Do you have any more information on this tyre test?

Yes, glad to oblige.

Some of TCS's winter tyre tests are linked at the right-hand side of this page: http://www.tcs.ch/de/test-sicherheit/testberichte/reifen/winterreifen.php

The particular test I referred to is linked as 195/65 R15 T (2011)

This year they tested 3 sizes of winter tyre (see under 'Testresultate 2012'). The Goodyear UltraGrip 8 has slipped down the league a bit from last year, but it still beats all other winter tyres for performance on wet roads at low temperatures, which is what counts in this country more than out-and-out snow performance.

If you want tests of all-season tyres, use the link on the left-hand menu to Ganzjahresreifen.

ADAC, the German club, also does excellent tyre tests. Here is the current crop along with some earlier ones: http://www.adac.de/infotestrat/tests/reifen/default.aspx?ComponentId=25948&SourcePageId=31968 . Be careful when reading the ADAC tests as the numerical scores are 'demerit points' - the higher the number, the worse the score.

Then there's the Austrian car club, ÖAMTC. Their new winter tyre tests are here http://www.oeamtc.at/?id=2500%2C1389122%2C%2C

It's worth persevering with tests from these three sources even if your German requires help, as they all test more rigorously and reliably than anyone in the UK.

Whilst I am sure these tyre tests are excellent, the one thing I note is that they test "in extremis", and I do wonder how much the average driver, driving in a normal manner would notice that much difference between the different makes.

Whilst I am sure these tyre tests are excellent, the one thing I note is that they test "in extremis", and I do wonder how much the average driver, driving in a normal manner would notice that much difference between the different makes.

You don't have to wonder or guess when the facts are available for you to read.

One of those tests of winter tyres, for example, measured wet braking distance from 50 mph to standstill. The best tyre stopped 12 metres shorter than the worst. When the best tyre had stopped, the worst was still travelling at 35 km/h.

However average a driver you are, does your averageness guarantee that a child will never run out in front of you on a wet road? Or that a dozen other types of situation caused by other road users will never, ever require to you stop in a hurry? You might spend the rest of your life regretting being average and choosing an average tyre.

Yours is the old argument that as we don't really need better safety most of the time, we might as well not bother with it at all - like the die-hards who scorned seat belts in the 60s and 70s.

Edited 4 October, 201213 yr by r999

Just lined up the following

4 x 7J 16" ET45 steel wheels from a Skoda dealer = £200, (he gave me 10% discount when I pushed)

4 x Hankook W310 215/60/R16 at £85 each fitted = £340

Total = £540 ........ including VAT and fitting

Has anyone got the part number for the Caddy centre caps which I believe fit? - am I correct do they fit

Is the general consensus that snow chains will just fit the above

Owners manual says with 215/60R16 tyres you can only fit snow chains on the rear wheels.

Owners manual says with 215/60R16 tyres you can only fit snow chains on the rear wheels.

Thanks Tugy

Yours is the old argument that as we don't really need better safety most of the time, we might as well not bother with it at all - like the die-hards who scorned seat belts in the 60s and 70s.

Where did I say that?

Where did I say that?

Perceived? Implied? Supposition? Mis-interpretation of comment?

Where did I say that?

I was using a figure of speech called compendiary comparison and had forgotten that such things are no longer understood. So here it is unpacked for anyone to follow: "Your argument resembles the old argument that as we don't really need better safety most of the time, we might as well not bother with it at all - like the die-hards who scorned seat belts in the 60s and 70s."

r999

Your attempt to get me to bite, both in this thread, and in a previous one, has failed.

You are now on my ignore list.

When I read these threads I become hypnotised into thinking 'I must buy winter tyres', 'I must buy winter tyres'...'the world would be a safer place if I have winter tyres'.

However, the fact remains that due to global warming, buying winter tyres for the sake of some crap weather for probably less than two weeks of the year, does not make much financial sense....unless you live (of course) in an area renowned for prolonged periods of ice/snow . Most of us don't !!! Yes, they are great in wet weather, but you can have wet weather in the summer.

Also (while I am having my two cents worth) people on 'winter tyres' in periods of rough weather tend also to drive (well certainly here) beyond there abilities and the conditions !!! They are not as safe as they arrogantly think they are. I wonder how many accidents in snow / ice are actually caused by drivers on their 'winter tyres' thinking they are superman.

MCAMRA - 'winter' tyres are greatly more effective and safer in all forms of driving once the temperature drops below 7deg C.

I've used them for the past three winters on both our cars. We do not drive faster on them, but we do drive safer.

When I read these threads I become hypnotised into thinking 'I must buy winter tyres', 'I must buy winter tyres'...'the world would be a safer place if I have winter tyres'.

However, the fact remains that due to global warming, buying winter tyres for the sake of some crap weather for probably less than two weeks of the year, does not make much financial sense....unless you live (of course) in an area renowned for prolonged periods of ice/snow . Most of us don't !!! Yes, they are great in wet weather, but you can have wet weather in the summer.

Also (while I am having my two cents worth) people on 'winter tyres' in periods of rough weather tend also to drive (well certainly here) beyond there abilities and the conditions !!! They are not as safe as they arrogantly think they are. I wonder how many accidents in snow / ice are actually caused by drivers on their 'winter tyres' thinking they are superman.

Like you I also live in France

not true on my part - I live in SW France which is much milder in winter than the South of the UK .......... but last winter we had about three weeks of snow and ice - I live in the countryside and some roads were impassable because the French never clear these roads. Also I travel back to the UK quite a lot and the weather can be good in Bordeaux in Nov thru to Feb/Mar but when we hit N France one year out of two we hit snow and ice on the Autoroute and it takes time to clear the snow as distances are greater and there is less traffic than in the UK ....... we need to move and the last thing we would want is to be stranded in an Autoroute service station even for a few hours. Also driving east in winter, towards Vichy and Lyon, (which we do in winter), the weather is rough in winter - I was there last week and the Continentals were very poor in the torrential rain.

