[briers]

I've had my winters on for a few days but I'm seriously frustrated with them.

Last year they really worked tremendously well. However having them on in the current slightly damp conditions is proving a pain.

I've had the rear step out every time I drive it. Today I fishtailed twice and the traction control was intervening at 70mph.

I know the track isnt as wide and the compound much softer but does this sound normal. This year I'm questioning it.

Vred wintrac extreme

[edowen]

what pressures. how many miles have they done?

[kaishang]

These are the same tyres as last year?

It's still relatively warm. There should be minimal difference between winter and summer tyres. Check pressure, check tread depth. Check tread depth compared to the summers you just took off.

[parapaul]

I'm hoping it's just a feature of the winters - mine are the same, standard 18" sizes, back end loses traction on any corner where I'm not actively off the throttle.

I'm hoping things improve as it gets colder - I honestly can't imagine my summers would be this slippy.

[briers]

Yea these are the same tyres as last year. About 6-7mm left and placard pressures.

They did behave the same last year too but this time it's starting to take the fun out of it.

I put them on because I saw the forecast had predicted snow but it never came.

[dxb335d]

Tbh winters come into their own when it's snowy & icy, at the mo it's just Damp mate, will pay dividends soon mate dont worry!

[parapaul]

Partly agree with that - they're supposed to perform better anything below 7 deg, but I'm not seeing it at the moment. Lesson learnt for next year though, they won't be going on until the very last minute.

[Mike Scib]

Mine are the same on my Superchipped 320d, traction control flickering at 70mph in 5th! Was hoping they were just needing run in but now done 1000 miles on them and no difference. Standard size tyres on 17's which my car runs all year. Summers are Bridgestone runflats.

They are good in the snow however.

Kumhos winters BTW. Could it be anything to do with them being non runflats?

[rich1068]

Odd, I'm not experiencing this at all on the Contis and they've been on since October. Maybe I don't drive hard enough In fact if anything I've been impressed with their wet grip. Lots of standing water on the motorway and the car feels totally planted. I haven't experienced that since my A3 Quattro.

[Mr Singh]

I have set of Vred wintrac extreme on standby to go on my MV3s... I'm having no dramas on the summer tyres, its simply not cold enough imo to put them on. Soon as it gets to the point where there's actual threat of ICE on the roads or flurrys of snow I'm down to the tyre fitters, till then not not going to burn through winters!

[CJ421]

I just put my winters on last week ... I've noticed the TC nanny coming on all the time, even on the highway in 6th gear. It's really annoying.

[Mike Scib]

Originally Posted by Mr Singh

I have set of Vred wintrac extreme on standby to go on my MV3s... I'm having no dramas on the summer tyres, its simply not cold enough imo to put them on. Soon as it gets to the point where there's actual threat of ICE on the roads or flurrys of snow I'm down to the tyre fitters, till then not not going to burn through winters!

Maybe not cold enough down south but there has already been snow in Scotland so not just burning them for the fun of it.

[Subzero2003]

Is it possible you guys have all rushed into putting these winter tyres on your car when the conditions clearly don't call for it yet in the majority of England? I mean, you're getting the T/C light to come on in 6th gear?! Those tyres must be an absolute hazard!

It simply isn't cold enough yet, this coupled with the fact that it is likely that we have experienced a dryer and warmer than average December - it'll be a couple of weeks before these winter tyres start pulling their weight.

If the marketing managers and salesman for these tyre companies say 7c is when "winter tyres start working" you can bet your bottom dollar it's probably closer to 4c. But don't worry, because it's likely the temperatures will start dipping to this kind of level in the next couple of weeks. Until, just remember you're driving 300bhp cars with the equivilant grip of a set of Linglong tyres

Actually, scratch what i said:

UK Outlook for Monday 26 Dec 2011 to Monday 9 Jan 2012:

"Unsettled conditions should dominate the period with occasionally brisk westerly winds, as successive low pressure systems move in from the Atlantic, separated by drier, clearer and cooler interludes. Temperatures as a result should often be above, or even well-above average for the time of year. However, this does not preclude some intervening colder spells between weather systems, with frost and fog as well as some snowfall, chiefly in the north. Precipitation amounts will be near-normal for much of the UK, but above in the far north, with snow most favoured on high ground here. Sunshine amounts will be around or slightly above average across the UK, with the east generally a little brighter."

Dryer conditions and often temperatures will be "above or well above average" (for those of us that don't live on high land in the North). Ahhh just the conditions winter tyres thrive in!

[335ier]

Also when the manufactures claim better performance I don't think they mean hammering it out of a roundabout in 2nd gear better performance they are talking about extreme weather, deep water/snow etc.

conti sp contact 3 still working brill at the mo.

[SO8]

I've got Bridgestone Blizzaks on and tbh put them on too early ... they've been on 6 weeks now

I have had no issues with mine at all ... they don't handle as well as as my 19" wheels did ... but that is to be expected. Very little T/C action ... they are certainly OK ... just went on too early.

[dxb335d]

M5 has been fine with Michelin summer Tyres And it's 5c where I am and wet/damp roads!!


The 500+ ponies are going down a treat!!

[Kerr]

I had a big scare yesterday at exactly zero.

Straight line on the motorway accelerating up to speed the rear lost grip. I was shocked how violently the car launched itself sideways.

I was overtaking at the time and happy I saved it without hitting the kerb or the shocked Land Rover driver alongside me.

I doubt winter tyres would have been so bad.

[jjbirch530d]

yeah i think its a waste of time and money putting winters on, even the gritters are not putting much salt down

[dxb335d]

Maybe, but let's not forget winters are for "Winter" which means snow/ice.

[Mr Singh]

Originally Posted by dxb335d

Maybe, but let's not forget winters are for "Winter" which means snow/ice.

Exactly! To me its just 'burning' money to have them in non ICE/Snow conditions. They are considerably softer compound and a hazzard in current conditions.

Granted the north seems to be getting battered with the cold, down south no need for an immediate panic.. Hence why I have them sat in the garage till theres a remote threat of the slippy stuff!

[HighlandPete]

I do believe some of you guys are expecting too much, or driving too hard for a winter tyre, as suggested in another post. After all, we all drive more moderately in winter don't we?

Personally I've had no issues running my winter tyres and I have 'squirmy' 17" tyres, as many would see them. But I'm expecting winter performance, driving sub 4-degrees now for most of the time, since mine have been fitted. 150+mm of snow last Monday, and snow and ice through the week, doing EXACTLY what a Vredestein Wintrac Xtreme is supposed to do, in cold weather driving. Strange isn't it, 330d torque but no TC lights, except when on 'slippy' slush.

I see them as tools for the job, but any tyre is a compromise across a wide user envelope. It depends which are key and crucial, for a given set of conditions. I know where my priorities lay, and which tyres are suited to the job in hand.

HighlandPete

[m1bjr]

Originally Posted by HighlandPete

I do believe some of you guys are expecting too much, or driving too hard for a winter tyre, as suggested in another post. After all, we all drive more moderately in winter don't we?

+1

As normal, and seen across all car forums where relatives of the Stig reside.

"My tyres are not up to my incredible driver talent in winter"

Yeah, right.