So what types of tyre are people ordering? and What tyres do folks prefer, that have used them before?

I know Terry has gone for the Goodyear UGP 8s in the 195/60 size,and they do look good, but I am leaning towards the 195/55/15s myself where there are more limited choices in terms of budget and availability.

Conti TS 830 would be my first choice, as they were so good last year for me, but in my chosen size, its just bonkers how much they charge,IF you can get them.

At the moment, I'm looking at the Bridgestone Blizzak LM30 and the Dunlop WS SP 3D over on Oponeo.

Anyone got any other favourites that they have tried?

So what types of tyre are people ordering? Conti TS 830 would be my first choice, as they were so good last year for me, but in my chosen size, its just bonkers how much they charge,IF you can get them.

At the moment, I'm looking at the Bridgestone Blizzak LM30 and the Dunlop WS SP 3D over on Oponeo.

Anyone got any other favourites that they have tried?

Conti's always ####### expensive!

I've got Michelin Alpins...very good.....don't know if they do your size tho?

EDIT

Yes they do!!!

http://www.michelin.co.uk/tyres/michelin-alpin-a4#tab-tyres-sizes

Edited 8 October, 201114 yr by fabdavrav

In truth, I think all the good brands will have good performance. So, for me the issues would be longevity and price.

Before I bought from Camskills (and they have arrived in lightning time!), I went to my local National Tyre depot. They quoted me £110 per tyre for Avon Ice warriors. This was too much and so I went to Camskills for the Goodyear Ultra-grips which on balance of cost (£73 in total per tyre delivered and fitted (and incuding fitting at £6 at National tyres) seemed good to me.

When I went for the fitting at National Tyres, the manager asked me where I had bought the tyres - he then said, you should have asked us, we could have given you a deal" - I replied, that "I already had and their quote was waaaaaay above what I had eventually paid". He then said - "you should have seen me personally - I would have given you a pair of Ice warriors for £136 fitted!!

All too late of course, but it goes to show that even the big boys can do good deals if they want to!! In this case from £220 to £136 for a pair!

On the basis of his first quote to me I saved some £136 for the 4 tyres by going to Camskills!

Cheers, Terry

Edited 8 October, 201114 yr by scotsgent

Went for the Dunlop Winter Sport 3Ds in the end from Oponeo, £76 a corner delivered. Reviews were good and the price was just in my budget and did go for the 195/55/15 in the end, so exactly the same size as my spare.

Just need to refurb my second hand alloys now and I'm ready for the cold stuff.

This discussion thread has been very useful.

I've been watching winter tyre prices on Oponeo over the last week and the trend is definitely upwards on price. An example is the Uniroyal MS66 tyre, £60 last week and today £85! also Bridgestone Blizzaks have risen from just over £60 to £97 in a week. I don't know if this is just a way of adjusting their stock, but quite a movement there. (195/55/15 sizes)

I've been watching winter tyre prices on Oponeo over the last week and the trend is definitely upwards on price. An example is the Uniroyal MS66 tyre, £60 last week and today £85! also Bridgestone Blizzaks have risen from just over £60 to £97 in a week. I don't know if this is just a way of adjusting their stock, but quite a movement there. (195/55/15 sizes)

My usual tyre dealer says the more you approach winter the worse it gets for prices and availability. I do not know exactly about UK market, though. As to me, fresh 185/60 15" Pirelli Winter SnowControl Series II came at 90 € each = £78,881, which is a fair price for a dealer (service included).

Generally speaking, no industry has huge stock, today. Just-in-time is the rule, and tyre market makes no exception, I think.

Edited 13 October, 201114 yr by Lorenzo

I think you are right Lorenzo. They don't want to stockpile vast amounts of tyres, especially in today's economic climate.

Just as a bit of feedback on Oponeo, the Dunlops arrived today. Not bad really as only ordered on Sunday.

Also it may well be that the tyre industry are adopting 'flexible pricing' - this is where there is no 'right price' only a price dictated by demand. Ferry fares are like this now, if you look on the Brittany ferries website right now, you will not find a 'price' for any route, you have to ask for a quote and then you get a price and this is influenced by demand. The higher the demand for a certain time period, the higher the price.

So over the period of a year there will be many prices for the same product depending entirely upon demand. Thus, to get a good ferry deal (and apparently winter tyres), you have to book early when demand is low.

Its just another way for the multi-nationals to rip-off the 'plebs'! :wonder:

Cheers, Terry

Edited 13 October, 201114 yr by scotsgent