How many people have winter tyres?

[mountainandsea]

Hi there,

We live at 280 metres in rural Aberdeenshire, the most snowy area in Scotland. Last winter we were measuring snow in metres rather than centimetres and it lay for 3 months. It gets so cold (minus 17 is not at all unusual) that Aberdeenshire Council switch from salt to granite grit below a certain point as salt is ineffective, whereas grit gives a bit of bite.

Our 4 x 4 Octy is fitted with Vredestein Ultracs or Sportracs, and copes admirably. Comparatively few folk around here put specific winter wheels and tyres on, and one reason is that we adapt to the conditions, driving slower or not at all. Something that's not been mentioned is that when conditions get dangerous through either depth of snow or extreme temperatures, those in the know don't drive.

Preparation in the freezer, food and fuel departments is more important than fitting tyres which make you think you can drive on anything. Employers here recognise severe winter conditions as a fact of life and are flexible to a point. Widespread school, business and road closures are common, but usually only last a day or two.

Kind Regards

Ian