Omega Owners Forum

Chat Area => General Car Chat => Topic started by: feeutfo on 07 December 2011, 23:57:37

Title: Winter/summer/rain/all season tyre experiences
Post by: feeutfo on 07 December 2011, 23:57:37
Not interested in particular brands initially, but how many here have experience of anything other than summer tyres please. Although vote "summer tyres" if only that applies....

Or if you might be thinking of buying other than summer tyres in preperation for this winter. Although vote summer tyres if your going for those.

Think i've over complicated that but lets see  ;D

Please include general location if your happy to do so.  :)

Might add a poll if i can work out how to do it. ;D
Title: Re: Winter/summer/rain/all season tyre experiences
Post by: Van Helsing on 08 December 2011, 00:00:13
I am thinking of getting 2 winter tyres for the back of my estate, 1 tyre is near it's time so thinking of replacing both, not sure with what make etc, need to get advice, want to be ready for the snow :)
Title: Re: Winter/summer/rain/all season tyre experiences
Post by: feeutfo on 08 December 2011, 00:04:17
Aaeye, dont forget to vote though. :)

If i have set the poll correctly, it will never end, and results will only be revealed once you have voted. I vote per member. :)
Title: Re: Winter/summer/rain/all season tyre experiences
Post by: feeutfo on 08 December 2011, 00:07:06
Oh, and this is strictly for omega only please. ;D better put that in or we'll get all sorts. If anyones bothered of course  :-\
Title: Re: Winter/summer/rain/all season tyre experiences
Post by: bored bigyin54 on 08 December 2011, 00:15:04
dont change my tyres for winter or summer makes no diffrents
Title: Re: Winter/summer/rain/all season tyre experiences
Post by: VXL V6 on 08 December 2011, 00:24:06
How do I vote when I have two Omega's? One shod in lurvely SC3's all round and the other currently wearing KU31's and Sport Maxx but by Saturday lunchtime it will be wearing it's winter wheels and tyres?

Do I just select everything?!  ;D
Title: Re: Winter/summer/rain/all season tyre experiences
Post by: feeutfo on 08 December 2011, 00:27:47
How do I vote when I have two Omega's? One shod in lurvely SC3's all round and the other currently wearing KU31's and Sport Maxx but by Saturday lunchtime it will be wearing it's winter wheels and tyres?

Do I just select everything?!  ;D
Go for your worst weather tyre i guess. :)
Title: Re: Winter/summer/rain/all season tyre experiences
Post by: VXL V6 on 08 December 2011, 00:30:37
Done!
Title: Re: Winter/summer/rain/all season tyre experiences
Post by: Kevin Wood on 08 December 2011, 09:41:53
I'm quite happy on "summer tyres" (why do they call them that these days?) in the winter unless dealing with heavy snow and, yes, I'll say it... Black ice. :-X

Working from home is an option if I am truly snowed in so I only need to drive in poor conditions for fun. ::)

So, pair of snow chains in the boot it is. :y

EDIT: mental note that they are currently in the garage, and I bet they will still be there when I get stuck. ;D
Title: Re: Winter/summer/rain/all season tyre experiences
Post by: pauls on 08 December 2011, 09:51:45
I use all season tyres never changed for winter/summer tyres  :y
Title: Re: Winter/summer/rain/all season tyre experiences
Post by: cem_devecioglu on 08 December 2011, 14:33:55
I have used many different brands..
 
Lassa Snoways, Bridgestone Blizzak LM 25/LM30 , Semperit and Goodyear ug-500, ug7+ and some others which I dont remember now..
 
Goodyears were better than any.. (only UG-500 were really noisy but they are studdable and produced for ice)
 
for me nov to march period belongs to winter tires..
Title: Re: Winter/summer/rain/all season tyre experiences
Post by: feeutfo on 08 December 2011, 23:06:17
Well, wasnt expecting that. Tbh.  :-\
Title: Re: Winter/summer/rain/all season tyre experiences
Post by: Vamps on 08 December 2011, 23:45:25
Oh, and this is strictly for omega only please. ;D better put that in or we'll get all sorts. If anyones bothered of course  :-\

