Winter tyres

[funkeyfarmer]

Hi lads just wondering what winter tyres that ye find good? 800mm on continental vanco 215/65/r15 but find them poor on the winter roads thinking of getting Michelin agilis 51 any thoughts on these? Thanks in advance

[Altransit]

I run Agilis Alpins on my Mk7 FWD, and they're excellent

[Chrisp74]

I'm a Nokian winter tyre fan. I think its the WR C3 model for van applications.
If you drive around northern Europe it seems to be the tyre of choice. I run them in the UK during the winter months and rate them.

[a11y]

I've always had separate sets of wheels/tyres for all previous vehicles, including my last van (VW), but gone with all-seasons for the Transit. Pirelli Carrier All Seasons in 215/65/16 on the standard Limited alloys. Got the proper snow rating with the snowflake, etc. Less hassle and was struggling for the storage space. Won't be as good as a dedicated winter tyre I'm sure, but they were good enough to get it - and the caravan - out of this last week in Aviemore...

[Altransit]

I've always had separate sets of wheels/tyres for all previous vehicles, including my last van (VW), but gone with all-seasons for the Transit. Pirelli Carrier All Seasons in 215/65/16 on the standard Limited alloys.

I'm tempted to try a set of these 'all seasons' when I wear out one of the 2 sets.

As you say, keeping 2 sets is a PITA

[yasser]

I have a set of Michelin Agilis Alpine. I had them as a winter set for my first custom and did nearly 13,000 on them. I've now got them on my second custom. Originally they were just going to be a winter set but i didn't get a chance to swap them over from last winter and they have now done another 26,000 on this van(39,000 total) and still with 7mm on the front and 5mm on the rear (just swapped round). I wouldn't hesitate in getting another set when needed and again keep them on the van full time.

[Altransit]

I have a set of Michelin Agilis Alpine. I had them as a winter set for my first custom and did nearly 13,000 on them. I've now got them on my second custom. Originally they were just going to be a winter set but i didn't get a chance to swap them over from last winter and they have now done another 26,000 on this van(39,000 total) and still with 7mm on the front and 5mm on the rear (just swapped round). I wouldn't hesitate in getting another set when needed and again keep them on the van full time.

I did that with my first set on the Mk6, and they did 40,000 plus miles, but apparently, running them in Summer heat ruins the winter grip

[yasser]

I have a set of Michelin Agilis Alpine. I had them as a winter set for my first custom and did nearly 13,000 on them. I've now got them on my second custom. Originally they were just going to be a winter set but i didn't get a chance to swap them over from last winter and they have now done another 26,000 on this van(39,000 total) and still with 7mm on the front and 5mm on the rear (just swapped round). I wouldn't hesitate in getting another set when needed and again keep them on the van full time.

I did that with my first set on the Mk6, and they did 40,000 plus miles, but apparently, running them in Summer heat ruins the winter grip

There have been lots of threads on forums about winter tyres and the pros and cons of using full time. Yes, in times gone by they were prone to more wear in the summer months but thats not so true these days. Also the ability to stop in the wet reduces in temps above 6-7C but as I live in the North thats not been much of a problem. As for losing grip in the winter I haven't yet noticed a problem. From what i understand the extra grip is created with a more jagged sipe system and i'm not sure how these can be affected other than normal wear with less tread but that would be the same for any tyre.

[Altransit]

There have been lots of threads on forums about winter tyres and the pros and cons of using full time. Yes, in times gone by they were prone to more wear in the summer months but thats not so true these days. Also the ability to stop in the wet reduces in temps above 6-7C but as I live in the North thats not been much of a problem. As for losing grip in the winter I haven't yet noticed a problem. From what i understand the extra grip is created with a more jagged sipe system and i'm not sure how these can be affected other than normal wear with less tread but that would be the same for any tyre.

As you say, I never found a lack of grip in any weather on mine, and I was pleased with the life of the tyres, but I was only passing on what I was told FWIW

In my case, if I were to use them only in the Winter months, at 40k miles lifespan, they'll never wear out before the van has rusted away

[dan_robinson]

Pah! Winter tyres? Any one would think we had harsh weather in this country.

[yasser]

In my case, if I were to use them only in the Winter months, at 40k miles lifespan, they'll never wear out before the van has rusted away

I think i have that problem now. when i bought my so called winter set of Ltd wheels they came with an unused set of Bridgestone on them and i have my set of Continentals with a couple of thousand on them, both sets sitting in the garage and i know i'll get some Michelin again.

[Mike]

There have been lots of threads on forums about winter tyres and the pros and cons of using full time. Yes, in times gone by they were prone to more wear in the summer months but thats not so true these days.

People are confusing different types of tyre. Studded tyres (not legal in the UK), snow tyres, winter tyres, AT tyres and Cross Climate style tyres.

It's not the wear that’s an issue with winter tyres in the summer, it’s the hardening of the tread compound that occurs when you use them in warmer weather. You lose a lot of the benefit of them once things cool down again, especially if it actually snows.

If you haven’t got the room to store a spare set of tyres, Cross Climates are the sensible option. But remember they’re a compromise in almost every condition you’ll drive in.

[Altransit]

remember they’re a compromise in almost every condition you’ll drive in.

Yes, you're right of course, maybe I'll stick with my 2 sets

[mavericktc]

All season is sh*t if you get proper winters.
I use studded hakkas.

Anything exclusive made for winter use is probably fine in the UK.


Using winter tires in the summer gets you less grip and enormous wear.

[burchy35]

I have a set of Goodyear Ultragrip8 245/50/18's on my custom. Superb tires, great when wet or snow. No problem with snow hill starts, even with some weight in. They are not cheap but well worth using over the winter months. I fit them once the temps are getting regularly into single figures. The last set i had for my mk7 van lasted six winters.
Its just a shame that you have to drive as slow as the rest of the drivers who dont prepare there cars for winter in any form or fashion and just expect the council
to do everything.