I'm think about getting the 4x4 estate. Partly because of the winter weather.

Does the 4x4 handle ok in the snow? Is it worth paying the extra? Or should I get 2WD and pay for winter tyres.

Cheers

A 4 wheel drive car on all season tyres will have less grip than a FWD car on proper winter tyres, by all means buy a 4x4 if you are going to get full use of it, otherwise get a normal FWD one and fit some winter tyres.

FWIW I picked my Superb up on Friday and fitted my winter wheels and tyres yesterday (just as it started snowing!) and had no problems at all today in the 3"ish of snow we have had.

4x4 will obviously give you better traction when starting off, especially if you live or have to travel up any hills, but it does nothing to help you stop. I've heard people on here say that a 2wd with good quality winter tyres would be just as good (and provide improved braking performance) as a 4x4.

I have a 4x4 superb estate, but have fitted it with Vredestine Wintrac tyres on 18" wheels. I have to say, it's been exceptional in the White stuff, it can accelerate almost as quick in the snow, as it can I the dry. It's actually better than my previous car, a KIA Sorento on BFGoodrich AT tyres.

Of course, the 4x4 won't stop someone else running into you!

Also, the 4x4 is also a very competent dry and wet weather vehicle, although not as quick as the 2wd, handling is improved.

Al

...and they under-steer too... seriously though, a 4x4 with winter tyres fitted to all driven wheels would be quite a formidable machine...!

I have 3 cars on the driveway, one 4x4 with all season tyres, one 4x4 with all terrain tyres and one front wheel drive car with winter tyres on.

In this weather I'd always pick either of the 4x4's over the fwd.

Hi

This little movie from BMW may show the difference between summer and winter tires on a 4WD:

http://www.bmwblog.com/2010/11/25/the-difference-between-winter-tires-vs-summer-tires-on-new-bmw-x3/

Now I can't speak for anyone else but I know what I would do...

/Superbjoser

I'm think about getting the 4x4 estate. Partly because of the winter weather.

Does the 4x4 handle ok in the snow? Is it worth paying the extra? Or should I get 2WD and pay for winter tyres.

Cheers

Hi,

I was gutted yesterday... FWD Superb Elegance Est. 170... 1 week old & on compact snow / ice the tyres failed to grip & just drifted around a bend & gently bumped the kerb... :'( I've now got 1 scratched Thermisto :'( :'( :'(

ITS ONLY ONE WEEK OLD!! I've had my Golf (company car) for 2 years (52k miles) & alloys are still absolutely pristine! Why oh why!?!?!?

I know the benefits of winter tyres (spent nearly 6 years in Germany) but in Manchester area we thoght about it & decided the £6-700 was not really worth it. Now only the Golf will be used in this weather where possible!

I have to say the Golf handles much much better in these conditions. I drove the Superb like I would drive the Golf & didn't think the difference would be so great :-( I guess I have to admit (although not going at all quickly) it was too fast for the conditions but also the car!

I've learnt now so It'll be more gentle & slower from now on (in both cars)... Any one got one unblmished Thermisto up for grabs?.... I'll swap you

It handles better than many Fords & Vauxhalls in this weather but take it easy guys!

A very very gutted Stef

Aww thats a shame Stef but at least it wasnt bodywork or yourself that got damaged is one way to look at it.

Edited 20 December, 201015 yr by p1tud

I have driven both FWD and 4x4 in the dry on summer tyres and the 4x4 just feels and handles much much better.

Now I have winter tyres on my 4x4 and it is brilliant. My drive and road are a 45 degree incline and the car just breezes it.

You do need to fit winter tyres. The Contis are not up to winter conditions.

To answer your question. Yes it is worth the extra dosh for 4x4 not just in the ice and snow but summer weather too.

Phil.

I have driven both FWD and 4x4 in the dry on summer tyres and the 4x4 just feels and handles much much better.

Now I have winter tyres on my 4x4 and it is brilliant. My drive and road are a 45 degree incline and the car just breezes it.