Well the Jeep has got 'chunky' tyres on so bring it on.... :-* :-*

The Mig has one low tyre on the rear so thinking of buying 2 winter / M&S tyres before Christmas, intend just to put them on the original wheels, check the spare and put them on the 2 lowest tread.... :) :)
Title: Re: Winter/summer/rain/all season tyre experiences
Post by: aaronjb on 09 December 2011, 00:13:56
I voted (while I was banned - apparently you can do that ;D) for winter tyres.. I have Goodyear Ultragrip 8's on at the moment in 195/65R15.. I expected them to be floppy and awful but in the wet and cold (even at 10C) they handle better than the crappy summer tyres. Heck, they have more grip and are more confidence inspiring than the good summer tyres I had on the MR2..
Title: Re: Winter/summer/rain/all season tyre experiences
Post by: cem_devecioglu on 09 December 2011, 09:55:54
I voted (while I was banned - apparently you can do that ;D ) for winter tyres.. I have Goodyear Ultragrip 8's on at the moment in 195/65R15.. I expected them to be floppy and awful but in the wet and cold (even at 10C) they handle better than the crappy summer tyres. Heck, they have more grip and are more confidence inspiring than the good summer tyres I had on the MR2..

I expect this will be a blast on compulsory deaf ears ;D
 
thanks Aaron :y
Title: Re: Winter/summer/rain/all season tyre experiences
Post by: aaronjb on 09 December 2011, 14:04:47
Yup, nobody wil be convinced, Cem ;) ;D

Don't get me wrong, over about 15C even in the wet I'd probably rather be on a premium set of summer tyres with sidewalls that aren't three weeks high. Ok, possibly not the craptastic Neutons I have on the Omega right now, but the Bridgestone RE040s I had on the MR2, or Goodyear F1s I used to run on the Nissan; they were great in the warm wet weather but the grip does drop off as it gets colder.

Although I'm not sure I'll get four seasons out of these winter tyres with the way I'm driving on them and the fact it's still 10C or so in the day ;D
Title: Re: Winter/summer/rain/all season tyre experiences
Post by: Cliffo B on 09 December 2011, 19:39:37
As posted previously:-
exchanged 18"Irmscher Sportstar's with Michelin Pilot sport 3s on for 15"steel wheels with Michelin Alpin 4 winter tyres on.
My initial reason for this was to take my precious alloys off the road
We do a weekly journey to the East coast to see my disabled sister and take her to the supermarket
Last yr the road surface on B1251/1253 known as the scenic route to Bridlington/Flamborough became in a bad way from snow/frost damage to a point that laterly the local authority had to use cones to indicate where the damage was
Too late for Miggy and her Alloys!!
Then the following week tryed the main route and that became as bad
As I needed tyres for the steelies I decided to fit winter tyres
I have no doubt that very shortly I'll be putting them to the test
Some may think it an unnessary cost and trouble,however I reasoned to myself its just transfering 3 months tyre wear from one set of wheels/tyres to another,And if the tyres come up to expectations in snow icy conditions as the tyre fitter commented i'ts a bonus!
I'll simply do the same next yr
Cost was 345.36 for Tyres with balancing & valves,35.00 for 3 wheels,(already had one as spare)Total 380.36
 
Title: Re: Winter/summer/rain/all season tyre experiences
Post by: TheBoy on 10 December 2011, 10:10:20
As posted previously:-
exchanged 18"Irmscher Sportstar's with Michelin Pilot sport 3s on for 15"steel wheels with Michelin Alpin 4 winter tyres on.
My initial reason for this was to take my precious alloys off the road
We do a weekly journey to the East coast to see my disabled sister and take her to the supermarket
Last yr the road surface on B1251/1253 known as the scenic route to Bridlington/Flamborough became in a bad way from snow/frost damage to a point that laterly the local authority had to use cones to indicate where the damage was
Too late for Miggy and her Alloys!!
Then the following week tryed the main route and that became as bad
As I needed tyres for the steelies I decided to fit winter tyres
I have no doubt that very shortly I'll be putting them to the test
Some may think it an unnessary cost and trouble,however I reasoned to myself its just transfering 3 months tyre wear from one set of wheels/tyres to another,And if the tyres come up to expectations in snow icy conditions as the tyre fitter commented i'ts a bonus!
I'll simply do the same next yr
Cost was 345.36 for Tyres with balancing & valves,35.00 for 3 wheels,(already had one as spare)Total 380.36
I fully understand your reasoning Cliffo B.  My expensive 18" alloys, although in need of refurb anyway, will be staying on the drive during our short periods of bad weather - which in the UK, esp the South, isn't a common occurance (the past 2-3 winters aside), and I will use the other Omega and have a set of chains.