I do not drive quickly but weather conditions in winter are now more unpredictable than the used to be - £400 for winter tyres is a small price for me to pay ........ for me, the inconvenience of being "stuck" is far greater than that......... it certainly makes "financial sense" to me

............ if you live in a town and only use your Yeti for the supermarket run and local journeys then maybe you have a point

Edited 4 October, 201213 yr by BillN_33

I live in the south east-St Albans. The first time I saw 7c on the external temperature gauge since the spring was this week, just into October. I shan't change yet -but by the end of the month I will be scheduling it. My winters are conti ts 830's bought second hand on Seat 16" alloys in 2011. For a couple of weeks they are likely to give me the ability to get around easily and without stress when otherwise it would be extremely difficult. For the balance of their time on I am happy to have the extra grip they provide particularly under braking. I'd recommend them to anyone.

I really don't mind if others are unconvinced provided they stay out of my way when there is ice and slush and don't follow me too closely assuming I cannot stop faster than they can in November to February.

Over the years I have found myself able to get about even in poor conditions but find it easier than I used to.

As mentioned many times before winter tyres are NOT snow and ice tyres. Those are a completely different tyre used where there are no cleared roads etc and often have studs etc.

In the UK we have winter tyres which are just that. For Winter, for when temperatures drop below 7 degrees.

They out perform 'summer' tyres when the temperature drops below 7 degrees.

Summer tyres go hard at those temperatures, they slide more, spin more, have less grip and wear much faster in the winter, so you save money if you use winter tyres.

Yes a good driver can use summer tyres all year round, but there will be times when they will not stop or even get you up a hill as they have no grip, whereas the winter tyres will. They make the average driver safer, providing they are sensible (when is the average driver ever sensible?) and anybody on any car forum is more likely to be above average as generally they are more interested in their car.

Back on topic.

Winter tyres are for winter conditions. Cold dry weather. Cold wet weather. Snow & ice.

I will be putting my winter tyres back on in the next month.

I think I have read through pretty much all the Yeti winter tyre threads and although I notice some members using the 215 x 60 x 16 tyre size I can't see a definitive answer to whether it's now considered as an acceptable size for the 4x4 140 Elegance in the same way as the 205 x55 x 16.

I assume as it's a listed size in "The Plumbers" linked TUV document that implies TUV approval for it's use ?

I think I have read through pretty much all the Yeti winter tyre threads and although I notice some members using the 215 x 60 x 16 tyre size I can't see a definitive answer to whether it's now considered as an acceptable size for the 4x4 140 Elegance in the same way as the 205 x55 x 16.

I assume as it's a listed size in "The Plumbers" linked TUV document that implies TUV approval for it's use ?

I have the same model only the French spec - that's the size I will be using, plus I think that it has the same speedo accuracy as the 17" Spitzbergs that came as original equipment on the car

The 215/60/16 is nearer the original size than 205/55/16. To make things simple with the speeds below discount the inherent speedo error

225/50/17 circumference = 2061 mm speed at indicated 70 mph = 70 mph

215/60/16 circumference = 2086 mm speed at indicated 70 mph = 70.85 mph +1.21%

205/55/16 circumference = 1985 mm speed at indicated 70 mph = 67.42 mph - 3.69%

The 215/60/16 is nearer the original size than 205/55/16. To make things simple with the speeds below discount the inherent speedo error

225/50/17 circumference = 2061 mm speed at indicated 70 mph = 70 mph

215/60/16 circumference = 2086 mm speed at indicated 70 mph = 70.85 mph +1.21%

205/55/16 circumference = 1985 mm speed at indicated 70 mph = 67.42 mph - 3.69%

Don't forget the 205/60R16 size.

Thanks for the quick replies, it's for those reasons I've been leaning towards the 215/60/16. Also the fact it'll fills the wheel arches more like the originals.

Surely the 215/60 16 is the correct tyre as this is the OEM fit from the factory on the E and S spec Yeti.

Sent from my Xperia S using TapaTalk 2

I think I have read through pretty much all the Yeti winter tyre threads and although I notice some members using the 215 x 60 x 16 tyre size I can't see a definitive answer to whether it's now considered as an acceptable size for the 4x4 140 Elegance in the same way as the 205 x55 x 16.

I assume as it's a listed size in "The Plumbers" linked TUV document that implies TUV approval for it's use ?

It's not an acceptable size........ It is the norm.

215/60 R16 is a factory fit standard for RoW (rest of world), with the 225/50 R17 being an option.

215/60R16 is mentioned in the manual as well.....on page 221.

Edited 4 October, 201213 yr by rockhopper

215/60 R16 95 H is an acceptable size for an Elegance 4x4, 110, 140 or 170 if that's the question :wonder:

My Monster runs on them from factory; only SUK that doesn't like them and insists on 'sport' size 17" wheels

However you can only run chains on the rear with the 215, which obviously is only suitable for 4x4.

TP

When it comes time to fit my winter wheels and tyres I'll need to get a suitable jack, as my car came without one.

There are a number of jacks for sale on ebay, does anyone know if the Skoda/Vw/Seat standard alloy jack would be suitable? In particular fitting the sill and having sufficient lift, given the Yeti's ground clearance.

r999

Your attempt to get me to bite, both in this thread, and in a previous one, has failed.

You are now on my ignore list.

As ye sow, so shall ye reap. Thank you and goodbye, Corporal Jones.