I've bought winter tyres that are H rated (130 mph), and am of the opinion that if I don't exceed the rating of the tyre how can anyone possibly complain. I'd even go to a T rated tyre (118 mph) if need be as I'll not be going that fast, especially in winter!

I think the only reason standard fit tyres are all W rated is so they will fit every possible car built.

As far as insurance is concerned I'd not even tell them, not that I'd be hiding anything but just I don't feel it is relevant, all I'm doing is changing tyres, winter or summer doesn't matter, they're just tyres.

Out of interest I've just been out and checked my spare wheel on my 3 month old Scout (was a factory fit option) and it's shod with a 205/55R16 91V tyre - so by Direct Line's logic fitting my spare would invalidate insurance?

Ignore them, they obviously don't understand, pick a tyre that is legal, and don't worry

I agree, trouble is when you need to use them, you can't ignore your insurance company, maybe have a look on the AA website, what they write makes sense wrt speed rating, but at teh end they kind of spoil it all by reverting to "talk to your insurance provider". I have informed my insurer - Admiral - and they are okay about what I am doing.

I suspect DL are spouting BS. Try calling again.

I thought that I had heard that "off short" based helpdesks just don't understand emglish enough and have not been trained by Southern UK based operatives to expect that question - if you can get on to a UK based supervisor, I'd expect that the answer would be differant - maybe try that (BTW I think DL sounds like being a cack insurance provider and even cacker if one of their covered cars hits you!)

Decision made. Went with Dunlop SP Winter Sport 3D's on the front and will change the back later in the month if the forecast looks promising for snow! This was the best I thought I could get and needed a new front tyre anyway. So far the temperature has doubled and they are serious over kill in wet conditions. Have done about 1000 miles and cannot complain on grip, noise, economy or comfort.

Incidentally I put Dunlop SP Winter Sport 4D's on the front of the wife's Seat Alhambra and the tyre noise is like a small jet engine that increases with speed. Not that annoying, just there! Has anybody else seen a problem with these tyres?

I've just put Dunlop Winter Sport 4D (215 60 16) all round on the Yeti. This is a new tyre - would love to hear of anyone else's experience with them. My impression so far? Not noticable extra noise, but softer ride and the the steering feels slightly spongier. Mind you, they have replaced 225 50 17 which give a very nice steering response. Hardly a good test so far - temperatures in the low teens.

If the weather does change I'll be able to give a more considered opinion!

I'll put another post in this forum with the tyre name heading which should attract a wider audience.

Guys thanks for all the replies on this one. But after the winter we have had, what a waste of money and time! Saw two inches of Snow on one day. Then it melted! The Uniroyal Rainsport tires on the rear did not step out of line at any time. the winter tires on teh front have now done 8k miles and showing a bit of wear. Time the are retired to teh shed for the rest ofteh year. Will be going back to 'normal' tires shortly.

One thing to remember with Winter tyres there full winter capability is gone once you get to 4mm; will find a wear bar at both 1.6mm and another a 4mm on a winter tyre.

TP

Hey Guys,

My P Zeros are getting close to the wear markers, and I've been considering getting a set of winter tyres fitted as the next set. Its a company car, and I commute across the pennines every day (about 90 miles each day) so I'm in the lucky position of not paying for them myself....BUT I can't get a second set of wheels, and the boss man might ask questions if I get another set of summer tyres once the weather turns.

ANYWAY...has anyone been in the position of keeping the winter tyres on all year round? If so, how do they last in comparison? Any recommendations?

Cheers

I have used Conti ts830 at 30 degrees heat and they were fine, 90-95% as good as my summer Conti's, it is common on the continent to keep winter tyres on all year round if mileage is low, most tyres work well in the warm, but you really need the grip in winter.

I checked the wear after 1000 less than 1mm. going to take my winters off after about 8000 in a week or two, i'll update then.