just fitted a set of these to my vRS

Well, been out for a run in the wife's Mercedes ML300 4x4 with summer tyres, then again on same route with my vRS with the marangoni winter tyres.

WOW! What a difference. Has proven to me that 4x4 is not very helpful in winter without winter tyres. My test route was a mixture of snow powder and mainly compacted snow. Decided to drive as if the ground was wet, i.e. Carefully, but not super cautiously. The merc scrambled to get going, slid for several seconds braking from approx 15-20mph and had dreadful understeer when cornering. The difference in the vRS was astonishing. I could be firm with the throttle and even with all that diesel torque, there was almost no wheel slippage. Sharp braking from 20mph resulted in stopping as if the road was simply wet in summer. Minimal skidding. The grip whilst turning around a roundabout at a brisk pace was really confidence inspiring. the car changed direction very easily with no fuss. I also have no complaints at all about the grip on cold dry and cold wet roads having tried them out in the days before the snow arrived.

No doubt there are better winter tyres out there, I chose these ones for convenience reasons. But my first impression is extremely positive. Money well spent and I really did spend a long time agonising over the options and the affordability, given I am typing this with a 10 day old baby in my arms.

Ultimately, what this test has shown me, is that the laws of physics always apply, and having winter tyres doesn't mean you can or should drive like an idiot, but they inspire confidence, are safer and arer clearly the best tyres for 4-5mths of the year in Scotland and arguably the UK.

Thanks for helping me to prove the point

Winters are really very good indeed...Not just in snow!!

They are a good investment

I have been out today "testing" my michelin winters, they are amazing

As chris said, best money i have spent on the car so far, just been in after a 20 mile journey home at -5 on what was slush earlier but has now frozen over and no drama at all

Also can get all the way up my driveway, in the snow in Jan the 407 with summer tyres could barely get in off the road

Hi

Live in Germany, was in the UK after Xmas last year when it snowed. On leaving for Dover I was the only car doing 60mph on the motorway on the left lane (right was full) had no problems. Even the Police had problems staying behind me

SNOW TYRES are a must when it gets cold.

Conti´s on my new Scout.

Tom

PS M&S tyres (allround tyres last a bit longer)

I have just fitted 4 x Yokohama W-drives to my petrol Vrs & made it to Asda for the shopping (no mean feed considering the state of the roads & the fact they refused to deliver our order !)

I am converted...(again...used to fit two to a V5 Bora many moons ago)...just concerned that I should have done the same for my wifes Mazda 5 (which has new(ish) Kumho's fitted) & TBH seems to handle pretty well on them !)

I've had the Coopers fitted just in time (last week). Have to say that they've transformed the car from being completely undriveable in snow to being something I can drive confidently, safely and comfortably in treacherous weather.

Good to know that the Marangonis are giving good results too

Ordered and paid for 4 Marangonis from My Tyres last week. Delivery expected this coming Wednesday.

Checked their web site today and in the space of less than a week they've gone up by £114 !!!

What can you say ?

Any chance of a tow Evan?

I've not fitted winters on the Vrs, but my other 2 both have good winter tyres for the past few years. Didn't help them when they were stuck behind the Vrs in the driveway though... All sorted now though.

Time to rescue some 4x4s in the "it'll never go on snow BMW"

Just a quick link to the demand for CWTs at KF: http://www.fleetnews.co.uk/news/2010/11/29/kwik-fit-sees-demand-for-winter-tyres-increase/38331/