Hi

I know there have been some extensive and informative threads on winter tyres for snowier and icier places than the UK...but just curious what would be a good winter tyre in the uk?

The Nokian WR G2 is widely regarded as a good all-rounder, and can be used during the summer.

If you want out and out winter performance then most of the research that I did suggested that you can't beat the Vredestein Wintrac Extreme. I have to say, they've made my Z4 very sure footed in the wet already, can't wait to see how they fare in snow!  Blue

winter tyres are not JUST for snow and ice,, they are for when the ambient temp is generally below 10',, any winter tyre will be an improvement over normal tyres in winter,, they are better at dispersing water, the heat up quicker and so provide more grip in cooler temps,,, the fact they are good in snow should be considered a bonus,,

I'm still amazed that this country doesn't use them more,,,

Vredestein Wintrac 4 Extreme
Avon Ranger Ice
in that order, or anything designed for lower temps. Conti do some as do most makes, it's as much what is available to you locally or in your size.
AT's can be Ok and are better than std summer rubber all year round if available in your size, but are still a compromise as rubber is designed to work in a specific temperature window, so specific winter rubber is generally better at lower temps on tarmac.

P.S. if you mean a UK produced winter tyre I think the Avon is

My FL2 came with Continentals as original fit and they are marked for Mud and Snow - I had no problems with any of last winter's severe weather in Scotland. My German colleagues all switch to winter rubber in October but the dealers over there do the swap and store the other set of tyres - they change again in spring time. I think if you select good 'All Round' rubber you'll be ok. The Winter Tyres might suffer if you run them in high summer temps.




Grumpy Grumpy

Thanks for the replies.

I had no trouble last winter with all round tyres..but was exploring about switching to winter tyres for 6months of the year...as they are forecasting a bad winter again...and as rightly siad in an earlier post they are better in colder temperatures full stop not just on snow.

Cheers

Richard

EDIT - just been to look at my FL2 it is shoed with Wrangler Allweather M&S 235/65R17 - how would they compare to the Vredstin xtreme etc?

Quote:

EDIT - just been to look at my FL2 it is shoed with Wrangler Allweather M&S 235/65R17 - how would they compare to the Vredstin xtreme etc?

Can't fault the Kumho AT KL78, although not an out & out winter tyre they coped easily with the snow last winter and at a good price to boot.

MVS wrote:

P.S. if you mean a UK produced winter tyre I think the Avon is

Nooooooooooooo tyres for a british winter...much like not four candles but handles for forks!