Everyone else can now get back to the annual "are they necessary or not" argument.

Evo magazine tested a fat-tyred rear-wheel drive Jaguar XFR against a 4x4 Mitsubishi Evo on an icy and snowy track.

Lap times with both on summer tyres:

Jag = 2 minutes 35 seconds, Mitsubishi = 2 minutes 29 seconds

As you might expect - advantage to the Mitsubishi due to it's nearly sentient 4-wheel drive system

Then they put a set of Pirelli Sotto-Zero winter tyres on the Jag (same size, 20in rims), and what lap time did it manage then?

2 minutes 4 seconds.

Case closed, in my opinion...

Evo magazine - Jaguar XFR winter tyre test

Evo magazine tested a fat-tyred rear-wheel drive Jaguar XFR against a 4x4 Mitsubishi Evo on an icy and snowy track.

Lap times with both on summer tyres:

Jag = 2 minutes 35 seconds, Mitsubishi = 2 minutes 29 seconds

As you might expect - advantage to the Mitsubishi due to it's nearly sentient 4-wheel drive system

Then they put a set of Pirelli Sotto-Zero winter tyres on the Jag (same size, 20in rims), and what lap time did it manage then?

2 minutes 4 seconds.

Case closed, in my opinion...

Evo magazine - Jaguar XFR winter tyre test

I was quoting those EVO facts earlier on this year......best test case in this country in our conditions for using winter tyres

http://briskoda.net/forums/topic/153083-winter-tyres/page__view__findpost__p__2342742

http://briskoda.net/forums/topic/199132-espasr-is-it-worth-it/page__view__findpost__p__2365540

As I am going to have to buy 2 tyres soon, and have decided to go down the Goodyear Vectra 4 route, I thought I'd see what was available via the internet, outside my usual Blackcircles route. Turns out that Event Tyres won't come out this far, and Camskill don't stock them and 2 others have no stock at the moment. I think I might have to have a chat with the local man, or consider the Hankook All Season that got a good right-up in the AutoExpress revue.

As I am going to have to buy 2 tyres soon, and have decided to go down the Goodyear Vectra 4 route, I thought I'd see what was available via the internet, outside my usual Blackcircles route. Turns out that Event Tyres won't come out this far, and Camskill don't stock them and 2 others have no stock at the moment. I think I might have to have a chat with the local man, or consider the Hankook All Season that got a good right-up in the AutoExpress revue.

I'm having Vector 4 Seasons fitted on Monday (x4). My local independent dealer sourced them for me. I was there when he made the phone call to the supplier, who said that they had 7 in stock (last Monday) from which my 4 would come, but supplies had 'dried up' and they weren't sure when more would be available.

However I found this link just now ... http://www.oponeo.co.uk/tyres/all-season/goodyear/car/225-50-r17

As I am going to have to buy 2 tyres soon, and have decided to go down the Goodyear Vectra 4 route, I thought I'd see what was available via the internet, outside my usual Blackcircles route. Turns out that Event Tyres won't come out this far, and Camskill don't stock them and 2 others have no stock at the moment. I think I might have to have a chat with the local man, or consider the Hankook All Season that got a good right-up in the AutoExpress revue.

They're called Goodyear Vector 4Seasons. I thought you was dead set against them and relied upon driver skill level?

I have them on my, recently purchased, Hyundai and must have mentioned them on here - and must have mentioned where I got them, and how pleased I was with the service and with the tyres, so far.

http://www.oponeo.co.uk/tyres/all-season/car/225-50-r17

How much are they on MyTyres?...their site won't load for me right now. Oponeo prices include delivery so be sure to compare like with like. MyTyres have the option to include UK fitting on the website. With Oponeo you only have the option to buy and fit yourself via your chosen fitter. I'd certainly use them again, if the price remained competitive.

Mine were £58 each, delivered, but were only 165 65 14

I took the standard Hankook "Summers" ( referring to them as 'Summer Tyres' has been another point for debate, I recall ! ) from the car as soon as I took delivery of the car having suffered the embarrassment of having a job getting off a frosty grass verge on Dartmoor in a virtually identical car (with the same type of Hankooks) last year. Once bitten.....

I haven't had prior personal experience of Winters or All Seasons, but having had the above 'tricky moment' on the moor in the thick of winter, and having read enough about the topic, and being able to afford them, I can't see why I wouldn't equip my cars with whatever tyre technology is available to reduce the likliehood of a mishap. This has been so well discussed, every aspect must have been covered but the vast majority don't fit them, and there's nothing I can do about that.

PS. The longer you leave it, the more you'll pay....my Hyundai ones have gone up £3 each in the last week or so.

EDIT. MyTyres working for me now...with the Vectors shown in several specs.

Edited 20 October, 201114 yr by oldstan

Well I have now found out the Hankook's don't come in the right size!

Looks like it is a toss up between the Goodyear's or Nokian.