Around these parts, generally the A43 is kept clear, but the local roads untouched. Which in reality means getting getting around town (Brackley is a small market town), which has never caused problems before, including the last 2 harsh winters.  Added to that, I have the luxury of being able to work at home anyway, and Mrs TheBoy can lift share with one of the 4x4 owners (seeing as she works for the best 4x4xfar manufacturer ;D).

TBH, its unlikely I will need the chains, although the first bit of proper snow, I'm going out into the lanes out the back here, just to see how much they reduce slip ;D


Winter tyres will undoubtedly be a better option, but the trouble is storing them between winters.  They would have to go outside, have tarpalines over them to keep sun off, and I'm sure she'd complain how unsightly it is.  And I'm still convinced this winter will be relatively mild.


cem, ignoring the last 2 or 3 winters, I remember most years, when we got in the office, we used to have discussions how cold it was where we all lived (my team is based and live all over the South), and it was rare for it ever to be colder than -2 to -3C at 7:45am just before the sun came up. And snow normally lasts little more than a day.  Its just the last 2 or 3 winters have been exceptionally harsh for this area - apart from last year, the last time we had a foot of snow must have been late 70s, early 80s. Our winters tend to be quite mild, and usually lots of rain.
Title: Re: Winter/summer/rain/all season tyre experiences
Post by: feeutfo on 10 December 2011, 10:44:00
I have conciedred winter tyres tbh. Because ;
Sc3 are apallingly dangerous in snow
Sc3 are expensive, esp in 18" so saving them for warm weather makes sense
I suspect they will perform better at single figures temp.
I have the oe wheels sat in the garage doing nout with worn out tyres on.

I have discounted them because;
Of cost. Ones worth having are more expensive than summer tyres afaict. Stitch up  >:(
Availability, there simply are no decent ones to be had as "our winters are not harsh enough"
I suspect i will kill them with my driving if its even remotely warm.  :-\
If it wasnt for the last couple of years exceptional weather, i wouldnt even dream of changing tyres for winter.
So lets hope we get a normal winter this year.  :-\ or i'll be getting the train. Pfff...

Title: Re: Winter/summer/rain/all season tyre experiences
Post by: Kevin Wood on 10 December 2011, 10:59:32
So lets hope we get a normal winter this year.  :-\ or i'll be getting the train. Pfff...

Gixer on public transport? :o Can't see it myself.  ::)

 ;)
Title: Re: Winter/summer/rain/all season tyre experiences
Post by: feeutfo on 10 December 2011, 11:06:23
So lets hope we get a normal winter this year.  :-\ or i'll be getting the train. Pfff...

Gixer on public transport? :o Can't see it myself.  ::)

 ;)
Hmmm... I have got full wets for the bike.   :D
Title: Re: Winter/summer/rain/all season tyre experiences
Post by: feeutfo on 10 December 2011, 11:07:56
Although the train will only be for getting home. If its snow before work i'm staying home....bugger that. ;D
Title: Re: Winter/summer/rain/all season tyre experiences
Post by: D on 10 December 2011, 11:19:05
I am thinking of getting 2 winter tyres for the back of my estate, 1 tyre is near it's time so thinking of replacing both, not sure with what make etc, need to get advice, want to be ready for the snow :)

Not a good idea at all. Essentially you have differential grip which means you are very likely to loose control particularly of the steering wheel.
Title: Re: Winter/summer/rain/all season tyre experiences
Post by: feeutfo on 10 December 2011, 11:26:52
I am thinking of getting 2 winter tyres for the back of my estate, 1 tyre is near it's time so thinking of replacing both, not sure with what make etc, need to get advice, want to be ready for the snow :)

Not a good idea at all. Essentially you have differential grip which means you are very likely to loose control particularly of the steering wheel.
Why is better grip at the rear a bad idea D?
Title: Re: Winter/summer/rain/all season tyre experiences
Post by: D on 10 December 2011, 11:35:40
I'm quite happy on "summer tyres" (why do they call them that these days?) in the winter unless dealing with heavy snow and, yes, I'll say it... Black ice. :-X


