Are winter tyres worth the money?
It’s only early-December and already we’re snowed-in. So should we all be fitting our cars with winter tyres to help us get around more easily – or are they an unnecessary expense that UK drivers can live without?
There’s a fairly good chance that you’re reading this from the comfort of your own home, as many of us are stuck indoors due to this week’s snow dump.
But would a set of winter tyres have helped you get around today? Yes, probably. Are they worth buying? No, definitely not.
In recent years, these extreme weather conditions have made driving anywhere almost impossible in some areas. Tyre firms have reacted to this by offering a solution with winter-specific tyres, as used by law in other EU countries like Sweden. The only problem is; I live in Stamford, not Stockholm.
I can certainly see the need for snow tyres in countries that endure prolonged periods of extreme winter conditions. But the extra expense of buying a set of winter tyres in the UK is ludicrous if you’ll only be using them for a week or two out of the entire calendar.
What are winter tyres?
The main difference between winter tyres (also known as ‘snow tyres’) and conventional tyres is the compound and the tread design. The rubber used in winter tyres is designed to work specifically below temperatures of seven degrees. The compound itself won’t harden when the temperature drops, reducing the risk of aquaplaning and improving braking distance.
The profile of the tyre is flatter so more of the tyre width touches the surface, helping to pull through difficult terrains like thick mud and snow. And the addition of sipes (tiny zigzag-shaped slits in the rubber) gives the tyre extra ‘edges’ to grip, even on the most slippery surfaces like wet grass or ice.
Don’t waste your money
All sounds great, doesn’t it? And although I don’t doubt for a second that they work, the technology isn’t cheap – or applicable for the UK climate.
Ford is the latest manufacturer to announce a deal on winter tyres to its customers. But at £555 for a set of four Pirelli tyres, you’re paying through the nose for the benefits they offer.
Then factor in the price of fitting, the potential damage to wheels that fitting tyres can incur, and the cost of a set of four steel rims if you want to keep the tyres on the same wheels to make them easier to access. After that lot, you’ll soon be paying towards the sharp end of £1,000 for technology that will only be of use to most of us for less than 5% of the year.
If you live in the Scottish Highlands or an extremely remote area where roads aren’t treated or used as often, it could be worth looking into snow tyres. But if you’re part of the 80% of the UK population who lives in an urban area, save the money for Christmas presents.
UPDATE 28 October 2011: Read our latest opinion piece on winter tyres, Should you switch to winter tyres?, and have your say.
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Graeme
‘…£555 for a set of four Pirelli tyres’, ‘the technology isn’t cheap – or applicable for the UK climate.’ really! I paid about £70 each for excellent Michelin Alpin A4s online (same price as ‘summer’ tyres), but I suppose one pays for the ‘service’. I’ve used M+S tyres on a standard FWD diesel car (petrol RWDs lack control) all year round (no need for 2 sets) for the last 15 years. Great for wet and muddy country roads (most of the year) and when it snows. When snow compacts to ice, and on steeper hills, then chains provide the answer, takes a bit of effort though. Dry road grip is at least on a par with with budget and mid-range summer tyres, just drive within the capabilities of the tyres. None of this really matters of course when progress stops because drivers are not prepared, equipped and/or practiced for low-traction conditions. The correct tyres don’t help you here.
‘Are they worth buying? No, definitely not.’, well, this depends on your circumstances and priorities, I would not use anything else, but I don’t live in Stamford (there are other parts of the UK I believe).
Clogboy
Excellent article, facts worth considering.
But I’m going to impose a bit of logic onto you that probably changes most of the facts, if not everything.
Assume for a second that a set of winter tyres and a set of summer tyres cost roughly the same as two sets of summer tyres.
Now keep in mind that winter tyres wear out quicker during the summer, and summer tyres quicker during the winter. So two sets of summer tyres wear out quicker than two sets of tyres appropriate for their own distinct conditions. And where I live (The Netherlands) it’s usually below 7 Celsius for four months in a row. Buying a cheap set of rimms for the winter tyres also spares your alloys from saltcorrosion and bumps due to ambitious snowdriving and saves service costs.
