Do any of you change to winter tyres?

I changed from a MKI Octavia 4x4 in the summer for a MkII petrol vrs estate and was taken aback by the difference in handling I had to deal with in the little bit of snow and ice today.

Never had an ounce of wheelspin or lack of steering feedback with the 4x4 but the vrs was very skittish.

Managed to get to work safe and sound but as i mainly drive on the country roads (which are great fun in the summer in the vrs, even in the rain) I wondered whether i should change to winter tyres to give me a bit more traction in the snow/slush(any recommendations?)

Steve.

Have a look at the 4x4/Scout tyre wear thread, as I write this it's on the 6th page.

I'd put in a link but can't figure out how?

Quite a few comments about more all weather or winter tyres.

I've just had some Nokian WR G2 tyres, very impressed so far as normal usage goes.

Haven't been anywhere muddy or snowy yet.

I would think about it, if I were in a more rural location and we receive more consistant icy/snowy weather. But for the moment, I'll just stick with my performance orientated Toyos. As soon as you'd fitted the winter offerings, the temperature would only increase and they'd not be suitable as they'd warm up too much!

Steve

A few weeks aho we had our fist snowfall of this winter and my first experience of the Octavia in snow.

The car (1.9 TDi) has the OEM Dunlops and these have 4 - 5mm tread all round.

Put frankly, the traction on packed snow was rubbish and I failed to negotiate a 12% hill that was no problem to a Citroen Picasso, Honda Jazz or Renault Clio. I as struggled for grip I was overtaken by quite a few other cars.

I've over 30 years driving experience, all in the North and Scotland so snow is nothing new to me, but the Octavia seems seriously lacking in grip, and the traction control (ESP) system seems to do nothing but make the light come on?

I'm unimpressed, but would welcome to hear others' experiences. I am reluctant to fork out for special tyres for an occasional problem but would like something better when these are due for replacement.

In snowy conditions it is advised to switch OFF traction control

Also try dropping the tire pressure a little, but remember to put them back up when the snow has gone.

In most parts of the UK winter tires are not needed and the above dodge should see you thru.

A few weeks aho we had our fist snowfall of this winter and my first experience of the Octavia in snow.

The car (1.9 TDi) has the OEM Dunlops and these have 4 - 5mm tread all round.

Put frankly, the traction on packed snow was rubbish and I failed to negotiate a 12% hill that was no problem to a Citroen Picasso, Honda Jazz or Renault Clio. I as struggled for grip I was overtaken by quite a few other cars.

I've over 30 years driving experience, all in the North and Scotland so snow is nothing new to me, but the Octavia seems seriously lacking in grip, and the traction control (ESP) system seems to do nothing but make the light come on?

I'm unimpressed, but would welcome to hear others' experiences. I am reluctant to fork out for special tyres for an occasional problem but would like something better when these are due for replacement.

Hmmm, not sure you can blame the Octavia for lack of grip - you perhaps need to look at your tyres.

I live in Finland, we drive on packed snow and ice for 6 months of the year. In comparison to the other 5 or so cars I've driven during the winter, I have been extremely impressed with the performance of my Octy2. The car is well balanced and I've definitely benefited from the ESP, which reacts much quicker than me in a skid.

But back to tyres, pretty much all the locals here use Nokian winter tyres. They are made in Finland to suit the local conditions. A Swedish newspaper reviews winter tyres every cold season, and Nokia Tyres win every year.

In snowy conditions it is advised to switch OFF traction control

Says who?

The general opinion here in Finland is that traction control and ESP systems are extremely useful in snowy conditions. It's fun to turn off sometimes, but as a safety feature I couldn't advise anyone to turn it off.

Says who?

It is written in the user's manual.

It is written in the user's manual.

I may be sticking my neck out here, but I think the manual is giving very poor advice. . There are a few guys from Finland on this forum, I wait with interest to hear their views.

Tiff Needell on snow:

OK, there is no advice to permanently switch off the ESP on snow:

The ESP should normally always be switched on. It may be good practice in certain exceptional cases, such as when you wish to have wheel slip, to switch off the system.

Examples:

• when driving with snow chains

• when driving in deep snow or on a loose surface

• when it is necessary to rock a car free when it has become stuck.

then you should switch on the ESP again.

Tiff Needell on snow:

Illuminating.

I have been to both Sweden and Finland in winter but I think most of us in the UK don't want to practice ice driving but rather be able to drive on public roads safely and without getting stuck.

The OEM tyres are fine for normal use and grippy enough in the wet. Letting down the tyres a few psi is OK if you're in a situation to do safely before you meet the snow but not ideal.

I guess I need to go and practice on a quiet hill with the system on and off!