Omega Owners Forum

Chat Area => General Car Chat => Topic started by: amba on 31 October 2011, 08:33:59

Title: Winter Tyre Choice
Post by: amba on 31 October 2011, 08:33:59
Now I know we have had numerous posts on this subject but really just wanted to get my head around the size implications. ;D :y

Standard Elite M/F is fitted with 225/55/16  and the spare is 205/65/15 as per book :y

If buying winter tyres 225/55/16 are noticeably more expensive than 205/65/15 but others options are 205/55/16 and 215/55/16.

Given the fact they will probably be used between mid november and mid march and cover around 10k after which they will be regarded as well worn and have little value what is regarded as the best option for cost/comfort/safety. ;D

Go with a narrower tyre or stay with the standard 225.....very confussing subjet this especially as costs can be very noticeable for 4 tyres.
 
Title: Re: Winter Tyre Choice
Post by: tigers_gonads on 31 October 2011, 09:36:00
If your going for 4 tyres and using 16 inch wheels, i'd go for the 205/55/16's  :y


Title: Re: Winter Tyre Choice
Post by: Shimmy on 31 October 2011, 11:46:36
I was in the same position as you and I went for 205 55 16.

Will be fitting mine next week I think.
Title: Re: Winter Tyre Choice
Post by: amba on 31 October 2011, 12:04:17
Car currently has 17 Irmscher wheels fitted but also have the original 16 Softstar alloys in storage. :y

Both front tyres are due replacing and backs are only few months behind  :-[so my plan is to buy 4 Winter tyres and fit them to the 16,s and run them until next spring when will buy new 17,s and fit the Irmschers back on.Put the 16,s back in storage with part worn winter tyres for hopefully next year. :y :y :y

Just unsure what is best/most cost effective etc etc 16 inch winter tyre to invest in ;D also what would be considered the best size choice  :y
Title: Re: Winter Tyre Choice
Post by: tunnie on 31 October 2011, 12:06:03
if you drop it down a size to 15's winter tyres are dirt cheap, thats my plan, 4x steelies with winter tyres stacked up for when weather gets bad (funds allowing!)
Title: Re: Winter Tyre Choice
Post by: Shimmy on 31 October 2011, 12:12:05
These new Dunlop's are very good for the money:

http://www.camskill.co.uk/m96b0s629p73551/DUNLOP_TYRES_WINTER_SNOW_CAR_DUNLOP_SP_WINTERSPORT_4D_DUNLOP_SP_WINTER_SPORT_4D_-_205_55R16_91H_TL_

Here's a winter tyre test reviewing them, also compares against some Summer CS2's.

http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/products/total_tyre_guide/259435/winter_tyre_test.html

Title: Re: Winter Tyre Choice
Post by: aaronjb on 31 October 2011, 12:15:41
if you drop it down a size to 15's winter tyres are dirt cheap, thats my plan, 4x steelies with winter tyres stacked up for when weather gets bad (funds allowing!)

I did just that - ordered a set of four on four steel wheels from mytyres.co.uk..

'course I'm still waiting for them, two weeks on. They'll probably arrive in March..
Title: Re: Winter Tyre Choice
Post by: tunnie on 31 October 2011, 12:16:36
if you drop it down a size to 15's winter tyres are dirt cheap, thats my plan, 4x steelies with winter tyres stacked up for when weather gets bad (funds allowing!)

I did just that - ordered a set of four on four steel wheels from mytyres.co.uk..

'course I'm still waiting for them, two weeks on. They'll probably arrive in March..

Out of interest, how much?
Title: Re: Winter Tyre Choice
Post by: tigers_gonads on 31 October 2011, 12:43:45
These new Dunlop's are very good for the money:

http://www.camskill.co.uk/m96b0s629p73551/DUNLOP_TYRES_WINTER_SNOW_CAR_DUNLOP_SP_WINTERSPORT_4D_DUNLOP_SP_WINTER_SPORT_4D_-_205_55R16_91H_TL_

Here's a winter tyre test reviewing them, also compares against some Summer CS2's.

http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/products/total_tyre_guide/259435/winter_tyre_test.html


4 of them is more then my car is worth  :D ;D ;D
Title: Re: Winter Tyre Choice
Post by: Shimmy on 31 October 2011, 13:12:18
These new Dunlop's are very good for the money:

http://www.camskill.co.uk/m96b0s629p73551/DUNLOP_TYRES_WINTER_SNOW_CAR_DUNLOP_SP_WINTERSPORT_4D_DUNLOP_SP_WINTER_SPORT_4D_-_205_55R16_91H_TL_

Here's a winter tyre test reviewing them, also compares against some Summer CS2's.

http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/products/total_tyre_guide/259435/winter_tyre_test.html


4 of them is more then my car is worth  :D ;D ;D

Same price if not cheaper than my Summer tyres.

I also value my safety higher than to rely on cheap rubber.

I realise your comment was tongue in cheek though.  ;)
Title: Re: Winter Tyre Choice
Post by: aaronjb on 31 October 2011, 13:23:35
if you drop it down a size to 15's winter tyres are dirt cheap, thats my plan, 4x steelies with winter tyres stacked up for when weather gets bad (funds allowing!)

