MrPut

Walthamstow isn't too far, but if mason dealer, the same costs as local Citygate, who are ok.

@e-Roottoot Thanks. Now to find a good independent, and that's the real minefield, whereas main dealers are like McDonalds - they may be crap but at least you know what you're getting! Any recommendations for north London?

Hi. Any thoughts on dealer versus independent for regular maintenance and servicing? I suppose for fault finding, it's best to go main dealer as they have all the latest diagnostics and recalls. But for run of the mill stuff? If independent, any recommendations within striking distance of north London? Thanks!

@skomaz If you're on the edge of the Pennines you're probably on the wrong thread. You want to be on "all season versus having both summer and winter tyres"! :-D @SurreyJohn It's essentially your second car use I'm thinking of - 5k a year and the ability to keep me moving if the weather and roads demand it. That's the problem with low mileage - you need a crystal ball to see what driving you may be doing in 5 years time. I guess it's easier if you fit Michelin Primacy 3 though - they'll split before you wear them out anyway!

@skomaz I think the crossclimate+ are good tyres, but given my low mileage and conditions I'm likely to use them in (southeast, urban roads and motorways), it's hard to justify their additional cost. I also read reviews like this that suggest that in many areas, cheaper alternatives like the Hankook or Vredestein are at least as good https://www.tyrereviews.com/Article/2020-Tyre-Reviews-All-Season-Tyre-Test.htm

I never knew that. But BC also have good availability and fitting slots for the Hankooks and Vredesteins too. I got my last set of tyres there too. They're my go to tyre supplier and fitter now. The independent tyre fitter is good for repairs and perhaps one day for when I decide to buy tyres in less of a panic.

@Phutters That is useful, in terms of the summer vs all season tradeoff. That is where the all seasons struggle - dry braking. But the Yeti is no A3, and about as aerodynamic as me approaching my 50s, so I won't be driving fast. The Yeti is the first car that I've actually enjoyed driving sedately, simply because it doesn't like speed (I used to be an Alfa fan, so definitely moved on from speed and looks now). I take your point though. I might take another look at the dry braking differences between the summer an all seasons...

@Schtum - I know I'm shallow but the tread pattern of the crossclimates do look nicer than the competition!

I looked at Asda, mytyres, blackcircles, oponeo, and kwik-fit (just browsing, never seriously). I went with blackcircles in the end, because they offer quick delivery and decent fitter options. Asda had a decent selection at good prices, but fitting was likely to be at a Halfords (no, just no!) and mailing costs for me to then have them fitted by my local outstanding independent tyre fitter would have cost as much as the fitting. Mytyres were cheaper but c. 10 days delivery from Germany and I need them this week as we've got a lot of driving coming up over the next couple of weeks and I don't trust my cracked Michelins!

How are they holding up in terms of perishing? That was one of the main reasons I shied away from them, plus the high cost vs my low mileage meaning it would make more sense to get a slightly cheaper set and replace them sooner.

I'm the owner of a 2015 2L smoky DSG L&K. Previously had a 1.2 TSi DSG, but the ex got that as part of the separation - good riddance...her, not the car! Looking at prematurely replacing my tyres (225/50R17 94W). There's tread left on the Michelin Primacy 3s, but the cracking on the shoulders has become too alarming too ignore. They were on the car when bought second hand so doubt I'd get much out of complaining to Michelin now. I am looking at all season tyres. I do generally quite low mileage in the weekend car (say3-5k pa) and I live in London so most of the time will be on good roads and motorways. So, why the all seasons? I see the Yeti as a long term keep and we're looking to do more staycations and more travelling down to the in-laws on the south coast. I've invested in a towbar and electrics, roof rack and box and the car will be loaded up at times for trips. The new set of tyres will probably perish before the tread goes, so I'd rather have something that will cover me for all conditions over the coming say 5-7 years, than wish I had gone for all seasons instead of summer tyres, particularly where there is little difference in price. Anything wrong with my logic so far? I understand that all seasons aren't quite as good as either summer or winter tyres in their perfect environments, but it's a good compromise, and with little now to actually compromise on. After reading around, I've narrowed the selection down to Hankook Kinergy 4S2 and Vredestein Quadtrac Pro. Anyone have any experience with these? I looked at the leaders - the Michelin Crossclimate+ (too expensive for my usage and won't use Michelin again after the Primacy 3) and Goodyear Vector 4Seasons 3 (too expensive). The Hankooks and Vredesteins also outperformed the leaders in some of the tests I've seen on Autoexpress and Autobild. Any thoughts appreciated. Thanks!