Now try and slam a pricetag on roadsafety, and then tell me again your conclusion still stands.
Terry Farrell
I agree with your assessment. The time I spent in Norway proved this with the vast majority of drivers having a set of winter ‘studs’ on steel rims whilst keeping their alloys for the summer variants.
If winter tyres become a need over here as they are elsewhere in Europe, then having two sets of wheels isn’t such a long-term expense. In fact, if having the ‘right’ tyres saves just a minor accident, they become a sensible investment.
SwC
When I mention to people that I have Winter tyres, the first response I get is that we don’t get enough snow (even though the last three years appear to debunk that). Snow is one aspect of Winter tyres. They remain soft below 7C – so each time someone drive with Summer tyres below 7C, they are technically driving an less safe vehicle than one with Winter tyres. Winter tyres also have a tread pattern designed for icy and wet roads, dispersing more water.
Now, I have a BMW 330d putting out massive amounts of torque through the rear wheels. The summer tyres are Continental Sport Contact 2, which have hardly any lateral tread. Last winter it would not move on even the thinnest covering of snow or ice. Now I have Pirelli SottoZero tyres fitted and have been driving around on the snow and ice without any problem. Oh, and since I had them fitted, it has rarely gone above 7C here where I live in the Chilterns. So they are the safest tyres to have fitted to my car.
In summary, they are not a waste of money for all cars.. And anyone planning to travel abroad in winter had better get some, as it is now law in countries like Germany to have them fitted between November and March (incl.)
Pete
I also have a 330D and with the usual summer times it’s unusable on the smallest amount of snow. I spent 3 hours trying to get 7 miles home from work in a rural spot, pushing the car more much of the time. I had a similar experience when taking my daughter for an important hospital appointment. I think ths article understates the difference that winter or all-season tyres can make for some cars. We dont all drive small front wheel drive cars.
I have bought some michelin easgrip nylon ‘chains’ for 80 quid. They make my car pull like a tractor! I don’t know how long they will last, but they have proven invaluable for a couple of days of essential journeys only. Unlike snow chains, these are much easy to attach and can driven on tarmac, even though they will obviously wear more.
Highly recommended!
Phil
A very poor article I thought.
Winter tyres aren’t just for snow and any Which? researcher ought to be cautious of manufacture’s “deals”. Take the advice Which? always gives and shop around. I’m sure there are many online retailers who will beat Ford’s price, a set of cheap steel rims (and shorter bolts if necessary) which you might even get from a local scrapyard, a few quid to a garage to fit them and away you go. As for the damage to rims come on, nobody is going swop tyres on and off the same rims twice a year.
Even at £1,000 a pop a set of winter tyres could pay for themselves in one season if they save you from having one accident.
Sw
If you drive in winter, get winter tyres.
£60 a piece for Nokians for mine + another £10 to fit.
Set of rims from ebay £15 for the four.
If the writer of this article thinks £1000 is the going rate, he needs to shop round more before writing the article.
My tyres usually last about 18 months for a front set. I’ll leave the winter tyres on from November to April, and reckon I’ll get at three years from them.
So eather one set of summer tyres for eighteen months, or two sets swopping over for three years, seems to be the same value for me. Better in fact, as the winter tyres are cheaper than the Michelins I normally use.
I suggest you buy yourself a set for a Christmas present.
24Seven
Agree with all the other commenters – the figure of £1000 is ludicrous…
I paid £240 for my 4 excellent Sava (a Goodyear brand) Eskimo tyres a fortnight ago and had them fitted to my rear-wheel drive mercedes C class last week at a cost of £12/wheel inc valve and balance – so job done for less than £300. And as other commenters have pointed out, for all the time you are using the winter tyres, you are prolonging the life of your regular tyres, thereby saving money further down the road (excuse the pun!)
I felt my investment was totally justified today when I was able to get my car off the snowy driveway first try – couldn’t even manage that on the summer tyres! Then driving easily down an icy country road on the way to work, passing a summer-tyred Range Rover being towed out of a ditch was the icing on the cake!