I did just that - ordered a set of four on four steel wheels from mytyres.co.uk..

'course I'm still waiting for them, two weeks on. They'll probably arrive in March..

Out of interest, how much?

£431 in total inc. delivery & VAT - I went for Marangoni Meteo (far from the most expensive, but also not a cheap no name) 195/65R15
Title: Re: Winter Tyre Choice
Post by: Shimmy on 31 October 2011, 13:39:23
if you drop it down a size to 15's winter tyres are dirt cheap, thats my plan, 4x steelies with winter tyres stacked up for when weather gets bad (funds allowing!)

I did just that - ordered a set of four on four steel wheels from mytyres.co.uk..

'course I'm still waiting for them, two weeks on. They'll probably arrive in March..

Out of interest, how much?

£431 in total inc. delivery & VAT - I went for Marangoni Meteo (far from the most expensive, but also not a cheap no name) 195/65R15

You spent ~£200 on 15" steelies?

Would be better off getting some old rims from here and some better rubber IMO.
Title: Re: Winter Tyre Choice
Post by: aaronjb on 31 October 2011, 13:46:12
You spent ~£200 on 15" steelies?

Would be better off getting some old rims from here and some better rubber IMO.

The tyres I bought work out at just over £240 inc VAT, delivered (from the same place), plus another ~£50 for fitting at my local tyre plate makes them £300 near as damnit.. so I spent £100 on a new set of steel wheels..

If you mean another set of alloys, then you're talking more money on the tyres as they won't be that narrow or 15's.. In standard Elite sizes (no idea what other size alloys came on the Omega) you're talking more like £150 per tyre for a branded make.

Marangoni get good reviews btw (both their summer and winter tyres)..
Title: Re: Winter Tyre Choice
Post by: amba on 31 October 2011, 13:47:10
So from the information and advise of others  :y :y :y the best sizes would seem to be either  :)...205/55/16  or 195/65/15.? :y

Will no do some price comparisons and see how good a deal I can get  ;D
Title: Re: Winter Tyre Choice
Post by: Shimmy on 31 October 2011, 13:57:05
You spent ~£200 on 15" steelies?

Would be better off getting some old rims from here and some better rubber IMO.

The tyres I bought work out at just over £240 inc VAT, delivered (from the same place), plus another ~£50 for fitting at my local tyre plate makes them £300 near as damnit.. so I spent £100 on a new set of steel wheels..

If you mean another set of alloys, then you're talking more money on the tyres as they won't be that narrow or 15's.. In standard Elite sizes (no idea what other size alloys came on the Omega) you're talking more like £150 per tyre for a branded make.

Marangoni get good reviews btw (both their summer and winter tyres)..

Can't say I've ever heard about Marangoni, but as you say with the wheels you paid £430 inc?  And tyres alone they are £240.

These seem like a better deal including steelies from the same site:

(http://img841.imageshack.us/img841/5989/wheelstyres.png)

Title: Re: Winter Tyre Choice
Post by: aaronjb on 31 October 2011, 14:13:34
If you choose an Estate ('caravan') you don't get the option of the lower load rating Contis, and the Contis with a higher load rating are (much) more expensive..

(http://i43.tinypic.com/2d7yq76.jpg)
Title: Re: Winter Tyre Choice
Post by: Shimmy on 31 October 2011, 14:20:52
Load rating of 91 is nearly 2.5 tonnes, that's plenty for me.

And apart from that the tyre and size is exactly the same!

£300 more so you can carry 2760kg in stead of 2460kg, jeebus!  :D


The Conti tyres are rated #1 too in the winter tyre test.
Title: Re: Winter Tyre Choice
Post by: aaronjb on 31 October 2011, 14:26:16
Ok, well.. other people are free to buy those ;)

I just picked my car from the drop down - I didn't go hunting through other models of Omega  :y

Given everything is in German, I suspect it's built off the 'allowable' tyres if you lived in Germany (i.e. if you fitted 91 load rating tyres to an estate, that would be illegal as not TÜV approved).. anyway like I say, I just picked my car in the list.
Title: Re: Winter Tyre Choice
Post by: aaronjb on 31 October 2011, 14:27:44
Mind you .. it's been a fortnight and they haven't shipped yet like I say, so I might not end up with them at all at this rate ..  :D ;D
Title: Re: Winter Tyre Choice
Post by: tunnie on 31 October 2011, 14:36:56
You spent ~£200 on 15" steelies?

Would be better off getting some old rims from here and some better rubber IMO.

The tyres I bought work out at just over £240 inc VAT, delivered (from the same place), plus another ~£50 for fitting at my local tyre plate makes them £300 near as damnit.. so I spent £100 on a new set of steel wheels..

If you mean another set of alloys, then you're talking more money on the tyres as they won't be that narrow or 15's.. In standard Elite sizes (no idea what other size alloys came on the Omega) you're talking more like £150 per tyre for a branded make.

Marangoni get good reviews btw (both their summer and winter tyres)..

