Bear11 Posted October 28, 2014 Share Posted October 28, 2014 quick question for those that run winter tyres, when do you actually change to them? I've read that it should be when the temperature drops to around 8 degrees or is it worth waiting until we start getting the first flurry of the white stuff? Also, stupid question but will most tyre places be happy to just swap the tyres over as I've only really used tyre places to supply and fit tyres before. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RafsZed Posted October 28, 2014 Share Posted October 28, 2014 Yes wait till temp drops to 8 degrees, yes you pay they will change. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
veeg33 Posted October 28, 2014 Share Posted October 28, 2014 Depends on the winter tyres themselves, as a general rule of thumb, below 8degC is reasonable as if it's any higher, you'll probably loosing tyre threads quicker (I might be wrong). Most tyres shop will swap them for you for a minimum fee of £10 to £15 each (fitted and balanced). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bear11 Posted October 28, 2014 Author Share Posted October 28, 2014 Thanks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wendy Posted October 28, 2014 Share Posted October 28, 2014 Although the temperature drop is advised. Can be worth the extra tyre wear which is lost if putting them on in warmer temperatures as I would consider swappping sooner if ongoing rain is forecast though - much more grip. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BulletMagnet Posted October 28, 2014 Share Posted October 28, 2014 I keep winter tyres on my Rays and summer tyres on my Volks, makes for easier swaps Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
martinmac Posted October 28, 2014 Share Posted October 28, 2014 I normally change mine around now having to drive from Cumbria to Aberdeen. Last year I didnt change them at all though. Just watch the forecast. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hofner Posted October 28, 2014 Share Posted October 28, 2014 Are winter tyres advisable? New to zed in winter Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
martinmac Posted October 28, 2014 Share Posted October 28, 2014 They make a lot of difference to the handling. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hensh65 Posted October 29, 2014 Share Posted October 29, 2014 I would hold off just now, I mean unless you're driving like a tool then you will be fine until the really cold months. I didn't change mine last year or the year before, small drops of snow and ice and it was fine. Hopefully its a warm winter again! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GIXXERUK Posted October 29, 2014 Share Posted October 29, 2014 It was 5 deg here until lunch time, got a tan after at 9 degrees Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
brillomaster Posted October 29, 2014 Share Posted October 29, 2014 you're advised to switch when the temperature at the time at which you'll be driving the car drops below 7 degrees. so even if it gets up to 12 degrees at midday, if its only 5 degrees when you leave for work in the morning, you're better off with winters. used properly i'd think winters would go on mid november and not come off again until mid march - so regardless of actual snow - remember they're winter tyres, not snow tyres. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Flex Posted October 29, 2014 Share Posted October 29, 2014 spare set of alloys with winters on FTW! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
martinmac Posted October 29, 2014 Share Posted October 29, 2014 I have two sets of wheels and tyres for each car in the garage, one for summer and one for winter. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hofner Posted October 29, 2014 Share Posted October 29, 2014 What is the best for driving and cost? Not have a lot of spare cash, insurance due... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ekona Posted October 29, 2014 Share Posted October 29, 2014 Then just drive to the conditions, and you'll be fine 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jollyranchers Posted October 29, 2014 Share Posted October 29, 2014 your looking at £60 for a tyre swap over and risk of damage to your alloys , I would buy a winter set of alloys Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rtbiscuit Posted October 29, 2014 Share Posted October 29, 2014 my new car is a dull SUV for the family, but when tyre change time comes round I shall be getting a set of Pirelli scorpion verde all weather designed specifically for big 4x4 and covers most eventualities regarding terrain and temperature. its an all season tyre that should offer a nice all round balance. for my my car this wont help you but I was rather pleased to find a happy medium for my new car. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RafsZed Posted November 10, 2014 Share Posted November 10, 2014 My every day car is a qashqai, I bought a spare set of wheels and will be having Nokian winter tyres fitted at £177 a corner, worth it as will make a noticeable difference and will have less wear on my summer tyres. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NeilMH Posted November 10, 2014 Share Posted November 10, 2014 Just changed mine over. Have always had 2 sets of wheels. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RafsZed Posted November 10, 2014 Share Posted November 10, 2014 Is now a good time to change over as it's not that cold yet? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BulletMagnet Posted November 10, 2014 Share Posted November 10, 2014 Just keep an eye on the outside temp gauge of your MFD, once it's consistantly under 8C, change Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RafsZed Posted November 10, 2014 Share Posted November 10, 2014 Just keep an eye on the outside temp gauge of your MFD, once it's consistantly under 8C, change That's what I thought, thanks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Johnny A Posted December 3, 2014 Share Posted December 3, 2014 I have a set of spare alloys fitted with Winter tyres for the missus's CR-V. Living in northern Scotland, I usually put them on in October and take them off in March but it has been unusually mild so I haven't fitted them yet this year. Freezing today though so I'll do them this weekend. A set of spare alloys is a good way to go as others have said. By changing the wheels yourself you save paying to have the tyres swapped twice a year; you avoid having your good alloys accidentally damaged by a garage; and you can sell the spare set when you sell the car. I bought a set of cheap discounted Wolfies from this place http://www.wheelbasealloys.com/ a few years ago and they've been fine. I've fitted them with Vredestein Wintrac Extremes which I can recommend. I don't put Winter tyres on my Z. Instead, I bought a tidy 2004 Suzuki Jimny which I use whenever there's snow or the roads are icy. It's cheap to run, reliable, and has proper switchable 4 wheel drive (rear wheel, 4 wheel hi and 4 wheel lo). In 4 wheel lo it will get through anything and it's also a useful car for abandoning in town on nights out etc (which I'd never do with the Z)!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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