Winter tyres. Discuss.

[campbell]

Have you guys not setup se-skips.com yet ?

Tut's already done that.

[Stevoraith]

The guy has got back to me about the Golf alloys and I'm afraid they are sold.

I'll keep am eye out though and if I see anything suitable I'll let the two of you know.

[campbell]

Steve,

No worries. Thank you for pursuing all the same. Not a surprise - they were in good shape and also quite a neutral (almost attractive!) style as a 2nd rim, too.

I'm starting to think I need to devote available funds to my wishbone replacement project, and Lisa remains unconvinced on winter tyres/wheels, so it may not progress any further in any case.

Maybe next year! (esp if we have another difficult winter...)

[kerryxeg]

Campbell, it's a much easier decision to make when you've just bought a car and you know your going to have it for a few winters - then you know you'll get the value of the tyres back. So now you've been through the thought process, maybe best waiting for the next change and then re-assess.

I guess the NE winters are a little colder than the central belt, but the justification for me is not snow, just the general temperature drop, they are much more effective in all conditions especially braking.

[Sanjøy]

Campbell, it's a much easier decision to make when you've just bought a car and you know your going to have it for a few winters - then you know you'll get the value of the tyres back. So now you've been through the thought process, maybe best waiting for the next change and then re-assess.

And also the cost of a full set of summer boots

[campbell]

I agree, Kerry, it feels less of an impact when "thrown in" amongst the noise of a new car!

We would probably not normally baulk at going ahead with this kind of thing, but when last winter was in full swing and we were saying to ourselves "wish we'd sorted some winter tyres after all, let's go for it next year!", our kitchen project wasn't confirmed. It was finished in May of this year though and changed a lot of things (as did the arrival of the MINI!).

Both of these things are bringing us huge benefits so we'll just be looking to the MINI to keep us moving in the worst of any weather. Our commuting requirements are much reduced these days.

I will almost certainly revisit it all next summer, of course

[PhilA]

it's a much easier decision to make when you've just bought a car and you know your going to have it for a few winters - then you know you'll get the value of the tyres back.

yup
thats why im looking.
would like the current alloys on the car done in black.
but the steel option is still being considered as its cheaper (alot).

white car and black winter wheels.

just wondered, would the steel wheels affect things longer term, so look for alloy?
or am i over thinking things as usual!

i guess u wanna keep the same size (think its 205/50/R16, but not sure)

[Corranga]

For I winter tyre, I've always thought you'd want smaller to reduce the tyre costs (obviously you need to clear calipers though) and thinner to reduce the footprint and promote grip?

I'll probably be relying on the weight of erm, the turbo and 6 speed box in the front of the Seat this winter
I most probably won't venture too far from Dundee for the couple of months when it's bad anyway...

[neil]

For I winter tyre, I've always thought you'd want smaller to reduce the tyre costs (obviously you need to clear calipers though) and thinner to reduce the footprint and promote grip?

I've gone from 225/45R17 summers to 195/65R15 winters. The set of winters on steel wheels cost far less than a set of tyres to fit the alloys. The increased sidewall also makes it less likely you'll suffer a blow out when the craters inevitably start appearing in the road. Check the car handbook - it should give a list of recommended tyre sizes, and then just pick one.

[Dominic]

For I winter tyre, I've always thought you'd want smaller to reduce the tyre costs (obviously you need to clear calipers though) and thinner to reduce the footprint and promote grip?

I've gone from 225/45R17 summers to 195/65R15 winters. The set of winters on steel wheels cost far less than a set of tyres to fit the alloys. The increased sidewall also makes it less likely you'll suffer a blow out when the craters inevitably start appearing in the road. Check the car handbook - it should give a list of recommended tyre sizes, and then just pick one.

How does that effect the overall circumference of the tyre? If it is altered, it will affect the accuracy of your speedo, especially at higher speeds.

[neil]

For I winter tyre, I've always thought you'd want smaller to reduce the tyre costs (obviously you need to clear calipers though) and thinner to reduce the footprint and promote grip?

I've gone from 225/45R17 summers to 195/65R15 winters. The set of winters on steel wheels cost far less than a set of tyres to fit the alloys. The increased sidewall also makes it less likely you'll suffer a blow out when the craters inevitably start appearing in the road. Check the car handbook - it should give a list of recommended tyre sizes, and then just pick one.

How does that effect the overall circumference of the tyre? If it is altered, it will affect the accuracy of your speedo, especially at higher speeds.

There's no difference in circumference between these two sizes - unless your talking fractions of a mm

[kerryxeg]

A few mm difference is going to be within the wear range of a tyre so I wouldn't think that's a big deal. Going bigger would give an underestimate of speed so worth knowing how much.

I've heard insurance issues a number of times, I've always stated that I run both when taking out insurance and never had an issue. I have had a comment back that this is fine as long as it's a tyre size is approved for the car. I think their real issue is if you go wider than recommended so 255 instead of 235 etc.

The other thing to consider is the tyre pressures. Some are intended to be run at lower pressures in winter conditions, but this can leave them a bit soft if you're on a dry run. I normally keep the pressures pretty standard (34 on the audi), but if I know I'm going to be on snow and taking it easy drop the pressure a little (28-30) - definately gives more grip.

[PhilA]

http://www.fordpartsuk.com/shop/ford_fo ... __2700.htm

do u think these would be strong enough for winter use?

its them or the normal ones...
can get a good price from mytyres for wheel and tyre combo.
What ur thoughts on an OEM steel wheel vs a ford steel wheel?

[neil]

http://www.fordpartsuk.com/shop/ford_fo ... __2700.htm

do u think these would be strong enough for winter use?

its them or the normal ones...
can get a good price from mytyres for wheel and tyre combo.
What ur thoughts on an OEM steel wheel vs a ford steel wheel?

I just went for the mytyres combo and they've stayed on the car since with no problems. Way less hassle than getting the wheels and tyres seperately then having to get them fitted.

[thinfourth]

I have some winter tyres for sale in the classifieds

Come with a free car