If the winter tyres save you from having just one accident caused by a skid, the cost is totally worth it.
richard
Sorry find this article unfair – the number of snowy days in the south-east is tiny – the vast majority of people live in the South-east. The last true snow-in I can remember was in 1963 – before then 1947 – two snow ins in 60 years is infinitesimal – and can be ignored. As can price of special tyres.
Terry Farrell
You softies in the South East are just like Americans (who don’t know any geography).
Look at the following article to see the population spread in the UK. The vast majority do NOT live in the South East.
http://bbc.in/hyNdYk
John
The vast majority of people live in the SE?? There’s a strong claim:) London and the SE contain approx 16 million. The rest of the UK? About 45 million. https://almanac09.ukces.org.uk/context/A5/Forms/AllItems.aspx
Gareth Davies
The point isn’t the number of snowy days, the important factor is the temperature. The BBC website shows the long-term average maximum temperature in London during December, January and February is 7C, that being the temperature at which cold weather tyres provide safety benefits. More to the point, many people drive in the early morning or late evening, travelling to and from work, and at those times the temperatures are normally lower. Add to that the incidence of frosty mornings when the roads are very slippery, and the safety benefits should be obvious.
richard
Sorry people – As far as I’m concerned – the number of days lost by me in say the last twenty years is four – certainly not enough to buy special tyres – I do drive in the early morning.- every morning. The number of accidents I’ve suffered is zero in all weathers in many years.
Mind you – I’ve seen a good number of accidents in that time – caused by bad driving – I wonder if they were relying on their all weather tyres too much.?
xen
I’m just wondering, if winter tyres are a waste of money in UK, why are there so many 4x4s?
richard
Excellent point – Status symbols forever
Terry Farrell
@ Richard: you may as well ask why so many iPads are sold in the UK.
richard
@Terry = I know why people buy iPads – To boast to their friends that they have an iPad – it was ever thus.
Gary
I’d say most British drivers are not aware of Winter tyres, more advertising would help, and to point out they are not just for snow. Big problem seems to be supply, i’ve tried quite a few tyre suppliers and cannot find any for my light commerical van.
Phil
Yes my local tyre centre said they’d sold out and couldn’t get any more supplies. There seem to be plenty available online though.
Big problem with 4x4s at this time of year is over-confident drivers, they think they can drive as normal but with the wrong tyres they’re worse off than a 2wd car with the right ones.
MikeySkiBoy
The tyres that are supplied on new cars, and that are available as replacement tyres, are simply not designed for year round use. They are a safety hazard and simply shouldn’t be allowed in the UK. If winter tyres are a step too far, “All Season” tyres are a decent compromise. We have Michelin Alpin winter tyres on our Astra as we simply couldn’t get out of our drive with the comedy summer tyres that came with it. We also have Hankook Optimo 4S all season tyres on our Panda. Our two cars are regularly the only ones to be able to get up our street if the snow plough hasn’t been round. The other cars, including some 4x4s can really struggle, due to the useless fair weather rubber they are fitted with. From this experience, any tyre I buy will be at least an all season tyre, as they make a huge difference when you really do need to have a bit of grip.
John
Anchoring the article to the presence or absence of snow is missing the point. I’m not sure the author has actually researched this subject very thoroughly. Winter tyres for the UK (I believe there are several types made) are useable for 4 to 5 months of the year. When temperatures rarely exceed 7C. Cold wet roads mean summer tyres lose grip: there are plenty of comparitive tests. Suggest Rod Hull visits Michelin, Continental, Nokian et al to get a deeper insight.
Roger
I lived in Belgium (which often has snow in the Ardennes) and Switzerland (living in Geneva, but I skied at weekends) in the 1980s, driving a VW Kombi/camper (RWD). After a few times getting stuck in snow and using chains, I invested in 4 rims and winter tyres and used them from about November-March. I rarely had to use the chains again and never got stuck even in the mountains. I found that winter tyres on my RWD worked better than regular tyres on a 4WD. The high ground clearance of the Kombi helped of course – I have driven small cars with winter tyres which simply could not push through deep snow. The tyres were a bit noisier than summer tyres and probably not as good at speed, but that was not really an issue in winter. I have also used winter tyres in the USA and Canada and could drive in pretty deep snow.
