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Edited 23 November, 20187 yr by Alan_P

One of the biggest problems in have found is, even if you are able to progress, the there is a whole log jam of cars in your way making progress impossible.

21 minutes ago, facet edge said:

One of the biggest problems in have found is, even if you are able to progress, the there is a whole log jam of cars in your way making progress impossible.

 

That can be the situation, but even then you are normally still in control of where and when the car goes and stops!

8 hours ago, boydeee said:

@Macsamillion I've got the same 17s as @Bud on my 280.

 

I have the 18" Pegasus as standard on my SEL. The 17s still look good! The caliper clearance is quite comical though 

 

 

Ha, the VW 15" alloys that I bought to use on my wife's 2015 VW Polo 1.2TSI 110PS (they have the 288mm front discs) might even be slightly worse!

The 17"s actually look fine. After much searching and reading I think im going with the Vredestein Quatrac 5`s. Save storing the extra wheels. Will be interesting to see how they compare to the factory fitted tyres as i thik they are pretty good so far. That may be just because i have been drivinga big soft SUV for a while lol. 

On 23/11/2018 at 18:01, facet edge said:

One of the biggest problems in have found is, even if you are able to progress, the there is a whole log jam of cars in your way making progress impossible.

 

Yep! I abandoned mine three times last winter. Nothing to do with being stuck, I just realised it was quicker to dump the car, walk and then collect it later when people have some how managed to disperse / abandon their cars. I managed to get stuck once with the Sottozeros, and it was on a very steep slope which the car front on summers shouldn't have even attempted but did, got stuck all over the road and polished the ice, so I couldn't get any grip at all either... typically, on an even steeper slope with some fresh snow on it - no problem!

Crappy wheel need new tyres but might suit some at the right price:

 

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Audi-TT-A4-S4-Alloy-Wheels-18-x-8J-5x112-with-235-40-Tyres/202749433022?hash=item2f34ced4be:g:oOMAAOSwMT5dRtHK

Runs out shortly!!

 

I’ve bought dedicated 17´´ winter wheels for my TDI 190 4x4. They are fitted with Continental WinterContact TS850P (215/55/17 if I remember well)

The grip in winter conditions and on snow is excellent. Only complain about it, is that softness makes quite quick wearing on the outer edge of the the right front wheel, most probably due to roundabout (LHD)... 😕 (Front axle setting has been checked)

Next time, I may switch for Michelin Alpin 6... Even if it might not change anything on this kind of wearing. Or I should rather drive slower in roundabouts... 😁

Have ran winter for years on my vrs octy and nOw on the superb 4x4. Including going to the snow in France and Austria every year.  And also run them on my wife’s fiat 500x. 

they are the nexen winguard sports and winguard sport 2 and I’m sorry to all the tyre snobs out there but the are as good as the top brands. I too am a tyre snob lol and always had nokians as winters and premium tyres for summers but money was tight at the end of 2017 when I needed new winters and they were near on half price. Was a bit sceptical but bloody hell they work well. Quiet, grippy and good in the wet too. Use a bit more fuel than the summers but no more than the nokians.

Also the reviews on the websites are really good too and puts them above some of the premium brands 

Annoyingly my 280 is in for service today and they have found a nail on the rear near side Potenza. Close to the sidewall so shouldn’t  be repaired and all 4 corners have more than 5mm in them. 

 

I was was hoping to get to December and then replace them all with Quatracs all seasons but now I’m going to have to burn £150 on a new Bridgestone.  

 

Ho hum. 

So when I get there the nail really isn’t “that” close to the sidewall so I had it repaired for £13 by my local non chain tyrist.  

 

Whilst there I got a quote of £147 for Quadrac 5 R19s ready for December. 

 

Result👍🏻

On 25/11/2018 at 02:41, Goblin said:

 

Yep! I abandoned mine three times last winter. Nothing to do with being stuck, I just realised it was quicker to dump the car, walk and then collect it later when people have some how managed to disperse / abandon their cars. I managed to get stuck once with the Sottozeros, and it was on a very steep slope which the car front on summers shouldn't have even attempted but did, got stuck all over the road and polished the ice, so I couldn't get any grip at all either... typically, on an even steeper slope with some fresh snow on it - no problem!

