There is a lot of talk that the UK climate doesn't require winter tyres. So I'm going to turn that upside down. Does the UK climate really justify summer tyres? We don't get more than a few really hot days.

It's only recently that any tyre not regarded as as winter grade has been called a summer tyre in the UK.

 

I'd say until about 5-10 years ago summer tyres were usually tyres with shallow thread which were closer to slicks, but with grooves to make them road legal.

 

Now just about every tyre is labelled as a summer tyre, which is a little misleading.  On some brands there is almost no difference between tyres labeled as summer and those labelled as all season.  The compounds used are almost identical.

 

I'd say more tyres are actually capable of all season driving here in the UK than you think, or are lead to believe by the tyre manufacturers and retailers.  Remember selling tyres is their business

Fitting tyres is the job of car manufacturers and some fit tyres not suitable for wet weather let alone cold and wet weather.

Governments had them fitting compromise tyres for Noise and Emissions & to get EU Type Approval.

 

But then sometimes they are just coming to the UK on Right Hand Drive and they have the correct Speed /Load Rating.

& the UK has a Maximum NSL of 60 mph and 70 on other types of roads.

 

There are some manufacturers that know in Countries near to their Head Quarters that people will or must

fit the correct tyres come a Main Land European Winter.

OK, just out of interest, if you run winter tyres....

A. Do you have to change all four it can you just change the fronts?

B. Back in the old days, I had what were effectively remould rally pattern tyres that were nice and thin (for my Mk 2 escort) & I carried a trolley jack in the bit for changeovers. Since i believe that remoulds are no longer available, can you buy some cheap, thin tyres for cutting through snow rather than winter spec tyres?

C. I have a Focus on 17" wheels as well as a fabia on 15". Is it OK to run, temporarily, with different sized wheels - I.E does the abs ECU complain about sued differences due to rolling circumference?) What I mean is buying some generic 16" steel wheels to use on either...

Sent from my XT1039

 

A. I'd not put just two on. I know someone who did and ended up in a field backwards as when they went around a corner the rears had no grip and let go completely.

 

B. Why would you spend money on that when there are tyres made to do the job much better? Especially as super thin weird tyres would not really be approved for your car and would cause other issues. Winter and true all season tyres are no more expensive than normal summer tyres.

 

C. You can run different size rims, there will be tyres for smaller rims that closely match the originals in total rolling circumference. EG: 225/45R17 is almost identical to 205/55R16.

There is a lot of talk that the UK climate doesn't require winter tyres. So I'm going to turn that upside down. Does the UK climate really justify summer tyres? We don't get more than a few really hot days.

I run winters all year on the van. 2 sets of wheels for the car though (summer and winter tyres on them) and swap them as required.

A. I'd not put just two on. I know someone who did and ended up in a field backwards as when they went around a corner the rears had no grip and let go completely.

 

Fair comment and just what I expected. The thing is, did they have the "I've got an SUV and are invincible" winter tyre mentality and were going too fast for the conditions?

 

B. Why would you spend money on that when there are tyres made to do the job much better? Especially as super thin weird tyres would not really be approved for your car and would cause other issues. Winter and true all season tyres are no more expensive than normal summer tyres.

 

I think the reason is that if I can do something for 40 quid that's better than doing nothing and which is some way towards what performance I'd get for spending 100 quid a corner then I'd like to understand the implications of that decision. i.e. If these are tyres that I might only use for 3 or 4 days a year, and which might perish before they wear out, I'd be interested in knowing how much to "invest."

 

C. You can run different size rims, there will be tyres for smaller rims that closely match the originals in total rolling circumference. EG: 225/45R17 is almost identical to 205/55R16.

 

I hadn't thought of that but that's very useful info!

Wintertyres only at the front is not a good solution.

Like Huskoda said, its extremly easy to spin around.

Roundabouts are plain dangerous with good grip up front and close to none at the back.