I now live in London and am think about getting winter wheels for my Polo, just with basic steel rims. I haven’t used my car in the recent snow because of quite steep hills in my area. The cost will be partly (largely?) offset by less wear on the summer tyres.
Richard Emery
I hadn’t considered winter tyres until last week but having done a fair amount of research I now realise that good quality winter tyres have much better performance in wet conditions than standard summer tyres so it makes sense to fit them for about 5 months each year (nov-march). I’m due to change my car soon and part of my price negotiation for my new car will be the inclusion of an extra set of rims. That is unless the new Kleber Quadraxer all-year-tyre proves to be as good as the markting hype, in which case I’ll just get four of those.
How soon will Which? be testing some?
N
These Klebers are excellent in snow. I put them on my Volvo this year, after being stuck at home last year (I live in the North Downs). Unbelievable difference! Goes up steep hills easily in snow and compacted ice. No slipping.
As you note they’re an all year tyre, it will be interesting to see how they go in summer.
Russell
I’ve used winter tyres for years and now wouldn’t dream of not fitting them for the winter months. The cost is negligible, since you’re saving the wear on your summer tyres, so all you have to pay for is cost of changing twice a year. You don’t need spare rims. If you’ve never driven a car with winter tyres – it’s a revelation. Go up a hill – no problem. Go down a steep hill – brake – and stop. Completely. Meet a car coming the other way out of control – take to the snow covered verge – drive off again. Stuck in the school car park? I had to rescue our neighbour, plus children, twice last year – guess what, she and both our other neighbours now have winter tyres.
Winter tyres take out all the hassle, and heart stopping moments, of driving in winter. Everyone I know who has fitted them has the same reaction – why on earth didn’t we do it sooner. In short – for the true small cost, never mind the potential saving on an insurance claim, they’re a no brainer. Ask my wife, who now refuses to drive her A3 without winter tyres.
John Moore
The elasticity of summer tyres starts to seriously diminish under 7°C, thus worsening road contact and therefore lengthening the time it takes to brake – winter tyres consist of a special rubber compound with high levels of silicon or natural rubber that hold their elasticity under cold conditions. Especially on wet or icy roads, winter tyres give much better adherence due to their deeper tread which contains many more sipes and they will always out-perform summer tyres when it comes to braking, steering and accelerating. Furthermore the consequences of driving with summer tyres in wintery conditions should not be underestimated. If an accident occurs where you are at fault, there may be insurance issues that have to be resolved by you not having the correct tyres fitted. Notwithstanding all that !! if drivers appreciate the limitations of their tyres and drive sensibly with regard to road conditions there should be no problem. Unfortunately the problem is really with the drivers not the tyres.
graeme
I don’t think winter tyres have a deeper tread, but the recommended minimum for retention of grip is 4 mm rather than the 2 mm for summer use. Sipes and other tread features, as well as the compound, help winter tyres to grip cold dry tarmac, clear thin films of water, cut through slush (which is non-Newtonian) and grip better on mud, slush and snow too thick to clear. Ice is really the domain of studs and chains.
The tread blocks of winter tyres tend to be more flexible then those of summer tyres, so grip on hot dry tarmac is not quite so good. Compare the large areas of flat rubber and often minimal lateral pattern on a summer tyre to the network of sipes and multidirectional patterns on a winter tyre. Where I live the roads are often wet and muddy, and snow comes along once in a while. I’ve chosen to use winter tyres year round and not found any disadvantages. Keep at least 4 mm tread depth on the drive wheels when it snows by swapping front to back as needed.
I think Rob Hull’s comment ‘And although I don’t doubt for a second that they work’ suggests that he has very little experience here; however, his article has prompted some very useful discussion.