When the majority of Brits get stuck in snow on summer tyres, they usually block the main roads. I then use the little roads with more snow cover and can usually get through without obstruction. Mixing summer tyres and winter tyres on the same car is only an option for stunt drivers and close to criminal.

On 23/11/2018 at 10:37, penguin17 said:

Well I think the 'miles safer' statement is a little bit OTT.  I've used both and can honestly say I've never become stranded or had an 'oh 5hi7' moment with either dedicated Winter or all-seasons; actually driving in the worst conditions for years, on the all-seasons.  I think for 75% of the UK, all-season tyres are more than adequate for Winter use and I'd only consider buying another dedicated set of Winter wheels/tyres if I moved to the Highlands or other similar areas that are notorious for experiencing the most severe of Winter conditions for prolonged periods.  Similarly if I lived in remote locations and *had to* keep mobile then I'd opt for Winter tyres but would also opt for a capable off-roader to stick them on too.  

 

You also don't need to have Winter tyres for driving 'legally' on the continent.  There's a few all-season tyres with M+S/3PMSF markings/certification.  Though in the Alps and countries who get a few months of snow and sub-zero temps, Winter tyres would be best.

In some continental european countries you have to have winter tyres when you are either driving in wintry conditions - Germany - or you have to put them on over a few months in the winter and they are only legal winter tyres when you have at least 4mm of tread - Austria. Some other, mainly alpine counties, impose winter tyre or chain use when needed.

 

3 hours ago, Leccy said:

So when I get there the nail really isn’t “that” close to the sidewall so I had it repaired for £13 by my local non chain tyrist.  

 

Whilst there I got a quote of £147 for Quadrac 5 R19s ready for December. 

 

Result👍🏻

You can get them a bit cheaper than that: 

 

https://www.camskill.co.uk/m142b0s10015p150096/Vredestein_Tyres_All_Season_Car_Vredestein_Quatrac5_Vredestein_Quatrac_5_-_235_40_R19_96Y_XL_TL_Fuel_Eff_%3A_C_Wet_Grip%3A_C_NoiseClass%3A_2_Noise%3A_70dB

 

Also take a look on eBay when they have their usual 'PAYDAY' 20% off codes; mytyres are one of the participating retailers so you'll get 8-10% off for buying 4 tyres plus 20% off with the code.  You'll likely pick up a full set for not much over £400 or even cheaper...

 

Great tyres though.  I've had them on my 280; great in the Summer and also very good in snow and cold temperatures.  The wear rate is also very good.  I've covered ~20K miles on a set and still have 6mm on the fronts and 7mm on the rears.  They are stacked up in my garage waiting for Winter...

That might save a few odd quid once fitting is added on.  I think mytyres  were £175, unfitted. 

 

you don’t just leave them on in summer also then @penguin17? That’s my intent. 

1 hour ago, Leccy said:

That might save a few odd quid once fitting is added on.  I think mytyres  were £175, unfitted. 

 

you don’t just leave them on in summer also then @penguin17? That’s my intent. 

Well yes 

 

I was weak and succumbed to seeing if Michelin PS4's were all they are cracked up to be.  Turns out they are. I don't fancy them being that good in the snow we usually get though, so I'll swap the tyres back when the temps drop.  There was too much tread left to bin them.   

Edited 12 August, 20196 yr by penguin17

Have just listed a set of Continental WinterContact TS850P 96V 235/40R19 XL Tyres showing around 9mm tread depth on fleabay if anyone is interested fellas located in Berwick upon Tweed.  

One important thing to note on winter tyres is their age.

You can find "new old stock" with a lot of tread, but they are a few years old.

You will loose a lot of traction at 4-5 years age due to the rubber aging and hardening. Check the DOT-stamp (date of manufacture). Always.

 

Greetings from Finland

Just seen this thread, if the OP is only driving around southern UK with perhaps an occasional trip up north or to the Alps, then I fear he has spent a lot of money on winter wheels, when actually all he needed to do for such comparatively mild weather (in terms of what sort of conditions full winter tyres are designed to cope with), is buy a set of Michelin CrossClimate+ all-seasons. Job done, Lower cost and zero hassle.