OP
OP
that's a summer temperature
Tis, but what people like Ahmett don't realise is that winter tyres still work.
General New winter tyre thread
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General New winter tyre thread
Tis, but what people like Ahmett don't realise is that winter tyres still work.
I do think though that winter tyres are probably primarily designed for driving in more extreme conditions such as snow / ice / slush etc whereas typical conditions that prevail for most of the winter in the UK or Ireland might be more suited to an all seasons tyre. Having said that if it snows you'd be glad you had them! This of course is coming from someone who recently forked out for a set of winters and not all seasons!!
Winter tyres are made of a different rubber compound that remains more flexible at lower temperatures. Below 7 degrees summer tyres become less flexible and will grip less. This is temperature dependent, not dependent on the surface conditions. They then have different tread configurations to help with snow and slush, as that is more likely in winter, but it is primarily the greater flexibility of the rubber that gives the benefit.
Yep I know that but are they optimised for typical weather in these climes, ie, not generally snowy. Earlier in the week it was wet and 4 degrees here in Dublin, today it's 12, roads tend to be more greasy then icey. My point is that if it snows I'll be damm glad of my winters but if the truth be known they're probably not the optimum tyre for the majority of my driving conditions at this time of year.
OP
OP
They probably are, if it's dry and above 10 then you're probably better on a summer, but otherwise you're probably better on a winter tyre
ahmett
Prominent member
Mind you 7 c doesn't exactly mean summer tires stop working completely. And uk average temperatures don't go below 7 too many times
In winter, the coldest part of the day is often just before sunrise. There's a lot of traffic on the road at that time in winter. I'd say that for three months of the year, you'll see lowest temps below 7C more days than not.
For most folks in the UK, I'd say it's the morning commute that's most likely to justify winter tyres. JR's math 101: "Cold temps + more traffic + impatient drivers rushing to work = winter tyres".
Yes they do in the winter, with the exception of the last few days the average has been below 7C for the last 3-4 weeks!
Mine are finally going on the Prius this afternoon - later than I'd have liked, but been busy with other stuff of late.
Had a brown trouser moment on Tuesday, and am sure winter tyres would have reacted slightly better.
ahmett
Prominent member
Anyway I am glad the uk, which usually loves introducing health and safety rules , doesn't force people to have winter tires
OP
OP
Ahmett lived in London though, London is pretty much indicative of the conditions in the whole of the UK......
Exactly why I'm pleased the use of winter tyres here isn't mandated.
The justification depends on the typical weather in the loacation you live, the time of day when you're most likely to be driving, lots of other stuff...
Give folks accurate information about the risks & benefits, and let them decide for themselves - IMO that's a sensible approach.
OP
OP
IMHO I favour the German system, winter tyres aren't compulsory, but if you're in an accident and you're on the wrong tyres then it's your fault
IMHO I favour the German system, winter tyres aren't compulsory, but if you're in an accident and you're on the wrong tyres then it's your fault
I wouldn't go that far (it could give too many idiots an easy get out, like in those places where you're automatically to blame if a cyclist is involved), but I'd agree it should be taken into account when deciding fault.
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OP
OP
Not automatically, but if you were out in a few inches of snow....
Then it's a factor to be taken into account when apportioning blame.
Accidents are rarely just one person's fault; rather than rushing to blame the other idiot, a better question to ask is 'what could I have done to prevent or mitigate this accident'. Sometimes fitting winter tyres could be a good answer to that question
, but that doesn't absolve folks who do and then drive beyond the limits, seeking to blame other folks on summer tyres if it all goes wrong.
OP
OP
Of course, if someone on winter tyres wants to drive silly and falls off the road then it's their fault of course.
OP
OP
Looking at some of the forecasts I might be putting the winters on the 500 this weekend. Might even have to go on a long drive with the Panda if there is snow as is being suggested. Peak district will be lovely but I suspect it'll be too dark to see anything.
Sweetsixteen
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Then it's a factor to be taken into account when apportioning blame.
Accidents are rarely just one person's fault; rather than rushing to blame the other idiot, a better question to ask is 'what could I have done to prevent or mitigate this accident'. Sometimes fitting winter tyres could be a good answer to that question
Fully agree.
Defensive preparation, coupled with defensive driving.
Life is too precious not to.
OP
OP
models are chucking out some very exciting stuff in the near future, not quite snowpocalypse level cold and snowy weather, but some people are in for a shock over the next week or two. At present the cold weather drops off at the end of the 2nd week, but models are more or less not worth listening to after a week or so anyway. If you were on the fence with buying some tyres though, I would order now