Ian Brown
Living in the Highlands I normally drive with 4 winter tyres from Novembet to March, but last year having bought a new Meriva I thought I would experiment with using a car on summer tyres but with a deep tread depth. Never again; the car weaved all over the place in snow so I quickly had to buy a set of winter tyres and immediately regained stability and the ability to haul myself out of deep snow. The tyres cost about £70 feach or Vredestein Sno-tracs and are an excellent investment for safety and mobility.
Ronnie Wood
This is the second winter I’ve had winter tyres on and the security and sure footed feel to the car will make sure it’s something I do every year. The term ‘snow’ tyres is a red herring as most of those on offer are cold weather tyres for 7 deg C and below when they far outperform summer tyres. As some others have said your price estimate is wildly over the top and what price safety and an accident!
Usually respect your opinions but you’re irresponsibly wrong in this case!
JO'Flaherty
I tead about snow socks in The Sunday Times last year. I was a little doutful about the legality of using these to cover the legal tread when the driving on non-snow covered sections of road. I e-mailed the local police (PSNI) who responded that they had no idea whatsoever, but would pass my enquiry on to the relevant local agency who would investigate. I presume they are still investigating!
Peter Scott
The snow socks instructions make it very clear that they must be removed as soon as the roads are clear. They are an emergency device to get you going on snow covered roads.
JO'Flaherty
Forget snow tyres – think cold weather tyres. About £120 each, but negotiate with your supplier about fitting in early November and removing in March (they work best <7C) as part of the package. They are better in the wet too.
Geerebox
Of course winter tyres are not worth it at a staggering £555! But read on. I live in France. My winter tyres (always brand new) cost the equivalent of £280 at Euromaster (the equivalent of Kwikfit) for makes such as Kleber. They are put on in early November and come off in March. It costs very little to have them put on or taken off. They are, of course, re-usable the following winter. Furthermore, Euromaster will store them for the summer for a small fee.
Sounds as though the winter tyre market in the UK needs to evolve a bit!
Redrobin
I’m afraid the article is hopelessly inaccurate and for safetys sake all drivers should give serious thought to winter tyres. We all foam at the mouth when we hear Transport Secretaries glibly mouthing off about ‘all main routes have been gritted’ when we all know that it is the more local roads that cause the fear and anxiety. That feeling of helplessness when we glide serenly towards another car or obstruction, it really is a hit and miss situation.
I have just had fitted Nokian Kian winter tyres with the mountain emblem on the tyre wall this is a standard all good wunter tyres show which is in addition to the M+S (Mud & snow) standard. Check that what you are buying has this emblem as a standard spec. Nokian are Finnish and supply tyres to the Russian forces as well as being the worlds experts in Winter tyres. I paid £85 a tyre and after two days of driving I can tell you they are first class. A nice feeling when you know that you can drive without fear or hesitation, get up or down hills and have other drivers asking what you have fitted. Worth every penny- I drive a Merc CLK and the change has been transformative. Shop around, and then buy them.
Jonathan
I’m sorry, this article is plainly wrong and ill advised from someone who should be utilising his position to promote car safety.
Firstly, winter tyres will not cost you extra as you will use the same amount of rubber over the long term (although there is an initial outlay, however you will be saving on the tread depth of summer tyres until you put them back on).
Secondly, winter tyres are not for snow and ice – they are designed for temperatures of 7c and below, and if like me you commute at 7 in the morning and 6 at night then they will be suitable for five months of the year from Nov – March.
Thirdly, they provide far better braking and wet weather performance in temps of 7c and below. Do you need them – well you probably don’t need airbags until you have an accident. It’s the same with winter tyres, when you emergency brake i would rather stop 5 metres shorter with the right tyres.
Fourthly, our transport system grinds to a halt because no-one drives with winter tyres on.
I am saddened that you fail to see the benefits of winter tyres especially as there is little reason to opposethem, like i said there is no extra expense in the long run. Particulaly disappointing coming from a Which journalist.
I have winter tyres on and they make a remarkable difference.
