vermox wrote:

Last night I collected my winter shoes - 225/75 x 16 studded Cooper Discoverer M+S on steel rims, I've used the same tyres on my old range rover before and was then very pleased. They look the business! But I guess studded tyres are out of the question for continental driving

nza wrote:

I have the Toyo Open Season G-02 plus. They are the cat's ass.
It's not a snow tire unless it has this:


I did most of my research on Canadian sites:
http://www.1010tires.com/tire.asp?tirebran...%2D02+plus

I chose this tire because it can still do mountains and off roady bits...

 Armchair Commando

Not sure what you mean by the pussy's bottom
But I believe that all winter tyres sold in Norway have that snow symbol on them either studded or studless type – if they didn’t they would not be winter tyres. It is a law requirement to use winter tyres during the winter period and it is illegal here to use summer tyres during winter  2007 Freelander 2 HSE TD4 Manual with Premium Pack & Moonroof.
Stornoway Grey with Ebony Black Pleather, Clear Indicators, Body Side Mouldings etc.

maybe he thinks they are sausage rolls, every cats backside looks like a sausage roll  Former Mod/Member, with the most post & Chicken George Arch nemesis

A few Provinces in Canada (Like Quebec) have enacted legislation to make driving in the winter without propper winter tires as listed by the Government...the snow flake symbol.

In reference to the Cat's ass, I assume its the same as The Dog's bullocks.
http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=cat's%20ass
Sometimes I'll replace the word 'ass' for the word 'meow' Depending on the company I am in at the time. Armchair Commando

Now its the doggies doo-dars Boy this guy is realy out of line  2007 Freelander 2 HSE TD4 Manual with Premium Pack & Moonroof.
Stornoway Grey with Ebony Black Pleather, Clear Indicators, Body Side Mouldings etc.

I live near vancouver where it mostly rains. I have been pondering whether I need snow chains or snow tires but not really sure. I'd be going up to ski resorts around here maybe once a week or once every 2 weeks. I don't think I should get studded tires since I'm told that it reduces the breaking power, especially in the rain since there is reduced contact with the road. Also it is only a lease I'm only gonna have it for 1 more winter season, so you think I should get chains instead?

My AutoSocks thread became more a discussion on winter tyres so thought I had better continue on this thread for easier reference.

As I appreciate the benefit of proper winter tyres (even in the UK) I plan to fit them to my FL2 as soon as budget permits so have been checking prices. Came to discussing having some fitted and a regional major tyre centre (also 4X4 specialist) said none in stock and very few tyre manufacturers supplying them to the UK due to lack of demand even after a big winter tyre promotion campaign

Anyway, they have just called me back with a very good price for the only winter tyres they can get at the moment for the FL2 viz.
PIRELLI SCORPION ICE + SNOW

So, all you winter tyre experts , how do these tyres perform/compare in tests?

Pirelli Ice & snow doesn't do too bad in tests. The one doing best in tests are Blizzak DM Z3 (or something like that). Myself I have Conti 4x4 IceContact without studs, and I am very happy with them. 2008 Freelander 2 HSE TD4 Automatic, Caspian Blue, Alpaca, Moon roof, Exclusive pack.

An update and some feedback on my eventual winter tyre choice for the FL2.

Based on test reports and positive comments on several forums I decided to go with:

Vredestein Wintrac 4 Xtreme tyres
http://www.vredestein.co.uk/Banden_Bandtyp...dtypeID=15

The Vredestein Wintrac and Nokian WRs came out as my preferred options but the Vredesteins won because they also claim some mud/trail capability in addition to snow and ice performance. Also the Vredestein tyres were available from stock in the UK whereas the Nokians seemed rarer than hens teeth.

The Vredesteins were ordered on-line from Camskill (UK) - after me phoning them to confirm availability - and delivered by courier in two days. Price (including delivery) was the best of any supplier.

I had the tyres delivered direct to my local Land Rover dealer. They then fitted the tyres to my spare wheels and swapped over summer/winter wheels, all at a price competitive with the local tyre specialists but with the bonus of LR service and facilities (comfort) and back-up. Full marks to Yeovil Land Rover on service and price.

So far the Vredesteins seem to be excellent tyres. Tyre noise is generally lower than the summer Contis, steering response and feel is very good, performance in heavy rain and sleet (around freezing temps) also good. The recent local heavy snow has also proved the snow and slush performance with good grip on both fresh snow and also on compressed snow/ice.

AHoy.

AHoy: Congrats on your choice I am sure you will feel much safer on these than creeping around on summer tyres  2007 Freelander 2 HSE TD4 Manual with Premium Pack & Moonroof.
Stornoway Grey with Ebony Black Pleather, Clear Indicators, Body Side Mouldings etc.

I think you will be happy with your tyres. They are:

1: Winter tyres
2: Designed for SUV's

And that is what you need. I am sure they are good.

Drive safely now. 2008 Freelander 2 HSE TD4 Automatic, Caspian Blue, Alpaca, Moon roof, Exclusive pack.

have somone here use 245/70R17 on orginal weels here

r.helgason wrote:

have somone here use 245/70R17 on orginal weels here

Another update on the Vredestein Wintrac 4 Xtreme tyres.

My "on-board real-time" vehicle and driving standard assessor (SWMBO) has also commented that these tyres are quieter than the standard Contis, also that the ride is "improved" (I think that translates as slightly firmer).

Fuel consumption is also slightly improved, by about 1 mpg.

I can understand why some people use them year round in temperate regions, especially as they are cheaper than standard fit tyres.

AHoy.