I've tried to read all the comments, but there's loads of sometimes contradictory information to digest, and I confess I'm no expert.

My front tyres need replacing anyway, but the back ones are fine. I've a lot of regular long-distance driving to do in the coming months, and the weather is looking rather grim. The last set of four new "normal" tyres cost me well over £300 from Kwikfit. And - I'm on a budget.

Q1: Is it worth my while to get a full set of winter tyres, or a full set of "all-year" rufty-tufty tyres?

Q2: If so, what make should I buy, and how much should I expect to pay?

I'd be very grateful for some quality advice, please!

Many thanks in anticipation.

Brian

I got 2 winter tyres fitted at HiQ the other day for £138. They seem to be doing well in the snow around yorkshire at the moment!

Thanks for that - good price! For the the 4x4, all tyres have to be the same, and that's why I'm debating whether I replace the back two as well.

Brian

If you're concerned about safety I'd say don't do something by half, get all 4 replaced, if you don't it'll be a false economy. I fitted some Vredestein Quatrac 3s a couple of years ago (they have the winter snowflake symbol but can be used all year) and have them on permanently, they are great. I have driven to the Alps twice (in winter to go skiing) and on a quattro they were great so our weather will pose few problems. Can't promise they'll fit your budget but you're the only one who can decide how much to spend and therefore what to go for. How much would a spin and smash cost! Good luck.

+1 for getting 4,

i have just had my first set of winter tyres on for a week now and they are the best money i have spent on the car so far...

i got Michelin Alpin A4's for mine, but i see the price has gone up since i got mine

Thanks for all the useful information.

I contacted HiQ in Plymouth, whose manager Bob was very helpful, but they didn't have any in stock.

I then tried HiQ Bournemouth (where I work 2 days a week), who were just NOT interested, and only said that they didn't have any, and goodbye.

Back to Bob, who said he'd make a few calls, took half an hour to get back to me, and reported that all his suppliers were bereft. However, he gave me some info on what to look for, advised me to order tyres via the internet where lots were available, send them to him, and he'd put them on for a few quid.

That's what I did.

I used MyTyres, and got 4 for £270: Nankang S600.

Excellent bit of customer service.

Thanks again.

I'll just need to drive VERY carefully for the next couple of days.

Brian

Thanks for all the useful information.

I contacted HiQ in Plymouth, whose manager Bob was very helpful, but they didn't have any in stock.

I then tried HiQ Bournemouth (where I work 2 days a week), who were just NOT interested, and only said that they didn't have any, and goodbye.

Back to Bob, who said he'd make a few calls, took half an hour to get back to me, and reported that all his suppliers were bereft. However, he gave me some info on what to look for, advised me to order tyres via the internet where lots were available, send them to him, and he'd put them on for a few quid.

That's what I did.

I used MyTyres, and got 4 for £270: Nankang S600.

Excellent bit of customer service.

Thanks again.

I'll just need to drive VERY carefully for the next couple of days.

Brian

Brian

You will still need to drive carefully after you get them fitted, there is no miracle fix to driving on snow and ice....

Brian

You will still need to drive carefully after you get them fitted, there is no miracle fix to driving on snow and ice....

Indeed - fully agree.

I was referring more to the fact that my front tyres are on the border-line, and I've got a good few hundred miles to drive until I get the new tyres fitted.

Brian