Sean
All snow related driving products are useless. Snow tyres, snow chains, snow socks useless. I own a VW Golf 1.6. For the last two years of snow it has handled perfectly. Its not 4 wheel drive. Its not an out of the ordinary car in any way shape or form. I do get funny looks from people who ask me how I can drive around in the snow and ice and my answer is simple. EASY! I just follow the general rules of the road (i.e. keep a road legal car) and follow the advice for winter driving that almost every website publishes every time it snows. Ive never had any problems going up or down hills or got stuck anywhere. Of course I slip and slide a little bit just like every body else but because I am driving slower I am in complete control of my car and can counter it!
My advice to everybody who drives whether you drive a regular car, 4×4, lorry, van, bus or even a tractor! If your not 100% sure if you can drive with no problems and reach your destination – DONT! If you breakdown, loose control or crash and block the road off – the people who CAN drive in snow then CANT reach their destinations because of YOU! The gritters and tractors who are responsible for clearing the snow off the roads cant do their jobs because of YOU! The emergency & breakdown services (who in those conditions, have their workload increased) have yet another job to attend or even worse cant reach someone who needs help and its all because of YOU!
Im not trying to be nasty or horrible to anyone im just trying to point out the facts that because of some people having an irresponsible attitude towards snow, not understanding it and still going ahead with the journey it causes hastle for so many more people. As the news says – unless your journey is ESSENTIAL (i.e. life and death) and theres no other way to do it (such as ask a friend) stay off the roads! Ive seen people with products designed to help driving in the snow who have crashed, broken down, got stuck going up hills. When snow hits – its down to the driver – not the car.
Roger
Sean, Of course driving techniques are important.That does not mean that appropriate tyres don’t help. Have you ever driven on snow/winter tyres? I suspect not. I was amazed at the difference they make when I first used them. Try walking on snow & ice is regular shoes then switch to snow boots (well, the difference is perhaps not quite that great but it is still impressive – I would guess at least twice as much grip and control).
And it’s not always a question of leaving the car at home when it snows. I have twice been stuck overnight on long journeys trying to get home. In both cases I think winter tyres would have got me through, albeit much slower than usual. And I was not stuck because of other cars – the roads were empty but I simply could not get up some hills.
I like to think I am not bad at snow/ice driving, at least by British standards, and have plenty of experience at it, mostly overseas. I would still use anything which makes it easier and safer – winter tyres, chains, studded tyres (where legal), etc.
Gareth Davies
Sean, if you tried using cold weather tyres you could significantly reduce your chances of having an accident. You’re already slipping and sliding – wouldn’t you prefer to be able to start and stop without losing traction?
richard
Sean – Couldn’t agree more – Driving skills are the most important factor.
steve
I have just had a set of lassa wintus tyres put on my toyota hi-ace van and it has transformed the traction and feeling of confidence on the road. As I am self – employed I only get paid on results i.e.getting round my customers and as i have to do up to 160 miles some days the cost is justified as i can earn an income or get nothing. In march I can re-fit my michelin tyre till next nov/dec.You still have to drive sensibly and responsibly but your chances of maintaining progress is greatly improved.
Chrissy
Mine cost £60 each fitted. I live in an out of the way spot and they have already been a lifesaver.
But I’ve heard that some insurance companies consider them a notifiable modification. Does anyone know about this?
Robert
If they are the same size then it’s not notifiable, however you usually go down a size (in width and up slightly in profile) eg. 245/40/17 summer to 225/45/17 snow.
However this tyre size should be noted in the handbook as approved winter tyre size (it is for Mercs) so again not notifiable.
Gerry
Whilst I agree with all the comments on the value of winter tyres, I agree with Sean; there seems little point in making sure your car is mobile when as soon as it snows, all the muppets who don’t know better just jam up the roads and make everything impassable by skidding into the nearest tree/kerb/post by not preparing, and not knowing how to drive when it’s slippery. We do not get enough days of ice/snow to make proper winter tyres mandatory (as in colder countries) so I think we are just stuck with the problem.
Paul Greenwood
Perhaps we need to have a winter tyre law and take the “muppets” without them off the road so they do not block those who can get safely through.
noswarp
HELP!!!! Sean, I need your help. Would you please come round and show me how to get my Audi A4 off the side road where I live when there is a covering of around 3″ of snow. You obviously have a magic touch which we other mere mortals lack, as well as a far reaching sight of what conditions are like on the road 10 miles from where you live (perhaps you would lend me your crystal balls as well).