You do need to fit winter tyres. The Contis are not up to winter conditions.

To answer your question. Yes it is worth the extra dosh for 4x4 not just in the ice and snow but summer weather too.

Phil.

I'm currently suffering , my BMW 123d is rear wheel drive with RUN FLAT summer tyres(the biggest and widest ones available), having seen all the test for winter tyres and the difference they make to a rear wheel drive and normal in both WET and Snow conditions I will be definitely investing in a set of winter tyres. I didn't bother with the bmer as it's being sold in 2 - 3 months when my Skoda arrives.

I have the superb 4x4 estate on order, tractions one thing but winter tyres give you an amazing amount of grip when braking going down hill (probably the worst scenario for most), they will probably last you a good 3 - 4 years as you would put them on in November and take them off at the end of Feb.

Check this review to see the difference

Auto express tyre test

p.s. My car is currently stuck in the car park at work where there was plenty of snow, I will be digging out shortly :'(

Edited 20 December, 201015 yr by Sw1

You could have 6 wheel drive and still struggle. particularly driving downhill or doing an emergency stop

Its all down to the tyres!!

I'm currently suffering , my BMW 123d is rear wheel drive with RUN FLAT summer tyres(the biggest and widest ones available), having seen all the test for winter tyres and the difference they make to a rear wheel drive and normal in both WET and Snow conditions I will be definitely investing in a set of winter tyres. I didn't bother with the bmer as it's being sold in 2 - 3 months when my Skoda arrives.

I have the superb 4x4 estate on order, tractions one thing but winter tyres give you an amazing amount of grip when braking going down hill (probably the worst scenario for most), they will probably last you a good 3 - 4 years as you would put them on in November and take them off at the end of Feb.

Check this review to see the difference

Auto express tyre test

p.s. My car is currently stuck in the car park at work where there was plenty of snow, I will be digging out shortly

I fitted these to the 18" Themistos.

Avon Ice Touring. Around £140 per tyre.

Phil.

Edited 20 December, 201015 yr by philpix

I fitted these to the 18" Themistos.

Cool, can I ask how much for the set? I will get some for next winter. I will order in the summer time I think as I won't get my Superb till March/April time.

Also what make did you go for?

Edited 20 December, 201015 yr by Sw1

I have the 4x4 with winter-spiked-wheels and it's utterly awesome!

None of my neighbors have a 4x4-fitted vehicle and they all dread the come of winter because of the hill we all have to traverse to get onto the road (we live in a valley) ... During the last few weeks I've frequently seen stuck cars, or cars being pushed up the hill by 3-4 helpers ... No problems what so ever in the Superb

Hi,

I was gutted yesterday... FWD Superb Elegance Est. 170... 1 week old & on compact snow / ice the tyres failed to grip & just drifted around a bend & gently bumped the kerb... :'( I've now got 1 scratched Thermisto :'( :'( :'(

ITS ONLY ONE WEEK OLD!! I've had my Golf (company car) for 2 years (52k miles) & alloys are still absolutely pristine! Why oh why!?!?!?

I know the benefits of winter tyres (spent nearly 6 years in Germany) but in Manchester area we thoght about it & decided the £6-700 was not really worth it. Now only the Golf will be used in this weather where possible!

I have to say the Golf handles much much better in these conditions. I drove the Superb like I would drive the Golf & didn't think the difference would be so great :-( I guess I have to admit (although not going at all quickly) it was too fast for the conditions but also the car!

I've learnt now so It'll be more gentle & slower from now on (in both cars)... Any one got one unblmished Thermisto up for grabs?.... I'll swap you

It handles better than many Fords & Vauxhalls in this weather but take it easy guys!

A very very gutted Stef

Gutted for you Stef, really gutted :'(

I know what you mean about living near Manchester, I work in the City Centre and it's hardly bad... but of course it's the bits you can't see that cause the problem, as I'm sure you already know.

Are there any alloy wheel repair companies near you? I'd have thought there would be a few around Manchester. It could be worth a quick search on the net to see if you can get it repaired for the spring time?