Till you crash (on black ice) with your family in the car. Your choice to take on board that risk. There is a reason its called black ice. Some one I know wrote off his 50k M3 on what appeared a patch of clear road doing 50mph 2 years ago. Since then he has always used snow/winter tyres. He used to make statrements like the above till this happened. Thankfully his wife and 1yr old wasnt in the car.
Title: Re: Winter/summer/rain/all season tyre experiences
Post by: feeutfo on 10 December 2011, 11:39:25
I'm quite happy on "summer tyres" (why do they call them that these days?) in the winter unless dealing with heavy snow and, yes, I'll say it... Black ice. :-X


Till you crash (on black ice) with your family in the car. Your choice to take on board that risk. There is a reason its called black ice. Some one I know wrote off his 50k M3 on what appeared a patch of clear road doing 50mph 2 years ago. Since then he has always used snow/winter tyres. He used to make statrements like the above till this happened. Thankfully his wife and 1yr old wasnt in the car.
He did say "UNLESS" D!
Title: Re: Winter/summer/rain/all season tyre experiences
Post by: D on 10 December 2011, 11:48:33

Why is better grip at the rear a bad idea D?

It may be good for traction (in a RWD car) but you still have no control of the front wheels to do any useful steering (on ice or snow that is). So you could be driving yourself into a ditch because you have no control of the car. On a normal road with no ice/frost it doesnt really matter.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rzB7hpWhqIA&feature=relmfu

I do agree with the general advice that its better to put new tyres on the rear. But go for 4 winters rather than 2 on the rear.
Title: Re: Winter/summer/rain/all season tyre experiences
Post by: D on 10 December 2011, 11:50:12
I'm quite happy on "summer tyres" (why do they call them that these days?) in the winter unless dealing with heavy snow and, yes, I'll say it... Black ice. :-X


Till you crash (on black ice) with your family in the car. Your choice to take on board that risk. There is a reason its called black ice. Some one I know wrote off his 50k M3 on what appeared a patch of clear road doing 50mph 2 years ago. Since then he has always used snow/winter tyres. He used to make statrements like the above till this happened. Thankfully his wife and 1yr old wasnt in the car.
He did say "UNLESS" D!

I need to get glasses dont I? I think I missed that bit and was a bit surprised reading that statement.
Title: Re: Winter/summer/rain/all season tyre experiences
Post by: feeutfo on 10 December 2011, 12:07:58

Why is better grip at the rear a bad idea D?

It may be good for traction (in a RWD car) but you still have no control of the front wheels to do any useful steering (on ice or snow that is). So you could be driving yourself into a ditch because you have no control of the car. On a normal road with no ice/frost it doesnt really matter.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rzB7hpWhqIA&feature=relmfu

I do agree with the general advice that its better to put new tyres on the rear. But go for 4 winters rather than 2 on the rear.
Under steer is "safer" and two winters on the rear will be an improvemet... If one conciders winters worth while that is.
Title: Re: Winter/summer/rain/all season tyre experiences
Post by: D on 10 December 2011, 13:14:39
Understeer in indeed safer, but on an icy surface understeer usually means no steer at all aka crashing into something.
Title: Re: Winter/summer/rain/all season tyre experiences
Post by: VXL V6 on 10 December 2011, 14:54:38
Well i've just swapped over to my M+S wheels. Will see what they are like.......

(http://i202.photobucket.com/albums/aa163/vxl_v6/10122011338.jpg)
Title: Re: Winter/summer/rain/all season tyre experiences
Post by: D on 10 December 2011, 15:32:44
17 inch winters, must have been expensive?
Title: Re: Winter/summer/rain/all season tyre experiences
Post by: cem_devecioglu on 10 December 2011, 15:36:37
Well i've just swapped over to my M+S wheels. Will see what they are like.......

(http://i202.photobucket.com/albums/aa163/vxl_v6/10122011338.jpg)

 
you wont be dissapointed.. and can safely use it until the beginning of april.. :y
Title: Re: Winter/summer/rain/all season tyre experiences
Post by: MV6Matt on 10 December 2011, 21:00:08
Had my first proper drive with the Winters today - 16" Wintracs on the Front + Contisport M+S on the back.

For the first time since putting them on in October, the temperature was no higher than 3 degrees and down to -2.5.

Slowing rapidly to pass some one in a country lane this afty, they truly showed their worth. Very quick to stop.

Will definately do my best to keep swapping I think, but early days.

Nice and quiet on the M40 too.