Who on earth sets off at any time knowing they are not going to be able to reach their destination because of snow and ice on the road.
Time I think you listened to the general comments made in the forum by mere mortals who obvioulsly live in the real world.
John C
Astonished to read this article. Winter tyres are of huge benefit, not just for the odd snowy day but whenever the temperature is at or below 7 degrees.
If you drive a rear wheel drive car they are almost esential if you want to get around in the current conditions. Even on a FWD or 4WD the increase in control and reduction in braking distance makes them worthwhile.
No wonder our friends in Europe laugh as the UK grinds to a halt at the slightest flurry. With so- called experts wrighting articles like this its hardly surprising!
Michael T
Well Rob Hull, you should be ashamed for calling yourself a Cars and Content Producer and not researching this subject thoroughly. Whilst I would not advocate winter tyres for everybody I would recommend them for anybody and everybody who drives (and needs to drive) on a daily basis. Like other writers I have bought a set of steel wheels (they do not have to be new, or bought from your dealer) and fitted them with winter tyres. The difference in road holding (even without snow) is amazing, especially in the rain. When the snow arrives the car is transformed. I put my winter wheels on in the middle of November (or whenever the temperature drops below 7º). My alloy wheels are put away for the winter so are immune from all that salt and grit. Then in March or whenever it starts to get warmer I change them over, simples!!
You really should get out more Rob!
Jock
Chrissy raises an interesting point which could lead to the possibility of invalidating your insurance or increasing the premium. Anyone have any knowledge or experience of this?
StuckatHome
My insurance company (Admiral) note on the policy that I have added winter tyres as a modification but there is no charge as they view this is a safety feature.
Sharon
Can anyone please offer some advice as to what type of tyre is best to put on a Subaru Impreza AWD car. I am getting so confused with all the manufacturers and conflicting comments that I feel I am going round in circles. I need four new tyres I usually put on Bridgestone Potenza’s, which are designed for all season but feel with the bad weather I may need an alternative. Any suggestions please?
Frank
Sharon, I think you will find that the Bridgestone Potenzas are not designed for all seasons. These are I believe, like most tyres supplied in the UK, summer tyres. I suspect that most people in the UK believe that they have all season tyres when they are actually summer tyres and not recommended for use at temperatures below 7 deg C.
Frank
This does seem to be an article that has been researched poorly. The tyre manufacturers themselves say that summer tyres are not suitable for temps less than 7 deg C. I have never driven on winter tyres myself, but have noticed my summer tyres perform less well in cold temperatures – not just in snow and ice – when they are very poor. (I commute on the train at the moment, so have the luxury of leaving the car at home for the worst of the weather!)
Come on, Which? Instead of making judgements based on poor research and misinformation (winter tyres are NOT just snow tyres) do some proper, year round testing of the options that are out there – summer, winter and all-season tyres.
Personally, for our climate in the UK, I believe that all-season tyres would be the best compromise.
Phil
I think it important to clarify the standards required and employed by Tyre manufactures when designating a ‘Winter Tyre’ as the real deal. So here we go;
Firstly, ‘All Season Tyres’, this geometric definition does not guarantee performance of any degree in terms of safety in winter driving, they are not for Winter driving conditions. Sinilarly,M+S ( Mud and Snow ) Established by Rubber Manufactrurers Assn – USA refers only to the tread pattern. There are no real performance standards that would designate these as Winter Tyres.
As far back as 1999, the RMA-USA, defined a real snow tyre (Winter Tyre) with a SEVERE SNOW RATING. Such a tyre has to pass a series of performance test in the field and at the manufacturing point. Passing these tests allows Manufacturers to show the ‘Snowflake on A Mountain Peak’ Icon. Severe Snow Rated Tyres must provide at least 10% better traction than stndard tyres. Many such designated tyres provide well in excess of this Minimum standard and have developed through time vast improvements in performance and standards. This Icon is now a World Wide standard and is found on quality Severe Snow rated tyres. Some tyres show both M+S and the Mountain peak Icon it is the latter marking that determines a true snow conditions tyres.