MyTyres

Goodyear £140

Nokian £107

Oponeo

Goodyear £138

Blackcircles

Goodyear £165 (with 10% CSMA discount)

And I know I said I managed last year, it's just that I feel it will be easier with something more suited to the conditions. TBH it isn't the getting up things, it's the stopping that counts.

Well I have now found out the Hankook's don't come in the right size!

Looks like it is a toss up between the Goodyear's or Nokian.

MyTyres

Goodyear £140

Nokian £107

Oponeo

Goodyear £138

Blackcircles

Goodyear £165 (with 10% CSMA discount)

And I know I said I managed last year, it's just that I feel it will be easier with something more suited to the conditions. TBH it isn't the getting up things, it's the stopping that counts.

Just bought some of the vectors for my lads Fabia for £51 a corner from the Polish outfit Oponeo, mind they are a rather small 165/70 R14

Just waiting for a mate to fit them when he's back at work.

TP

If snow or ice should show it's face in the sunny south this winter I for one will be leaving my beloved Yeti tucked up in the garage safe and sound and use my brilliant old Berlingo diesel van with continental commercial van tyres that has never failed to go anywhere anytime and is probably worth a fraction of the cost of winter tyres and wheels, I know this solution is not suitable for everyone but it works for me!

If snow or ice should show it's face in the sunny south this winter I for one will be leaving my beloved Yeti tucked up in the garage safe and sound and use my brilliant old Berlingo diesel van with continental commercial van tyres that has never failed to go anywhere anytime and is probably worth a fraction of the cost of winter tyres and wheels, I know this solution is not suitable for everyone but it works for me!

Mmmm, my alternative choice of transport is a V8 powered MGB. That spins it's rear wheels on a bone dry road in high summer!

Mmmm, my alternative choice of transport is a V8 powered MGB. That spins it's rear wheels on a bone dry road in high summer!

That's what I'd call a very exhilarating drive in the snow and a lovely way to go

That's what I'd call a very exhilarating drive in the snow and a lovely way to go

I did drive over, across a high Yorkshire moor, (roof down) to visit my brother on Xmas day a couple of years back.

That sounds brilliant, toying with trading the Berlingo and rarely used Suzuki 500 for an MX5 and live on the edge in my late mid life crisis

Well I have now found out the Hankook's don't come in the right size!

Looks like it is a toss up between the Goodyear's or Nokian.

MyTyres

Goodyear £140

Nokian £107

Oponeo

Goodyear £138

Blackcircles

Goodyear £165 (with 10% CSMA discount)

And I know I said I managed last year, it's just that I feel it will be easier with something more suited to the conditions. TBH it isn't the getting up things, it's the stopping that counts.

I went with the Nokians from Mytyres. I ordered them on Monday and they arrived yesterday. Considering they come from Germany that is pretty good service. I can't tell you what they are like on yet as I am waiting to get them fitted. The lack of choice at 17" is disappointing, it is a shame car mfrs don't look at that before choosing a tyre.

Goodyear Vector 4 Seasons fitted today to the standard alloys; 225/50 x 17. Went for a quick 20 miles across the moors to see if I could notice any difference in today's conditions (12 degrees and dry). No change to ride comfort apparent. They feel a little more 'floaty' around long fast corners ... not sure I'd want to push them as hard as the OE Dunlops ... but otherwise fine. OK, I'm ready - bring on winter! :p

Goodyear Vector 4 Seasons fitted today to the standard alloys; 225/50 x 17. Went for a quick 20 miles across the moors to see if I could notice any difference in today's conditions (12 degrees and dry). No change to ride comfort apparent. They feel a little more 'floaty' around long fast corners ... not sure I'd want to push them as hard as the OE Dunlops ... but otherwise fine. OK, I'm ready - bring on winter! :p

Cool, ordered some of these for wifes 1.2 12v Seat

She doesn't drive fast or far so they should be ok for her

Goodyear Vector 4 Seasons fitted today to the standard alloys; 225/50 x 17. Went for a quick 20 miles across the moors to see if I could notice any difference in today's conditions (12 degrees and dry). No change to ride comfort apparent. They feel a little more 'floaty' around long fast corners ... not sure I'd want to push them as hard as the OE Dunlops ... but otherwise fine. OK, I'm ready - bring on winter! :p

Do remember that any new tyre takes a couple of hundred miles to 'scrub in' before providing full grip levels. The floatiness should ease off in due course.

One point that comes out in the EVO test is that 'all season' tyres are very close in performance levels to summer tyres in dry & warmer conditions (such as at present) where as winter tyres can feels squirmy and lacking in grip; simply due to the tread blocks moving around a lot more.

My thinking in now evolving to using 'all season' for winter (to give the best dry road handling/grip), as we don't get too much snow down south, and summer tyres for summer. Except that I have a set of winter tyres sat in the garage ready to use. Decisions, decisions.

