which was the only car together out of my road.

Both Rs have them, wife's has Hankooks and mine Michelin Alpins which I really rate

That said tonight at 35mph on a dual carriageway there was some movement from the rear due to the conditions   so never get complacent but I would expect some accidents in that spot

Only real worry is the people without them and those in the little lifestyle or is that lifeless little 4x4s who think you overcome physics

Given the amount of traffic on the roads I think mandatory

[gtiaps]

Yeah I couldn't agree more winter tires a deffo I swapped mine over a few words back and won't be changing them till next month back to the Santis. 

[Restlessnative]

HGV's are causing all of the road closures up here.Transport Minister is gunning for certain companies for sending their (non essential) HGV people out today.Loads of people have been stuck in their cars since 2pm.
I've only used my Nokians for one Winter.But i was lulled into a false sense of security with last Winter being really mild.The Winter i used them on the snow and ice was like night and day.Went where even angels feared to tread.

[gtiaps]

HGV's are causing all of the road closures up here.Transport Minister is gunning for certain companies for sending their (non essential) HGV people out today.Loads of people have been stuck in their cars since 2pm.
I've only used my Nokians for one Winter.But i was lulled into a false sense of security with last Winter being really mild.The Winter i used them on the snow and ice was like night and day.Went where even angels feared to tread.

Were nor the ones causing All the closures iv seen 5 incidents today and 3 yest none of which involved a HGV the odd puddle hopper and white van man yeah but no HGV..