Gutted for you Stef, really gutted :'(

I know what you mean about living near Manchester, I work in the City Centre and it's hardly bad... but of course it's the bits you can't see that cause the problem, as I'm sure you already know.

Are there any alloy wheel repair companies near you? I'd have thought there would be a few around Manchester. It could be worth a quick search on the net to see if you can get it repaired for the spring time?

Hi,

Thanks I'll have a look & see if I find some who I hope will do a good job (any recommendations?). But yep I will wait until spring - good idea! Fortunately its not too bad - "just" a bad scuff really - but so so annoyed - literally 1mph less & it probably would not have happened - Argh! As pointed out it could have been worse - so all in all I can count luck stars too. 5 year old was only too happy to tell mummy exactly what happened tho...

Cheers

Stef

Hi,

I was gutted yesterday... FWD Superb Elegance Est. 170... 1 week old & on compact snow / ice the tyres failed to grip & just drifted around a bend & gently bumped the kerb... I've now got 1 scratched Thermisto

ITS ONLY ONE WEEK OLD!! I've had my Golf (company car) for 2 years (52k miles) & alloys are still absolutely pristine! Why oh why!?!?!?

I know the benefits of winter tyres (spent nearly 6 years in Germany) but in Manchester area we thoght about it & decided the £6-700 was not really worth it. Now only the Golf will be used in this weather where possible!

I have to say the Golf handles much much better in these conditions. I drove the Superb like I would drive the Golf & didn't think the difference would be so great :-( I guess I have to admit (although not going at all quickly) it was too fast for the conditions but also the car!

I've learnt now so It'll be more gentle & slower from now on (in both cars)... Any one got one unblmished Thermisto up for grabs?.... I'll swap you

It handles better than many Fords & Vauxhalls in this weather but take it easy guys!

A very very gutted Stef

Sorry to hear of your damage try the local Chips Away people just had a scuffed wheel on my wifes Octavia done £60.00 and as good as new

Hi,

I was gutted yesterday... FWD Superb Elegance Est. 170... 1 week old & on compact snow / ice the tyres failed to grip & just drifted around a bend & gently bumped the kerb...

Sorry to hear about the damaged wheel. Goto the Wheel Specialists, near Piccadilly station. They'll sort it out no problem. Highly recommended.

http://www.thewheelspecialist.co.uk/File/manchester_details.php

Steve

MercCare in Pudsey, Leeds do a good refurb on alloys.

Phil.

Hi Guys,

Thanks for your suggestions, I'll try a couple and see what qoutes they offer. £60 sound ok to me but I have a niggling feeling that the Thermistos will be a special finish, I'll let you know. If I'm organised I might even post a photo before after & cost incurred.

The Missus is still not convinced we should bother with Winter tyres... but the AutoCar report is pretty good & as for the braking 3 times further & vs. winter tyres braking from 25mph - which can stop in less than 20meters at which point the summer tyres are still doing 20mph is surely reason enough to wonder why they aren't compulsary!

As mentioned used them in Germany for a number of years - I should have gone with my gut instinct.

I think I'll be on the lookout for some very soon.

Question though for insurance purposes, do I have to go for the same size wheel & tyre or can I go for the R16 205's? I'd even go for a R16 195 if acceptable.

DO I have to tell insurance company?

Stef

If you "only" change your tyres, then there is no requirement to tell your insurance company... it's the fitting of 16" steel wheels and winter tyres that has given rise to all the bad press recently. It's worth remembering that you only need to have winter tyres fitted to the driven wheels, plus you can put your summer tyres into storage until next spring and swap them over again

Question though for insurance purposes, do I have to go for the same size wheel & tyre or can I go for the R16 205's? I'd even go for a R16 195 if acceptable.

DO I have to tell insurance company?

Stef

I told my insurance company (they require notifying when the go on and then come back off again) providing you do not change the rolling circumference - which means 205/55/15 are OK then there is no premium increase OR admin fee for each notification.