I have never even thought about having different tyres depending on the time of year. My tyres work really well wet or dry. Maybe its because I am a Southerner right on the South Coast with little in the way of hills. Perhaps if I lived 'oop North' I would change my tune given the more inclement weather they get up there.

I did get stuck last year though. We had sneaky French snow surprise us from the South and I got stuck overnight in a tiny village (with a fabulous pub and friendly locals). Just couldnt get up and over the South Downs. Would winter tyres have really made a huge difference in 5 inches of snow ?

Its a pricey option as I would need 4 rims and the tyres for something i wouldnt need often. Maybe a set of snow chains would be a better investment :yes:

Last year I had to borrow a Jeep to get to my house, the Passat couldn't get anywhere near, the first bit of incline had the 235/45x17 Contisports loosing traction and going nowhere.

This is the jeep just off my drive.

Two days later the only tyre tracks up that road were the Jeeps but I'd had winter tyres fitted to the Passat do I thought I'd give it a go. Drove straight up without drama, the traction was incredible and braking was jaw dropping you coould actually feel as though you were braking hard on snow.

As for the cost, the 205/55x16 Sottozero's I have fitted are far cheaper than the summer 235/45x17 Conti's so running the winters for 4 months a year instead of the conti's should easily cover the cost of steel wheels and should save me money.

I was that impressed by winters last year I've bought two more sets this year for the Fabias.

The HTP has 165/70x14's Bridgestone Blizzaks which only cost £320 on steel wheels. About the same cost as replacement 195/55x15 conti's for the standard 15" alloys.

If you will have your car over 3 winters and do average mileage or above then outside the safety benefits I'd say winters pay their own costs.

Cheers

Lee

Edited 20 December, 201114 yr by logiclee

As I live in the same hilly town as Fatbloke I have decided I will go for some winter tyres.

My problem is I have no spare wheels and middle to end of Jan will be getting an Elegance 1.6crtdi (built awaiting delivery) to replace the Greenline that has a habit of braking-down.

Where do I start to get the spare wheels and I think I will go for the 185 55 15H tyres, but would I be breaking any UK law with those tyres on the GL2.

Found these on MyTyres and taking it all into account at £331.20 the lot is a good price. can anyone tell me if they will fit my Fabias/

Edited 20 December, 201114 yr by Dempsek

As I live in the same hilly town as Fatbloke I have decided I will go for some winter tyres.

My problem is I have no spare wheels and middle to end of Jan will be getting an Elegance 1.6crtdi (built awaiting delivery) to replace the Greenline that has a habit of braking-down.

Where do I start to get the spare wheels and I think I will go for the 185 55 15H tyres, but would I be breaking any UK law with those tyres on the GL2.

Found these on MyTyres and taking it all into account at £331.20 the lot is a good price. can anyone tell me if they will fit my Fabias/

That size will fit the fabia, 15 x 6, 5x100PCD, 57mm centre bore, offset ET43mm. It is the standard Fabia OEM fitment so no insurance issues, just let them know. The 185/55 15 is apparently the Skoda recommended winter tyre (and can be used with chains if required). This is probably the most straightforward route to go especially as they will be delivered to your door. Certainly no UK law issues