All season/winter tyres

[Dorset Diver]

I'm not really that interested in the effect that having winter tyres on one axle and summer tyres on the other has. I much prefer to stick to Cross Climate or All Seasons tyres. Those with the M+S and 3PMSF symbol, also known as the Alpine symbol, which indicates that the tyre has been certified as safe to use in snow and safely in other conditions.

 

[Garfields]

I'm not really that interested in the effect that having winter tyres on one axle and summer tyres on the other has. I much prefer to stick to Cross Climate or All Seasons tyres. Those with the M+S and 3PMSF symbol, also known as the Alpine symbol, which indicates that the tyre has been certified as safe to use in snow and safely in other conditions.

I would think for most people it's a good option.
There will always be exceptions
They are not as good as either summer or winter but most drivers are not pushing there cars close to the level that it makes a difference.
There are some on here that are interested in "the effect that having winter tyres on one axle and summer tyres on the other has." or we wouldn't be mentioning it.

 

[L' Hobo]

Yesterday in the rain, I did my own experiment, I had fitted a couple of spare rims with the highly recommended (on here,) Falken Euroall Van II tyres on my front axle of my 2007 Fiat Ducato PVC while leaving my originally fitted Michelin M&S CP tyres on the rear.
Then drove from Colchester to Yarmouth via Wymondham through country roads and fast dual carriageway.

The conclusion I came to was, that I thought the Falken was slightly noisier, the ride no better but the braking in the wet much improved!

PS. I did try a couple of times in the wet to get the rear to step out (remember I did tour Australia for 6 months back in the 80's with an International renown French Stunt team, so I do know how to do these things ) but without success!
( No I didn't try a handbrake turn but I'll try with yours if you make it available )

I will be leaving this configuration on my PCV to do more testing in the snow & ice (if it comes) and then fitting more Falkens to my other 2 spare rims if necessary!

Then I will have a 2 full sets of both winter and summer tyres.

 

[L' Hobo]

I would think for most people it's a good option.
There will always be exceptions
They are not as good as either summer or winter but most drivers are not pushing there cars close to the level that it makes a difference.
There are some on here that are interested in "the effect that having winter tyres on one axle and summer tyres on the other has." or we wouldn't be mentioning it.

My main interest is, that if I change to full Falkens today, I would virtually HAVE to give away £400 worth of perfectly good Michelin S&M CP tyres because they are on 15inch rims.

I would much prefer to wear them out by using them in the next few summers!
(Unless someone wants to make me a very reasonable offer of course? )

 

[Garfields]

My main interest is, that if I change to full Falkens today, I would virtually HAVE to give away £400 worth of perfectly good Michelin S&M CP tyres because they are on 15inch rims.

I would much prefer to wear them out by using them in the next few summers!
(Unless someone wants to make me a very reasonable offer of course? )

I didn't put my van onto all seasons till I was needing to replace the tyres anyway.
Car it was different I had a set of rims and used winters that were the wrong size. They got sold and the money bought a set of decent rims for the new car.
By the time we get around to replacing the car both sets of tyres will be past there best.
We have somewhere to store the wheels and change them over.
It's not the answer for most though.
If we do get a winter with a lot of snow there are now a lot more working people that can do there stuff remotely and don't need to be out driving.
If we get snow this winter there will be folk out there with their 4x4s with their wide low profile tyres wondering why they can't get going or stop.
Most winters it just rains for weeks on end.

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[buzz1]

Personally, I would sell the driver, I was taught to drive Double Decker buses, without power steering, on skid pans. ,whatever did we do in the days before the MOT when bald tyres were not unusual?

But, as they say, horses for courses!

Actually Owen you do look like stan from on the buses

 

[L' Hobo]

Actually Owen you do look like stan from on the buses

I don't remember him looking tall, dark and handsome, my memory must be playing me tricks?

 

[Apacheman]

Lived on the Pennines around 1200 feet up for many years. Ran a diesel fiesta and put snow tyres on the front drive wheels every winter (never the rear). One heavy snow heading home, I passed the Calderdale moorland rescue vehicle on a call out to a woman giving birth, stuck in the snow? Got home and returned with the tractor and pulled them out. Not saying snow tyres wouldn’t be better all round, but on something front wheel drive you can generally manage quite well with two.

 

[Marky146]

Interesting thread!

So, I had a nasty black ice crash many years ago. I’m a sporty driver and hadn’t been pushing st all and went sideways in a car I’d only recently put new tyres on. Three flips and onto the hedge I went, AWD Subaru too.

The replacement newer Scooby got a set of Pirelli Sotto zero II. Astounding tyres. On snowy roads the car was still doing 4.5 second 0-60 and braking and steering well too. Had two sets of wheels so the Bridgestone RE90 O.E. Specs only went on for Summer.ive used Winter/All Seasons since and use them on my Current Fiesta ST too.

