Winter Tyres

[Englebert]

Anyone had experience of winter/snow tyres? I'm thinking of getting some spare wheels and fitting them for the next few months!

 

[Christopher]

For the inch or two we'll actually get, I really wouldn't bother.

 

[Matt@Stealthsport]

For the inch or two we'll actually get, I really wouldn't bother.

Some men will pay thousands for an extra inch or two.

 

[Englebert]

Well, last year i had to abandon the car, so although it's infrequent, it's a major pain in the ass. Besides, i want to save my BBS over winter anyway...

It's pretty hard to find test results for winter tyres, but seems the Conti WinterContacts are quite good.

 

[Christopher]

What car did you buy in the end? I've not been on much.

 

[Matt@Stealthsport]

Well, last year i had to abandon the car, so although it's infrequent, it's a major pain in the ass. Besides, i want to save my BBS over winter anyway...

It's pretty hard to find test results for winter tyres, but seems the Conti WinterContacts are quite good.

Seriously though I thought about it but down in sunny Berkshire I don't think I'll need them be interested to see how you get on.

 

[Djw John]

Bought some conti winter ones for some stellies I had a few years ago, they work so much better whenever the temp is below 5 degrees and if it is snowy they were epic!

 

[Englebert]

Sounds good! I have a Mini JCW Chris. Just paid for a refurb so i'd rather them not get mullered in a few months...

This is what i'm dealing with in the 'Oaks. Steep drive onto a main road isn't cool!

 

[Scrooge]

Fook trying to get up that

 

[ForceIndia]

TBF they work well when cold, not just when snowing

 

[Englebert]

OK, so seeing as you lot aren't helping, the first thing i've done is see what tyres BMW recommends. Here is a link to their reviews and the prices (from MyTyres).

Bridgestone Blizzak 195/55R16
£91.90
http://www1.epinions.com/reviews/Bridgestone_Blizzak_Passenger_Performance_Tire_44824164
http://www.1010tires.com/tirereviews/Bridgestone_Blizzak_WS-50_Winterbiter_tire_reviews.html

Dunlop Winter Sport 195/55R16
£85.10
http://www.1010tires.com/Tires/Reviews/Dunlop/Winter+Sport+3D
http://www.tyretest.com/pkw_winterreifen/dunlop/sp_winter_sport_3d/index.html

Goodyear Eagle Ultra Grip 195/55R16
£104.10
http://www.1010tires.com/Tires/Reviews/Goodyear/Ultra+Grip+7
http://www.tirestest.com/pkw_winterreifen/goodyear/ultra_grip_7/index.html

Continental WinterContact 195/55R16
£97.50
http://www.tyretest.com/pkw_winterreifen/continental/wintercontact_ts_810_s_ssr/index.html
http://www.euroshina.com.ua/en/reviews/Continental/Wintercontact_ts_810

Looking at the reviews it seems the above is listed in order (best being the first).

 

[Djw John]

Any cheaper in 195/50? Makes little odds to the drive and usually cheaper. Mine were 14s!

 

[ForceIndia]

http://www.webwire.com/ViewPressRel.asp?aId=78536

 

[Djw John]

They were epic!!

(That middle line is from my exhaust!)

 

[Englebert]

lol!

Thanks for the link...the Goodyear Ultra Grips come off well.

 

[Alan]

Ah another works owner...my runflats were pretty dire last night coming over the farm rd from the motorway to mine!!

Any pics of the new ride fella?

 

[alex-avfc]

I thought you had a Vanquish?

 

[Englebert]

Vanquish is my old mans, i role in a Smart and a Works. Just spent the last hour shovelling snow to rescue the Smart and put it in the garage. Fortunately the Mini has been under the car port!

I'll do a write up of the Mini soon, just not had time.

Regarding different size tyres (195/50), they are are more expensive by about a tenner per tyre. So 195/55s are the ones to get. I imagine the taller profile is best anyway.

 

[Jamie86]

Get onto german google i guess.. The law to have winter tyres over there is it not so should be good place to read a few reviews...

 

[Ralphizzle]

That middle line is from my exhaust!

LOL!

Skinny tires on a Clio RS...

Alas wintertyres, bet you those where epic.

 

[ado]

I'm using Nokian WR G2 on the daily driver in 205/55/16/ size and can't complain at all. Apparently they can be used all year round but haven't tried it yet.

Might even put these on the new car if the price is good.

 

[Stava]

Wouldn't it be cheaper to salt your drive?

 

[Steviant]

I thought you'd have just bought one of these...

 

[Djw John]

You bought any yet?

 

[Djw John]

Just a wee update. My Avon CR85 Winter tyres have finally arrived and are fitted. Naturally there is bugger all snow left so I'll update with how they are if I find any or next time it bloody snows!!