Tyres - Winter v All season on snow.

[Redline]

Most of us don't encounter snow for any extended period of time. But, this video shows how a 4x4 on summer tyres compares against a 2wd on winters. The outcome is startling. It shows that a little snow shouldn't be a barrier to venturing out.

If it isn't an advert for getting winters if you have any chance of having to drive on snow, I don't know what is.

OK - few of us would need to drive at any speed on snow, but, it still shows the comparison of capability of winters. Indeed, I think we've grown used to more performance oriented tyres and that is what scares people venturing out on them in poor winter weather nowadays.

I like the guy doing the review. He does many for various types of tyres and knows his tyre technology.

 

[andyglym]

Most of us don't encounter snow for any extended period of time. But, this video shows how a 4x4 on summer tyres compares against a 2wd on winters. The outcome is startling. It shows that a little snow shouldn't be a barrier to venturing out.

If it isn't an advert for getting winters if you have any chance of having to drive on snow, I don't know what is.

OK - few of us would need to drive at any speed on snow, but, it still shows the comparison of capability of winters. Indeed, I think we've grown used to more performance oriented tyres and that is what scares people venturing out on them in poor winter weather nowadays.

I like the guy doing the review. He does many for various types of tyres and knows his tyre technology.

Top Gear did a similar thing years ago with 2 Ford Kugas (make irrelevant). A 2 wheel drive and 4 wheel drive with winter and summer tyres on going up an indoor ski slope. Summer tyres got the 2 wheel drive nowhere and the 4x4 only marginally better. The 2 wheel drive with winters on got 2/3 of the way up and the 4x4 got to the top. Tyres are everything.

 

[Redline]

Top Gear did a similar thing years ago with 2 Ford Kugas (make irrelevant). A 2 wheel drive and 4 wheel drive with winter and summer tyres on going up an indoor ski slope. Summer tyres got the 2 wheel drive nowhere and the 4x4 only marginally better. The 2 wheel drive with winters on got 2/3 of the way up and the 4x4 got to the top. Tyres are everything.

Like you say, tyres are everything. Only when you've changed do you realise. Most 4x4 drivers think because they've got 4x4 think they can go anywhere on standard tyres.
I always used Pirelli Scorpion Zeros on the LR's. They're not true winters, but, they performed brilliantly compared to standard tyres. A few years ago I followed a neighbour in his Tiguan 4x4 home from Coventry on snow - he was all over the road even at a crawling pace.

 

[Brian H]

I have run winter tyres for a few years, when you first put them on they flower so soft but they are just incredible in both cold and snowy conditions.

 

[Redline]

I have run winter tyres for a few years, when you first put them on they flower so soft but they are just incredible in both cold and snowy conditions.

Are winters more common your way or do people just try and cope without?

We probably have maybe just two days a year with snow on main roads. Only ever known our side roads to be cleared once in 33 years here. Most people simply give up until salt starts getting dragged onto the estate by those that can get out.

 

[ktnez99]

I’ve no idea about whether winter tyres enhance grip in icy and or snowy conditions. I’ve tended to leave my car at home when it has snowed and opt for public transport or go on foot.

What winter tyres would any of you recommend? From experience, of course.

 

[andyglym]

Are winters more common your way or do people just try and cope without?

We probably have maybe just two days a year with snow on main roads. Only ever known our side roads to be cleared once in 33 years here. Most people simply give up until salt starts getting dragged onto the estate by those that can get out.

Winters work best for temps of 7°C and below mate so a viable option for a decent proportion of winter.

 

[andyglym]

I’ve no idea about whether winter tyres enhance grip in icy and or snowy conditions. I’ve tended to leave my car at home when it has snowed and opt for public transport or go on foot.

What winter tyres would any of you recommend? From experience, of course.

It's all subjective, people like what they like. I'd just Google winter tyres and see what get good reviews from the experts on test.

 

[Redline]

I’ve no idea about whether winter tyres enhance grip in icy and or snowy conditions. I’ve tended to leave my car at home when it has snowed and opt for public transport or go on foot.

What winter tyres would any of you recommend? From experience, of course.

I find it hard recommending tyres - everyone raves about the tyres they have so its difficult to get an objective view. Listen to the experts like the guy who does these tyre reviews. They understand the construction and rubber technologies so are far better informed, especially the independent reviewers.

That said - Some tyres get good reviews. Others no so much. However, winters usually perform much better in the wet and some are more focussed on that.

Nokian do a whole range of different tyres and, as they're from Finland, they know a bit about snow.

I've currently got Continental Winter Contact TS860s on the 3 series because they have both good wet and dry characteristics. Good enough but not brilliant on snow - what I'd consider get you home or A - B if you need to but probably wouldn't venture out into 6" snow unless it's critical. They're a good all round winter tyre. Good enough across all conditions without being outstanding.

On the LRs I'd just go out for the fun of it because I could.

Have had Pirelli Sottozeros for the E89 on square setup 17" wheels for four years now. They're unlikely to get put on this year - indeed we might just sell the set. They do however turn the ride from a hard crashy ride to being far more comfortable as well as coping with general winter conditions.

One thing to say about driving in winter on snow and ice is, even if you've got the grip and control, you have to treat everyone else as being in charge of an unguided missile. Always give yourself space to move forward for when the t**t beyond you turns their poorly shod chelsea tractor into an expensive sledge.

 

[Grenville]

What is snow?

 

[andyglym]

What is snow?

 

[Grenville]

Is it that white stuff in the paddocks? Don't you put it on the roads?

 

[Redline]

What is snow?

This is proper snow - not that weedy stuff the Lake District gets

 

[Grenville]

So --- how come it is not on the road?

 

[andyglym]

So --- how come it is not on the road?

Salt and lots of it

 

[Grenville]

Salt and lots of it

Can't be too good for the environment.

 

[Brian H]

Are winters more common your way or do people just try and cope without?

I guess most people try and cope, I have to travel for my job so I look at it as piece of mind.

Sometimes it just fun to have some fun though

 

[Redline]

So --- how come it is not on the road?

I go photographing more interesting things

Don't have any photos of the 26 foot deep snow drifts in Dec 1981. This though was snapped outside home but its only a few inches deep.

 

[Stevo7682]

Used winter tyres on my daily over winter last 7 yrs or so dug me out of a few situations biggest issue with winter tyres when you are out is the every one else who dont they get stuck you invariably do too .

 

[ktnez99]

We just are not equipped in the UK to deal with 2inches of snow - generally speaking. The UK grinds to a standstill with 1cm.