For my Transit Custom campervan, I just upgraded to 18” wheels and they came with half worn tyres. Winter is coming so now looking to swap tyres for decent ones and most of the ones I want aren’t available in 18”! Shouldn’t have sold the 16” originals… doh. First world issues really. Shouldn’t really get too worried as my van doesn’t leave the drive in the winter. If I need to go anywhere, hotels are preferable!

 

[Happy Jack]

My main interest is, that if I change to full Falkens today, I would virtually HAVE to give away £400 worth of perfectly good Michelin S&M CP tyres because they are on 15inch rims.

I would much prefer to wear them out by using them in the next few summers!
(Unless someone wants to make me a very reasonable offer of course? )

I have 15" rims but going over to 16" soon with Falken van01 tyres.
My15" still have good tread left so will use them in the winter when we don't get away but it's still not everyday drive.
Is that an option for you?

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[Kevin R]

I think some European countries insist on winter tyres between certain dates?

Are winter tyres required by law? MICHELIN UK answers your questions.

Are winter tyres legally required in United Kingdom? What are the laws on winter tyres in Europe? Michelin provides a summary of European regulations on winter tyres.

www.michelin.co.uk

Winter tyres are mandatory between October and Easter, even areas that rarely see snow.

 

[DandJ]

Winter tyres are mandatory between October and Easter, even areas that rarely see snow.

I think you'd have to expand on that somewhat.....I'm in mid France. My dept do not make them mandatory, the departments that do, clearly state that you can also use normal tyres but MUST also carry snow chains or tyre socks.

 

[L' Hobo]

I have 15" rims but going over to 16" soon with Falken van01 tyres.
My15" still have good tread left so will use them in the winter when we don't get away but it's still not everyday drive.
Is that an option for you?

I have been fairly happy with my 5yr old Michelin CP tyres except on wet grass and as I use my van as a daily driver as well, I was just looking for something better on said grass. Snow and Ice will be a bonus.

I hope my 2 £115 Falkens will be worth it?

PS. Why are you going to the expense of fitting 16", do you think it's worth it?

 

[Heebson]

Just had a question pop into my head: given recommendation is to change MH tyres every five years, how does that play out if you’re swapping summer/winter tyres for a third of the year?

My tyres now are standard summer tyres, plenty of tread, but all now over 6 years old. I am also planning to go into the Alps skiing in Feb for the first time. Plan was 3PMSF All-Season (plus snow chains), but a friend convinced my better half we should have Winter Tyres. So, now I’m looking at 4 Winter tyres; 4 new summer tyres (or all-season); snow chains plus the cost to swap them over twice a year ! And as per my question, I’ve suddenly just though I might need replace every 5 years!

 

[DandJ]

Just had a question pop into my head: given recommendation is to change MH tyres every five years, how does that play out if you’re swapping summer/winter tyres for a third of the year?

I suppose it depends how and where you store them when not in use. (as well as when they're on the van) UV is a big factor....so washed, dried and placed in the back of a pitch black garage for 4 months won't really be aging them.

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[L' Hobo]

I suppose it depends how and where you store them when not in use. (as well as when they're on the van) UV is a big factor....so washed, dried and placed in the back of a pitch black garage for 4 months won't really be aging them.

I agree, storage is the key factor. I store mine, covered up in the back of a cool, but not freezing, garage which is shaded by a large tree in summer.

I will expect, with the mileage I do these days 7000ish, to still be in good condition for about 8 yrs?
They will get changed if necessary!

 

[gvj]

Our van spent its first four years in the French alps. Winter tyres were nice BUT good sturdy snow chains were sometimes indispensable too. If pushed to chose between the two I’d go for good chains. These days the amount of time you’ll need either is getting vanishingly small, sadly.

 

[Smokaijo]

We put Michelin Cross Climate Agius all season tyres on ours and as our van is plate for up to 5.5 ton we wanted the best ones for our van.

 

[Happy Jack]

I have been fairly happy with my 5yr old Michelin CP tyres except on wet grass and as I use my van as a daily driver as well, I was just looking for something better on said grass. Snow and Ice will be a bonus.

I hope my 2 £115 Falkens will be worth it?

PS. Why are you going to the expense of fitting 16", do you think it's worth it?

A few reasons:- in no particular order.
Will put my speedo right.
Better tyre load rating means lower air pressure = better ride.
Increases ride height.
With supermetal hammer matt black alloys, looks good.

 

[L' Hobo]

A few reasons:- in no particular order.
Will put my speedo right.
Better tyre load rating means lower air pressure = better ride.
Increases ride height.
With supermetal hammer matt black alloys, looks good.

Not sure about the Speedo, are you certain it won't make it slightly slow?
I hope you have done your sums correctly?

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[L' Hobo]

Our van spent its first four years in the French alps. Winter tyres were nice BUT good sturdy snow chains were sometimes indispensable too. If pushed to chose between the two I’d go for good chains. These days the amount of time you’ll need either is getting vanishingly small, sadly.