I think the reason is that if I can do something for 40 quid that's better than doing nothing and which is some way towards what performance I'd get for spending 100 quid a corner then I'd like to understand the implications of that decision. i.e. If these are tyres that I might only use for 3 or 4 days a year, and which might perish before they wear out, I'd be interested in knowing how much to "invest."

What car are you considering putting them on? You can a full set of decent ones for £200 for most cars. Mine are not on for 4-5 days, but about 5 months as they are very good in the wet frosty weather we have most of winter. If you are anywhere near needing to change all four then you can run them all year around or get all seasons. After years of running two sets, our second car will likely go onto all seasons when it needs either set replacing.

As to how fast they were going when they spun off, I wasn't there but they said not as quickly as I might think when I got to tell them 'I told you so'.

I'd say Scotland, parts of Wales and North of the pennines winters are valid.

Between the pennines and Birmingham questionable as to the need/benefits.

Most eastern, central, and areas south of the M4 won't see sustained winter weather for more than a few days at most. Most will see averages above 7C.

Within a few miles of any coast also shouldn't get the extremes to warrant winters either.

Youre welcome to come to my house for a brew when we get the snow in a 2wd with summers.

Im in Buxton Derbyshire. The center of the peak district.

Ps. I might bring you the brew when you get stuck too (:

-1 degrees, still on my summers :p

Gromle

 

It has been nice knowing you, but unfortunately you will of course die tomorrow.

 

Less than +7, you must realise that your summer tyres will immediately curl up and sob to themselves and refuse to grip.

I live in quite possibly the flattest part of the country not too far from the coast. Not seen snow for 2 years and barely saw temps below 5 degrees. Not found a need for winter tires tbh.

Gromle

It has been nice knowing you, but unfortunately you will of course die tomorrow.

Less than +7, you must realise that your summer tyres will immediately curl up and sob to themselves and refuse to grip.

Oh crap.

Well, at least Ill go out with a bang!

       

This guy wasnt so awesome...

That situation can be saved, if he is able to hold his breath under water for a few minutes he still has time to swap his summers over for winters, he'll then be able to reverse out of there no problems at all! 

 

Now of course, a 'winter tyre hater' would never have allowed something as simple as a lack of grip to be the reason for such a spectacular 'off', they have all the driving skills required to just 'power out' of that impending crash!

 

Now of course, a 'winter tyre hater' would never have allowed something as simple as a lack of grip to be the reason for such a spectacular 'off', they have all the driving skills required to just 'power out' of that impending crash!

 

Exactly..............I've been driving for "X" yrs in winter on snow & never had any problems on summers...................

 

You are just shortening the stats every year that goes by.....................

 

I am a very good driver & know how to handle a car in snow on summers.........................Unfortunately I ended up in a situation were nature had other ideas & I ended up putting my car on it's roof at 30mph in a 60mph zone in winter on summers........even the person driving the other way & the police who turned up couldn't figure it out...........doesn't matter how good a driver you actually are, stuff happens..........even the best F1 drivers crash.

 

I prefer to take a more pro-active approach, prevention is better than cure...............same with soooo many other things in life................

Anybody who does not use All Season or Winters in sub 7C ambient conditions is a kn*b IMHO

 

 

 

 

 

 

Thanks for the endorsement on my life as I drive on summers all round the year. Maybe my living for over 20yrs in the dales assisted my driving skills, maybe my Police cars being fitted with summers concentrated the mind, or maybe it's because I was taught to drive to suit the conditions assisted my survival. I'm pleased to be informed that all the maybes are not relevent, it's because I'm a kn*b, Doh! I should have guessed.

Thanks for the endorsement on my life as I drive on summers all round the year. Maybe my living for over 20yrs in the dales assisted my driving skills, maybe my Police cars being fitted with summers concentrated the mind, or maybe it's because I was taught to drive to suit the conditions assisted my survival. I'm pleased to be informed that all the maybes are not relevent, it's because I'm a kn*b, Doh! I should have guessed.