Lastly, tyre specification for winter tyres can often be different from your summer tyres, look at your handbook for the vehicle which will clearly define the tyre specification you need. Failing that ring a Dealer who will be able to quote the specific tyre spec for your car and when you search for your tyres they will almost always highlight the spec as winter use. Then zero in on finding the Mountain Peak icon if you do this you will satisfy your insurer in every way should you ever be involved in a subsequent claim. I told my insurer i had changed to winter tyres and they were fine about it only stressing that you must adhere strictly to your Manufactures tyre spec for your winter tyres.
I would recommend NOKIAN winter tyres, they have a **** of a good reputation for Winter spec tyres and all have the Mountain Peak icon. No doubt prices will have risen due to demand, the balance is do you wait till next year and save money when pricing may dip or pay now and enjoy the confidence of knowing that the next four months is going to be stress free. Use your judgement and assess the risks involved. Hope all this helps. Phil
paul in cumbria
i bought a pair of goodyear snowsocks for my vauxhall vectra at about £55 and they are brilliant , i have near perfect grip on snow, slush or black ice , even stop starting on steep inclines and i tested pulling a trailer absolutly awesome, before i would have struggled to drive over a peice of wet cardboard. a little fidely to fit mainly because when you decide to use them your wheel arches etc are normally covered in slush etc, i take them back off once onto bare tarmec, but piece of mind to know they are sat in your boot and you will get home whatever the weather.
Carson
WINTER TYRES
A revelation,
This is my third year with Hankook Ice Bears. Transformed my aged Volvo V70 on snow, slush ice and on cold wet roads. Ditto my daughters Polo. I live in a country hilly area of northern ireland, and only have snow a few weeks a year. The investment was no problem, since the tyres and NO MORE EXPENSIVE than their summer counterparts.
It was wonderful to out drag my mate in a 4WD subaru, on normal rubber, as he got stuck on a hill,
Boy racer stuff aside, these tyres SHOULD BE MANDATORY, they simply transform the car in winter driving conditions, snow performance is an added bonus. My loved ones will not be driving summer tyres in winter ever again
austin banner
i run a small private hire (taxi) business, if i don’t drive, i don’t eat. last year conditions were treacherous in the forest of dean, but we ‘got by’ with normal tyres on. this year we fitted a pair of M+S on the front axle and so far have had no problems whatsoever, apart from avoiding the vehicles abandoned by their owners.
obviously the mileage i do (50K+pa) warrants me buying specialised winter tyres as i would be replacing tyres at least twice a year, but ime they are a definate aid to safer winter driving.
Alan
A very poor report in my opinion given that the writer doesn’t appear to have done any research – I would have expected a much better standard from Which? Mr Hull, you should contact ADAC in Germany to get a more factual position on the benefits – and the savings – in the use of Winter tyres which aren’t just for Snow but extremely beneficial in the Ice, Wet and in Slush. ADAC list their test results under Tests (Reifen) for the best – and the worst!
The chaos and the consequential costs impacting on the the UK economy runs into Billions every winter so you have to assume that it is only a matter of time before the UK Government legislate in the use of Winter tyres, after all, why take the risk in using Summer tyres when technology provides you with a better solution.
Adam H -
Difficult to justify eh? Depends on the cost the cost/benefit. I work for myself, so a day stuck at home means a day without pay. I fitted a full set of Vredestein Snowtrac3s to my merc c-class three weeks ago after problems this January.
I have to say, they are absolutely amazing, and you would not believe how they make such a difference!. It’s not just the snow, it’s the ice, rain, mud, slush. The grip in snow/ice is stunning.They instil real confidence, and if they save just one accident, well worth it. I bought mine on line for £53 each, and fitted for £12.
Tom Rendell
PS – personally I haven’t yet purchased winter tyres, although I have seriously considered it, however that is my personal choice – but to recommend potentially trusting readers NOT to buy winter tyres is utterly ridiculous and downright ludicrous!
Best Regards
Tom