Back in the late 80's when I did Ski work, mostly France, Switzerland , Andorra & Austria, with my Coaches for 4 months of the year for about 6yrs.

I just used the normal year long tyres and carried 4 GOOD snow chains.
My Coaches NEVER failed to deliver the skiers to the top of any mountain resort in all those years!

As I liked skiing, I drove one of the Coaches to as many of the resorts as possible.

I only once had to use 3 of the chains, never 4.
(2 on the rear drive wheels and 1 on the front, there is normally enough grit and other detritus in the kerbside not to need that chain and, with the other one fitted, it's easier to steer.)

The most fun was with the Kings College Ski Club from there lodge near Val-d'isere.

 

[Happy Jack]

Not sure about the Speedo, are you certain it won't make it slightly slow?
I hope you have done your sums correctly?

It reads 70 when my satnav is showing 65.
it should be nearer correct with bigger rims.

 

[L' Hobo]

It reads 70 when my satnav is showing 65.
it should be nearer correct with bigger rims.

SHOULD?

 

[Happy Jack]

SHOULD?

OR, Will it be nearer correct?
Bigger tyre goes further each rev, what effect does that have?
How does the speedo get its info?

 

[DandJ]

Just pop the dimensions into something like this...then you can get the correct ratio tyres (ensuring they are a recommended fit for the van)

Tire Size Comparison

Tire size comparison the easy way. Use our tire size comparison calculator to compare diameter, width, sidewall, circumference and revolutions per mile.

tiresize.com

An example....215/75-15 are virtually the same circumference as 215/70-16

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[Happy Jack]

Just pop the dimensions into something like this...then you can get the correct ratio tyres (ensuring they are a recommended fit for the van)

Tire Size Comparison

Tire size comparison the easy way. Use our tire size comparison calculator to compare diameter, width, sidewall, circumference and revolutions per mile.

tiresize.com

An example....215/75-15 are virtually the same circumference as 215/70-16

Getting my wheels/tyre package from LK performance.
Only size offered is 225/75-R16. My 15" tyres are 215/70/15
Thanks for info on tyre size comparison website.
Checked it and revs per mile for my 15" are 752.
Revs per mile for (225/75)16" are 689.
So, if new tyres are 63 revs less (9%), what does that mean?

 

[DandJ]

It reads 70 when my satnav is showing 65.
it should be nearer correct with bigger rims.

Getting my wheels/tyre package from LK performance.
Only size offered is 225/75-R16. My 15" tyres are 215/70/15
Thanks for info on tyre size comparison website.
Checked it and revs per mile for my 15" are 752.
Revs per mile for (225/75)16" are 689.
So, if new tyres are 63 revs less (9%), what does that mean?

I'd imagine that when it reads 70 with the new wheels and tyres on....it will actually be doing 65mph + 9%...so just over 71 mph. I am surprised that the firm will sell you them to be honest. Legally, your speedo cannot under-read...and yours will. Usually, when going up a rim size, you drop one on the aspect ratio...so you'd normally be down to a /65...not the other way round. I'd also see what the manufacturor states (door jamb of the van should have some details...or handbook)

 

[Happy Jack]

I'd imagine that when it reads 70 with the new wheels and tyres on....it will actually be doing 65mph + 9%...so just over 71 mph. I am surprised that the firm will sell you them to be honest. Legally, your speedo cannot under-read...and yours will. Usually, when going up a rim size, you drop one on the aspect ratio...so you'd normally be down to a /65...not the other way round. I'd also see what the manufacturor states (door jamb of the van should have some details...or handbook)

Confused now.
At present, my speedo reads 70 when my sat nav says 65.
Thought sat navs got their readings from gps and should be correct.
If so, my speedo is overeading which is ok legally so with bigger tyres will it then be underreading?
If so, I may get in touch with LK, for more info and advice.

 

[gus-lopez]

.trying to save a few quid on just fitting drive wheel winter tyres may be a hugely costly mistake.

problem with them on driving wheels if fwd is most people would lose the back at the first ice or snow

And all this talk about having the best tyres on the back.....how the hell do you drive into a slide with your front end sliding?

because they front wil be doing just that ,sliding ,or 'understeer' if the best/new ones are on the front then it will grip & when you lose the back it will just do a 180 or 360 with most drivers

 

[DandJ]

Confused now.
At present, my speedo reads 70 when my sat nav says 65.
Thought sat navs got their readings from gps and should be correct.
If so, my speedo is overeading which is ok legally so with bigger tyres will it then be underreading?
If so, I may get in touch with LK, for more info and advice.

Yes. I'd seek advice from some other firms as well as LK...they may be trying to sell what they can make the most profit on ? (But I'd also check with the manufacturer that the size you fancy can actually be fitted)

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