When I did my homework re winter tyres back in 2010, I near got hung-drawn-n-quartered, for daring to suggest sticking a set of winters on the front only, and the back end would follow along behind.

Anyway I fitted a full set of Continental Winter Contact?  830's, which by this spring were down to 5 or 6mm tread depth.

So since I was told they were past their best for winter driving( in snow like when one would actually need them) I opted to run them done over the summer months.

Down to about 3mm on the fronts and 5mm on the backs.

So i popped in to order my new set for the coming winter, and was happily sold 2 new ones to be fitted on the front obviously.

Cos, hey guess what! the no-good-in-snow near done tyres (5-4-3mm) on the back will be fine??

How does this compute??

Marcus

Edited 6 August, 201510 yr by dieseldogg

The depth is really only crucial when using the car in snowy conditions. In cold conditions you'll find the 'normal' depth rules apply.

Thought 4mm was the minimum for 'snow' use.

But agree with above also, if it's not bad snow then the compound alone will aid grip.

They will probably have a separate tread depth for snow marked on them too.

With wintertyres I always stick the best ones up front. And swaps the rears when the car starts to drift when it really shouldnt. Compound is just as importand as thread depth.

With wintertyres I always stick the best ones up front. And swaps the rears when the car starts to drift when it really shouldnt. Compound is just as importand as thread depth.