Anyone run winter 18" tyres ? Do we need to in England ? What brand are good?

[Darren]

Hi, sorry if this is a repeat question I did look but could not find out much info for 18" wheels.
Anyone run winter 18" tyres ?
Do we need to in England ?
What brand are good?
Cheers Darren

[Carpy25]

You don't have to run winter tyres in the UK , but many people me included run a less valuable set of wheels in the wintertime if you go down that route I would look at 17"s with winter tyres on
If you keep swapping tyres on the same rims expect some damage to the rims and the tyres
Tyres are not meant to be on and off several times once or twice is fine but four or five times could damage the seating bead

Rob

[flashp]

If you're somewhere where you know you'll be getting snow and extremely cold weather each year then yes. I had some on a second set of wheels (17" but that will have little to do with anything) and they were brilliant but in the south we rarely get snow. The compounds have a finite life (around 4 years) as they are very supple due to a high silica content and they decrease in effectiveness once they pass half way worn. Also excellent in very cold weather not just snow.

They were wasted on mine down here and likely to 'expire' before even half used so I sold them. A set of all season tyres is about the right option for life down here.

[hlcst]

I use these http://www.autosock.co.uk/
I live up north where we get a fair amount of snow and they have been life savers

[Darren]

Cheers guys I was thinking of another set of wheels with winter tyres but as its on a ed30 and I want to keep it standard I will stick with my Pirelli for now & see what this winter brings cheers Darren

[Scottymon]

Depends where you are in the UK for sure.
If you have a lot of roads with snow/ice/slush especially with hill work, winter tyres make a decent amount of difference to the traction / stability and overall safety of the car. 

I've run 18 inch winters on seperate rims for years and they are fine, it offsets the summer boots too.

The only problem with not getting them before the snow hits, is the prices go crazy.

For most of the UK you'd do fine with All Seasons but they are a compromise for the summer AND winter, so why bother on a GTI?

[FJ1000]

I'm considering winter tyres this year, not because of snow (hardly any most years where I live) but because of superior performance in cold wet conditions (I get lots of that).

Have a look at this review where winter tyres are put up against a couple of good summers, not just in snowy but also wet tests.

http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/accessories-tyres/89351/winter-tyres-test-2014-2015-results-by-category


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[MK1Campaign]

I'm considering winter tyres this year, not because of snow (hardly any most years where I live) but because of superior performance in cold wet conditions (I get lots of that).

Have a look at this review where winter tyres are put up against a couple of good summers, not just in snowy but also wet tests.

http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/accessories-tyres/89351/winter-tyres-test-2014-2015-results-by-category


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I ran the Nokians from that test on my Clio Cup. Well recommended.

[Scottymon]

I'm running the Nokian WR A3, I think the A3 have a higher speed rating than the D3 iirc.

[Scottymon]

I notice there's a Nokian D4 out now in 18inch; seem to be slightly better than the A3.

Don't you know it's going to be the coldest winter on record this season!?