£25 a corner aint bad....  :)
Title: Re: Winter Tyre Choice
Post by: aaronjb on 31 October 2011, 14:41:19
£25 a corner aint bad....  :)

Only if they turn up..  ;D

I guess I need to call them and chase it up - I'm expecting to be told they're all out of stock when I do, mind, the mytyres website doesn't seem to have any 'fancy' features like stock levels :(


I do rather wish I'd noticed I had more choice if I selected the non-estate car, though.. (damnit Shimmy.. ;) ;D)
Title: Re: Winter Tyre Choice
Post by: TheBoy on 31 October 2011, 17:38:44
Now I know we have had numerous posts on this subject but really just wanted to get my head around the size implications. ;D :y

Standard Elite M/F is fitted with 225/55/16  and the spare is 205/65/15 as per book :y

If buying winter tyres 225/55/16 are noticeably more expensive than 205/65/15 but others options are 205/55/16 and 215/55/16.

Given the fact they will probably be used between mid november and mid march and cover around 10k after which they will be regarded as well worn and have little value what is regarded as the best option for cost/comfort/safety. ;D

Go with a narrower tyre or stay with the standard 225.....very confussing subjet this especially as costs can be very noticeable for 4 tyres.
Remember, changing width but not profile will bugger up your speedo reading.
Title: Re: Winter Tyre Choice
Post by: Sir Tigger KC on 31 October 2011, 18:32:46
Kwikfit had boards out today promoting 25% off all tyres, including winter tyres.....

Seems to me though that winter tyres are starting to be seen as a necessity and I know that we've had couple of hard winters, but are they?  :-\ or is it just a good wheeze by the tyre companys to boost profits!!  ::)
Title: Re: Winter Tyre Choice
Post by: TheBoy on 31 October 2011, 18:36:18
My MV6 only got (almost) stuck once last year, and was 100% driver stupidity (aka arsing).  Those that know Brackley will understand turning into the roads that run parallel to the high street in 12" of snow will never work. But was immense fun ::)
Title: Re: Winter Tyre Choice
Post by: Shimmy on 31 October 2011, 18:39:50
Kwikfit had boards out today promoting 25% off all tyres, including winter tyres.....

Seems to me though that winter tyres are starting to be seen as a necessity and I know that we've had couple of hard winters, but are they?  :-\ or is it just a good wheeze by the tyre companys to boost profits!!  ::)

Necessity?  Probably not, but does depend on where you live and your uses.

Worthwhile?  IMO, yes.

I posted this earlier, but here it is again if anyone missed it.

http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/products/total_tyre_guide/259435/winter_tyre_test.html

It compares all the premium winter tyres, some cheaper ones and a premium summer tyre for comparison.  Not just in snow, but in the wet, dry, subjective feel etc...

The summer tyre came bottom by some margin, the winter tyres outperform the summer ones in the wet during the winter months not just the snow.
Title: Re: Winter Tyre Choice
Post by: cem_devecioglu on 31 October 2011, 18:49:53
best snow tires are conti 830, good year ug 7+
 
kumho kw19 is also a very good tire.. I have used all of them and can recommend..
 
however as I said before if you will try them on a high-long incline with ice , you will need studs..
 
205 profile , even 195 is enough.. snow doesnt care for sexy profiles ;D
Title: Re: Winter Tyre Choice
Post by: Sir Tigger KC on 31 October 2011, 18:53:56
What worrys me about winter tyres, is that there will be numpties out there who won't adjust their driving style in bad weather, because they think they'll be OK with their winter tyres.....  :-\ 
Title: Re: Winter Tyre Choice
Post by: Rods2 on 31 October 2011, 19:19:56
What worrys me about winter tyres, is that there will be numpties out there who won't adjust their driving style in bad weather, because they think they'll be OK with their winter tyres.....  :-\

Agree, but you also get plenty of numpties who have no idea on how to drive in snow or icy conditions on any tyre.  :( IMHO they should stay at home. (I would say or catch a bus or train, but on the first flake of snow they won't be running  ::) )
Title: Re: Winter Tyre Choice
Post by: smithpa7 on 01 November 2011, 07:29:26
I have just had Kuhmo KW27 225/55 16 fitted to the BMW. Hometyres fitted and balanced all 4 for £495. A couple of friends swear by them.
One thing to remember, if you are changing tyre sizes inform your insurance company :y
Title: Re: Winter Tyre Choice
Post by: amba on 01 November 2011, 08:06:11
Understand about insurance company implications  :y ,but if the owners manual states either..225/55/16 or 205/55/16 as being standard fitting why would it still not be an original specification car  ;D....also would that make any difference to speed registered and by what ?? :D
Title: Re: Winter Tyre Choice
Post by: TheBoy on 01 November 2011, 18:58:45
Understand about insurance company implications  :y ,but if the owners manual states either..225/55/16 or 205/55/16 as being standard fitting why would it still not be an original specification car  ;D....also would that make any difference to speed registered and by what ?? :D
The insurance 'risk' goes down to model (drivetrain + model), and Facelift Elites always have 235/45/17W+ and Facelift CDs always have 225/55/16V etc

Change the width, but keep same profile will affect tyre diameter.