I was wondering why as well. Are you saying you use summer only tyres during the summer?

That would make sense wouldn't it? :yes:

Using tyres for their intended purpose. If it's not summer, but winter, you may logically switch to winter tyres.

That would make sense wouldn't it?

Using tyres for their intended purpose. If it's not summer, but winter, you may logically switch to winter tyres.

OK. What I meant was that I wondered why people purchase summer and winter tyres when in England we only have a week of each. Surely all weather tyres would be more economical

Of course running just all weather tyres will result in a lower initial outlay, but IF you have the room to store winter tyres then providing you either keep the car (or a car they will fit on) for 3 - 4 years, or long enough to wear out a couple of sets of tyres, then they wont actually cost you any more, as your all season/summer tyres will last you longer, you also have the benefit of using tyres throughout the winter that are far superior to the all season tyres.

Why struggle or 'make do' if you don't need to?

I was wondering the same thing about the whole winter/summer thing. Are the gains that big if you travel on mainly large roads that are regularly gritted etc? On my factory fit tyres (Continentals so not sure if summer or all season) I have managed to drive into work perfectly fine in snow etc. so not sure what gains I would see. Now if I lived out in the sticks etc. on ungritted roads there may be more gains?

Edited 16 September, 201015 yr by PSM

OK. What I meant was that I wondered why people purchase summer and winter tyres when in England we only have a week of each. Surely all weather tyres would be more economical

Erm no, there's a little more to it than that. If the temperature is below 7 degrees, generally 'winter' tyres will cope better. I think you'll agree that during the winter months, 'England' spends a bit longer than one week below these sorts of temperatures.

All Weather tyres, in my experience, tend to do a mediocre job of each task. Also depends on what your definition of winter tyres is - I'm not talking about studded versions here, merely tyres that are designed with colder weather in mind, and that are better suited at handling these types of conditions.

Even on newly gritted roads, your standard 'summer' tyres are compromised.

The rubber compounds of these tyres are only effective in temperatures that are above 7C

Winter tyres have a rubber compound that gives grip in much lower temperatures.

Even if there is no snow all winter, they make a MASSIVE difference in the winter months

I am a convert to winter rubber and believe me..It does make a difference.!!

You need to check that all of the dimensions are appropriate for your car. So mine would need a 16x6J or 6.5J, PCD 112 + Offset of between 45-50.

I've been looking for some Nokian tyres WR G2's, I can get them for about £73 each, I just need some rims to put them on (approx £100), plus someone to fit them (£40). The best I can get them is around £450 mark at the moment.

Would you mind saying where you can get the Nokians at that price? I am looking at £80 best price at the moment.

www.Mytyres.co.uk

Nokian WR G2 205/55/16R 91H M+S @ £71,06

Nokian WR G2 205/55/16R 94H M+S+BSW marking @ £76,47

www.Mytyres.co.uk

Nokian WR G2 205/55/16R 91H M+S @ £71,06

Nokian WR G2 205/55/16R 94H M+S+BSW marking @ £76,47

Alright thanks. I had forgotten I was specifying V rated. I don't want to compromise on that really even though I never travel faster than 90mph, far ;less in the winter.

Alright thanks. I had forgotten I was specifying V rated. I don't want to compromise on that really even though I never travel faster than 90mph, far ;less in the winter.

The 205/55/16 94V were £77 four weeks ago when I bought mine from them .

You really dont need V rated winter tyres

H rated will be adequate

Of course running just all weather tyres will result in a lower initial outlay, but IF you have the room to store winter tyres then providing you either keep the car (or a car they will fit on) for 3 - 4 years, or long enough to wear out a couple of sets of tyres, then they wont actually cost you any more, as your all season/summer tyres will last you longer, you also have the benefit of using tyres throughout the winter that are far superior to the all season tyres.

Why struggle or 'make do' if you don't need to?

Ok seen clip now, but for large parts of winter it just cold without snow and ice do these tyres show such improvements on non icy/snowy roads. I am asking these question purely because the outlay for me would require the inclusion of wheel purchase so I just want to be sure that the benfits out way the cost.

Likewise I too had to buy wheels for the winter tyres, so i understand your concern .

Winter tyres use a softer compound than all season and summer tyres, they therefore will get up to temperature quicker (some summer tyres would never get up to optimum temperature in the winter) and give you better grip especially in the damp and wet.

ok. Thanks

So ... on the principle that one can only afford 1 set of tyres, the OPTIMUM choice would be?:

a) winter - maybe Nokian or Conti

summer - maybe Conti 3

c) all-weather - ???

C) all weather, it is a jack of all trades (and master of non) and will see you throughout the year.

But if you do prang your car in the bad weather, the increased insurance costs will probably be more than the cost of the winter tyres.

Andy

But if you do prang your car in the bad weather, the increased insurance costs will probably be more than the cost of the winter tyres.

Andy

Plus you would have to pay the excess on the insurance and almost certainly incur other expenses while your car is being fixed and just for the sheer hassle avoidance of not crashing its worth it I reckon.

If I needed any more convincing I would just think about causing death or injury and then the miserly streak goes away . . .

If I could only have one set of tyres, I might look at something like Uniroyal Rainsport 2s. But I honestly can't say how they'd cope on the colder/icy stuff. Or Vredestein do a supposedly 'All Weather' edition, but can't remember what it's called and not sure on its abilities!

Best to check on TyreReviews really - get some more info from people that have tried them.

Steve

I'll be puting all season Goodyear Vector 4 Seasons on come November. They've got the M+S marking together with the Mountain/Snowflake symbol.

See www.mytyres.co.uk