(G) Advice on Winter Tyres please?

i am considering fitting winter tyres soon as i will be entering temperatures of -10c over christmas when i drive to Slovakia.....

I can't find any 205-40-17 tyres as these are the ideal size, i can find 205-45-17.........not sure whether these will rub, the only other option is to get a set of 15" rims (like LRB's!!!) and fit some tyres to them eg 195-55-15

Anyone got any advice or know of correct the size for the best grip?

IMHO:

the smaller the better normally, so a set of 195/55 on 15" steel rims is probably the best option

since you cant be sure of the roadconditions, esspecially as far as salting and gritting is concerned, the steel rims is definately an easier option then to "re-condition" your alloys after winter.

Also, imagine that you do slide into a curb, i think that it might be easier to hammer out the dent in the steel rim or to find a replacement steel wheel locally then it would be to find an replacement alloy

as for tyres: ivo did a survey once : http://www.ivo.lu/TiresResults.html
it might be of help.

Hey there R30GUE,
On snow/ice/water etc, the best way to find grip is by reducing the tyre surface in order to increase the presure that the tyre forces on the road. It is the exact opposite on dry tarmac. I would recommend that you get a set of 15" steel original Barchetta alloys and fit them with a set of 185/55/15 Continental ContiWinterContact TS790 or something similar.
15" alloys is a good choice for another reason too. More tyre height means more progressive handling. Especially on snow/ice. 17" alloy with a 45 height tyre on snow? No No No!
Have a nice trip and dont forget the pics!!

I say put the B away for the winter and buy a £200 junker and drive that over winter.

Or, don't go to Slovakia (at least with the B )

RnRollie's on the right tracks. I've noticed people in Luxembourg swap to winter tyres much more than the south of the UK (more cold and snow here I suppose). Typically people go for cheap rims and thicker tyres so you're more likely to hit something with the side wall of the tyre or in the worst case you don't ruin your nice alloys.

I second that, RnRollie's on the right tracks.

I live in Southern Germany and we have to change to winter tyres by law and our insurance is invalid if not (although this has never actually been tested in courts).

Its not uncommon for autobahns to be blocked here in Xmas hols by people from northern europe caught out without winter tyres, slipping and sliding into trouble. Believe me, I've driven to the garage in the snow with summer tyres, changed to winter and the difference is incredible and you would struggle to see much difference in the tread shape.

But, remember the beloved B is VERY light and many without ABS, they're not easy to drive or particularly safe in the snow. We get regular -10 to -20 and billiard table roads turn into ice rinks! Fly Easyjet - its cheaper and safer![/I]

Yep, narrow as possible. Don't drive far on them when it's not snow/ice etc or you'll overheat them and wear them out.

Or you could hire one of these............



Probably be faster than a b with 17 rims in the snow!!

R30GUE - I've got 4 old steel 15" B rims in the garage. They are in a pretty poor state, and I'd need you to collect them from my house. However, if you want them, PM me.

Doogal.

Thanks guys,

Doogal.....i just got rid of my old Steelies, now i find myself looking for a set again i will Pm you once i decide what to do as i may have another set available to me...

I put on my winter tyres yesterday Continental Contisomething on 185/55/R15 Fiat alloys.

Already miss my OZs

Colway and Greenway supply an excellent range of winter/motorsport tyres. They are remoulds in general but many motorsport companies use them and a testament to their quality and reliability. I've got a set of grasstrack racing tyres on the panda 4x4 that can climb steep muddy inclines with no effort...

Used Avon mud/snow in the past but they wear quickly so wouldn't have another set but they were good in snow.

Thanks for the advice, was looking at buying a new set of colway tyres they seem cheap but highly rated..

If you wish I can pass the name of the supplier I used which was far cheaper than any other at the time.

have a look at the 4x4 range, I love the alligator but not road legal
http://www.colwaytyres.co.uk/4x4.htm