changing from summer to winter tyres is no rocket science and does not take more than 30-45 min for all 4 wheels in these cars and once changed should be left in place until the winter (or which ever season) is over. They are small light tyres in these cars so lifting them is much easier compared to the SUV tyres. I usually stack them up on a corner in the garage so not much room is required for the other set. A good car jack makes the life lot easier and safer.

Ok, i had Michelin Alpine winter tyres on my Peugeot 307 back then and it happened with me i was driving 'normal' 50-50 city-motorway. Swapping two sets is a good idea if you can do or want to do the fittings i just cannot rush to the garage every time when i feel so. I stick with a set of all season and playing with tyre pressure. Winter tyres recommended under +7C so i believe it's not when is above. Anyway i tried before and it came out just too pricey for me, and the hassle, tyres storage etc. When bad weather comes i just leave 5 minutes early that's all it takes...well not really but i cannot control other people.

Michelin Alpins offer great ability above 7 degrees. 'recommended' is the key word, they don't offer the advantages as strong as they would below 7 degrees and are preferable for wet winter conditions above 7 degrees compared to summer rubber also. Mine are changed in 30 mins tops and that's done twice a year and, footprint wise, take up no more than one wheel space in the shed. :-)

And stick to skinny tyres for winter if you want good grip and traction in snow and ice. Broad tyres with appeal are no go in winter roads.

So nobody else owned a Wartburg?

I know Wartburg well, 0-60 was good and blue. I had it's little brother called Trabant... now that WAS proper engineering :-).

My Trabant had a dipstick for the fuel tank...

My Trabant had a dipstick for the fuel tank...

Which reminds me about a fact few people probably know! The first kit car Lotus Super Sevens of the early 1960's also did not have a fuel gauge. A dipstick was needed for that too! And the fuel filler was just inside the hood :-(.

A friend built one and what a drive - 95bhp twin webbered 1500cc, 0-60mph 6.5 secs (0.2 faster than an E-type) and wheel spin on cross-plys in the first 3 of four gears :-)!!

Edited 28 December, 201213 yr by CortinaGT

It will soon be time for the panel (me!) to choose the worst/most unusual etc etc car. The prize will be knowing you are the winner or one of several winners!

Guidance from others will be accepted by the panel in their (my) deliberations. ;-)