All this talk has got me thinking, living in the south we don't tend to get so much snow, for the say one week in all over the course of last winter, it doesn't seem worth it, even with the improved performance in wet conditions(although i swear we get more of that over the summer months). Having just spent £20,000 on a new car and having downgraded from a 4x4 due to lack of use I feel that the added cost is prohibitive, but all this talk has got me worried. Add to that I don't have the space to store an extra set of wheels. However as I find myself looking for work and hoping that I will end up somewhere where more harsh winters are expected(i like mountains) in brings in the extra dimension to the thought process!

So I am sat of the fence, but there is no voting option for us undecided!

All this talk has got me thinking, living in the south we don't tend to get so much snow, for the say one week in all over the course of last winter, it doesn't seem worth it, even with the improved performance in wet conditions(although i swear we get more of that over the summer months). Having just spent £20,000 on a new car and having downgraded from a 4x4 due to lack of use I feel that the added cost is prohibitive, but all this talk has got me worried. Add to that I don't have the space to store an extra set of wheels. However as I find myself looking for work and hoping that I will end up somewhere where more harsh winters are expected(i like mountains) in brings in the extra dimension to the thought process!

So I am sat of the fence, but there is no voting option for us undecided!

I think this is a fair point. If you live in Scotland or deep in the Alpes etc, then I think its a no-brainer, winter tyres are the way to go. If you dont then its debatable if you need them..and it boils down to how much you travel, personal choice or the need for confidence etc.....and....if you or lucky enough to have the place to store the other set of tyres.

We personally dont get much snow (once or twice a year) so there is not much point in my book. Yes it gets icy (already), but a little care and attention and we get by. If life gets tricky with the snow, I just put the chains on...or (better still) dont go out. When we lived in Lyon we used to go skiing nearly every other weekend and to be fair, in memory we only needed 'snow chains' twice. We only go 1-2 times a year now and (lets be honest) your lucky to get snow on the mountains thesedays nevermind on the road.

If I were to change I would definatly consider 4 season tyres etc....but I think watching the weather forecast is much cheaper..and deciding if you really what to go out.

Wow. This sure did turn into a popular thread and the poll is very interesting.

Thanks to all those who voted and contributed!

Wow. This sure did turn into a popular thread and the poll is very interesting.

Thanks to all those who voted and contributed!

Yes; 77.71% of Yeti owners (who expressed a preference) will be fitting Winter tyres this year.

Just remember to keep and eye on your rear view mirror when braking, for any one of the 90%+ of other UK road users who will still have 'summer' tyres fitted who won't be able to stop as quickly as you will!

Yes; 77.71% of Yeti owners (who expressed a preference) will be fitting Winter tyres this year.

Just remember to keep and eye on your rear view mirror when braking, for any one of the 90%+ of other UK road users who will still have 'summer' tyres fitted who won't be able to stop as quickly as you will!

So very very true. the last two winters I have had Nokians on I have been completely paranoid about lesser equipped drivers behind me. The scariest ones are those in (dare I say it) 4x4s with standard tyres on who hammer along thinking "I have a 4x4 I am bullet proof". I lost count last year of the number of times I was overtaken by an X5 and the like with big 20 inch fat tyres on. There are many people who just don't get that all cars are 4x4 in braking terms

So very very true. the last two winters I have had Nokians on I have been completely paranoid about lesser equipped drivers behind me. The scariest ones are those in (dare I say it) 4x4s with standard tyres on who hammer along thinking "I have a 4x4 I am bullet proof". I lost count last year of the number of times I was overtaken by an X5 and the like with big 20 inch fat tyres on. There are many people who just don't get that all cars are 4x4 in braking terms

+1

And I've just got a FWD Fabia......with a full set of Michelan Alpin's...

Yes; 77.71% of Yeti owners (who expressed a preference) will be fitting Winter tyres this year.

Just remember to keep and eye on your rear view mirror when braking, for any one of the 90%+ of other UK road users who will still have 'summer' tyres fitted who won't be able to stop as quickly as you will!

I think that is a vote in itself, when you hear that horrible scruffing sound behind you that denotes that the person following you is skidding on the ice or snow, do you A) Watch them possibly plough into the back of your beloved Yeti Close your eyes and clasp your hands together, hoping to find religion whilst bracing yourself!

I nearly got driven into last year in my Landcruiser. I didn't have winters but mud terrain tyres which work really well in snow. At a set of lights there was an X5 (pattern forming here) approaching far too quickly, braked and lost control , I went through the t junction on red and he smashed into some railings on the other side of the road. If I didn't move he would have gone straight into the back and side of my car. Luckily there was no traffic on the main road.

I got out and made sure he was okay, his only comment was "I thought 4x4s where good in the snow"....

Watch your backs!

I am sure lots of us have an X5 story. Last winter I was towing a 7.5 ton truck up an icy hill out of a local industrial estate with my Land Cruiser. We went straight past an X5 who was spinning his wheels and going nowhere. The look on his face was priceless.

Ian