 

Seriously though, I was helped advance my driving after passing my test by a mate who was a test & rally driver for Peugeot, Mitsubishi & later Ford. I also like to advance my skills & have the Police advanced driver handbook. I recently helped my mate pass his advanced high speed driving Police course. Currently I have been driving for 21yrs up here in Scotland's winter & have never had any points on my license........

 

SO I am pretty "awesome"..............however I still managed to write my car off when I was driving to suit conditions at 30mhp in a 60mph zone in winter on summer tyres.............

 

**** happens,................well nature happens more like, & being a winter mountaineer, ski mountaineer, ice climber I know that nature takes control.......NO matter how "awesome, invincible" etc you think you are......

 

Just because it hasn't happened to you yet does not mean it can't happen in the future..........

I'm afraid I'm not sure if I can comment as this is a thread for awesome people, and I'm apparently a kn*b.

I'm afraid I'm not sure if I can comment as this is a thread for awesome people, and I'm apparently a kn*b.

 

LOL................

 

 

TBH even after my accident I was so Awesome I carried on driving up here for a further 8yrs on summers all year!..............   you snow & ice......................

 

As previously stated what did me in was the first bad year 2009/10 winter, sheet black ice. I coped (just) & drove accordingly, just I was knackered due to the extra concentration & trying to avoid the other idiots.

 

So I like to get rid of stress, so now have winters, so much easier, but can still have "moments" where if on summers I would have been off road.............

Like fabiamk2se I drive around the high zones of the Midlands and every year I get stuck.

 

Not stuck in the snow but stuck behind others that are stuck or crashed.

 

If I'm not stuck I'll be doing 4mph instead of 40mph behind someone who is either sliding or scared to death.

 

The UK doesn't have the climate for a mandatory winter tyre law but we could follow some other EU countries.

 

If we had a law that states winter tyres must be used in wintery conditions then all those driving on summers could simply stay at home and those of us who do fit tyres for the conditions could actually get to and from work/home.

 

Lee

Edited 6 October, 201510 yr by logiclee

Actually, even in Norway wintertyres aint mandatory. I can run summers all winter as long as the conditions allow it.

But if you crash in snow, ice or frost you have a problem with both the Insurance and the Police.

Actually, even in Norway wintertyres aint mandatory. I can run summers all winter as long as the conditions allow it.

But if you crash in snow, ice or frost you have a problem with both the Insurance and the Police.

Exactly the same in Germany

This might be useful to somebody:

Thankyou 'Continental Tyres'

 

 

Winter driving laws across Western Europe

It is important to be aware that in some European countries it is a legal requirement to have winter tyres. Here is some extra information for a few of the most popular European countries for Brit’s to visit.

 

Austria

When driving in Austria it is compulsory for a vehicle to be fitted with winter tyres – which have a minimum tread depth of 4mm (1st November – 15th April) and at times outside these dates when there is snow, slush or ice on the roads.

Studded tyres may be used from the 1st October until the 31st May, and special local regulations may extend this period.)

For vehicles not using the above during the winter season, a fine up to €5,000 could apply and, also, if the vehicle is involved in an accident without the tyres, the insurance is deemed void.

Speed limit for vehicles with snow chains is 31 mph (50 km/h). Vehicles with studded tyres must not exceed 62mph (100 km/h) on motorways and 49mph (80 km/h) on other roads.

 

Belgium

Winter tyres are not compulsory but recommended from the 1st October – 30th April. Vehicles can use studded  tyres from the 1st November – 31st March with snow chains only permitted when roads have ice or snow.

Speed limit with studded  tyres shouldn’t exceed 37mph (60 km/h) and vehicles using these tyres must  also display a white disc bordered with red showing the number ‘60’ to alert other drivers.

