I bought a set of 4 new tyres for my Fiat Panda. They are GT City FE1 tyres 155/80 R13 83.
I was told thev were mid range tyres rather than budget tyres.
I later discovered they are summer tyres. I expect they can be used in winter as I have always used the same tyres summer and winter. I did not ask for summer tyres.
The side walls feel quite soft and thin even though they are fully inflated to correct pressure. I could imagine a bramble would puncture them.
They are described as city tyres. I hope they can be used on country lanes.
They may well be mid-range priced, but I would consider them to be budget.
'Standard' tyres are described as summer tyres. Fine for all year round use, but will lose grip early when the going gets slippery.
Like everything, including us, tyres get less flexible as the temperature drops. In winter, this reduced flexibility means less grip, so more likely to let go. Nothing to be afraid of, just when icy, or snowing you'll get stranded earlier than some others. However, being narrow and on a Panda, they work well in snow anyway.
Winter tyres are made of a different compound that remains more flexible at lower temperatures. Many countries that have cold winters legislate their use. They are not just for ice and snow, they work better at lower temperatures even if roads are dry. Downside is that they are a bit squidgy if used through the heat of summer, and wear faster in summer.
Changing tyres twice a year is a pain. Unless you have a spare set of wheels, and somewhere to store them.
Now we also have 'all-season' tyres. These are a compromise between summer and winter and can be used all year.
Winter tyres can be cheaper than summers, but all-season tend to be more expensive.
I have a set of spare wheels, and the winters make a noticeable difference in colder weather. All tyres should be replaced due to age even if not worn. I'm currently still running my winters as they are now a few years old, soon due to be changed due to age, and still lots of tread. Am putting up with the slight squidginess to get a bit more use out of them. After next winter, might replace with all-season when the summers need replacing.
Several supermarkets run winter tyres all year round on their vans, accepting the higher wear for the benefit of remaining mobile in winter. I've driven a couple of these Sprinters (rear wheel drive) on snow, without problems. Quite incredible actually how a lightly loaded rear wheel drive van just drove on snow easily. One supermarket not using winters stops delivering in such conditions, as the vans just won't move.
So don't worry about these new tyres, treat them gently and carefully for the first 100 miles as you wear off the shiny mould-release and scrub them in.