 

France

Winter tyres – with a minimum 3.5mm tread depth are recommended when roads are covered with ice or snow. Snow chains – must be fitted to vehicles using snow-covered roads in compliance with the relevant road sign. Maximum speed limit 31 mph (50km/h)

 

Luxembourg

Tyres on a car must all be of the same type either summer or winter tyres but not mixed.
Studded tyres can be used from 1st December – 31st March. Snow chains can also be used in when roads have ice or snow.

Speed limit during rain or snow is 68 mph (110 km/h.) For vehicles with studded tyres speed limit is 43 mph (70 km/h).

 

Cyprus

Studded tyres and snow chains can be used when driving on mountain roads during the winter.

 

Denmark

Studded tyres – which must be on all wheels – can be used from 1st November –  15th April.

 

Finland, Estonia and Latvia

In Finland, Estonia and Latvia vehicles must be fitted with winter tyres from 1 December to 28/29 February and may be used as early as November until April. Minimum tread depth is 3mm but in poor conditions 5mm.

Studded tyres and snow chains may also be used, studded tyres from November – April on all wheels and snow chains only during bad weather conditions and you must avoid damaging the road surface.

From October – March, speed limits for private vehicles without trailers (may vary, always look out for signs):
•    In built-up areas 19 mph (30 km/h)
•    Outside built-up areas 37 mph (60 km/h)
•    No minimum speed on motorways but please keep a safe speed (no more than 62 mph,  100 km/h), especially during adverse conditions

 

Germany

It is compulsory to use winter tyres during winter conditions such as snow, ice and slush. Not using these tyres could mean a €40 fine and may not be allowed to continue your journey until appropriate tyres have been fitted.
During bad weather conditions where visibility is poor and when using snow chains, the speed limit is 31 mph (50 km/h).

Studded tyres are prohibited.

 

Greece

Snow chains may be used from November – March, speed limit is 31 mph (50 km/h).

 

Italy

The use of winter tyres or snow chains is regulated by local traffic signs from 15th October – 15th April or outside these dates as conditions dictate. Provinces can introduce their own legislation making the use of winter tyres or snow chains compulsory.
Speed limit using snow chains is 31mph (50 km/h).

 

Norway

It is advised that winter tyres or snow chains are used during the winter season (November – April). Fines could apply to vehicles not fitted with winter tyres on all wheels.
If there is snow or ice covering the roads then winter tyres or any tyres with chains must be used.

If snow chains aren’t on the wheels or in the vehicle during border checks, drivers will have to purchase a set.

Studded tyres fitted on all wheels can be used from November – April but will be charged a fee by Oslo and Bergen, with stickers available for one day, a month or year depending on duration of visit.

 

Portugal

It is prohibited to drive vehicles fitted with studded or winter tyres.
Snow chains can be used during bad winter weather conditions.

 

Spain

Snow chains can be used and are recommended during snowy conditions.
Speed limit for vehicles using snow chains is 31 mph (50 km/h).
Studded tyres are prohibited.

 

Sweden

It is compulsory to use winter tyres in winter road conditions from 1 December – 31st March with a minimum depth of 3mm . Winter conditions include ice, snow or a wet surface combined with temperatures around or below 0 degrees. As weather conditions cannot be predicted the use of winter tyres is strongly advised.

You must also have antifreeze and a shovel to clear snow. Studded tyres on all wheels can be used from October – 15th April but look out for signs as they may be banned on some roads.

Snow chains can also be used if required.

 

Switzerland

As indicated by road signs it is compulsory to use snow chains during the winter season And these must be fitted to at least 2 driven wheels.Although not compulsory, it is recommended to use winter tyres to be able to travel through the roads during winter weather conditions as fines could apply if vehicles are not properly equipped.
Studded tyres are prohibited on motorways and semi motorways except for certain parts of the A13 and A2.

 

Turkey

It is recommended to use winter tyres during winter weather conditions and that snow chains are carried.

Studded tyres and snow chains can be used but only where they will not damage the road surface.