Winter tyres - anyone using them?
My current car, a Jaguar XJ8 is utterly useless in the snow/ice. Even where other people are driving in fiats and citroens it is no good. (And before anyone says it, my driving is fine, the Jags just not suitable in these conditions).
Would replacing the tyres with four winter ones plus placing 2 bags of sand in the boot make a difference?
I know I'll have to get them swapped back at the end of say March, but thats still a while off yet.
Would replacing the tyres with four winter ones plus placing 2 bags of sand in the boot make a difference?
I know I'll have to get them swapped back at the end of say March, but thats still a while off yet.
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They do make a big difference if you are likely to be driving in snow a lot, the extra weight in the boot is a good idea too.
My street was littered with BMW cars which couldn't get up the small hill near my house, thankfully the snow has almost gone.
My X Type is also far better than most cars in the snow, that's with normal tyres of course. I laugh at BMW drivers in this weather
These days the winter tyres are almost as good as chains. I did wonder about getting some on steel wheels for my present FWD car but it just isn't worth it for the amount of driving I do now.
Though when my tyres get worn I will probably fit 'four season' tyres as a compromise.
As far as I know the only jags with AWD (four/all wheel drive) are some X type saloons and some of the estates.
Mind you is your dads a post 2003 XJ8 3.5? Mine is 10 years old (an X308 version) and they certainly did not make AWD cars then.
I posted a thread asking about winter tyres a couple of months ago and got a lot of people responding that they didn't need them because they knew how to drive... :rolleyes:
Maybe my driving has improved dramatically since last year, but I doubt it.
I see, you must've had it rough up there. I'm in the North West of England, we had a fair amount fall last Wednesday that is still here. I live on top of a hill (around 1100 feet above sea level) hence why I'm in need of some extra traction.
Have you simply swapped the tyres over and kept your summer ones in storage. Or have you got the winter tyres on a seperate set of wheels?
What you want is a Citroen berlingo diesel van on narrow winter tyres its almost unstoppable LOL
The trouble is at the moment I can get stuck on the flat if there is enough ice. All I need then is a snatch either a qucik tug from a tow rope or about two/three people pushing.
I should've made provisions earlier in the year to be honest, I was in the same situation last year.
Yes, his is early 2004. I could be wrong about 4x4 as only suspected this since it handles so well.
Good choice of car though! I'm very jealous. Sorry I couldn't help you with your question though
Those of you running on winter tyres, what do you do with your summer tyres? I would like to get a set of winter tyres fitted when my current ones wear out, which will probably be around the onset of next winter. My only reservation is what I'll do woth them once the time comes to move back onto summer tyres.
I've discounted all-season as a bad compromise as they're worse in the summer than summer tyres, and worse in the winter than winter tyres.
I'm also curious about this.
I don't know whether to have them swapped over and store my summer tyres and then have them swapped back. Or the only other option is to buy a new set of wheels and have the winter tyres on those - though this option would cost alot more.
I don't run winter tyres but if I did I know that some tyre shops will store them for you in summer - presumably for a fee.
The all weather tyres are a compromise of course but unless you are a boy racer then they will probably do a good enough job.
http://www.theaa.com/motoring_advice/safety/winter-tyres-in-the-uk.html
p.s. some insurance companies don't seem to like winter tyres, so best ring up and check before buying.
XJ8's are not 4WD; some X-Type's are though.
AFAIK, studded tyres are illeagal on clear roads so you could run into problems if stopped or involved in an accident.
I would only use them if the roads were frozen solid with ice, the studs make them no better than normal tyres in soft snow and I would never use them on clear roads due to the damage they would cause plus the racket they make is unbearable, they came with the car on a set of steel rims so I inherited them rather than bought them. If and when I actually get any snow I will probably get the motorcycle combo out and not use the car.
The problem with using them is the it is rare in the UK to be driving entirely on snow covered roads, so you either have to put them on several times in the same journey or drive slowly on short distances of clear road or you'll damage the chains (and the road).
In some other countries which have more snow they just clear a path through the snow and spread abrasives (eg sand or crushed cinders), rather than de-icing with salt, so you can drive entirely on snow making spiked tyres or chains a more practical option.
It's a bit borderline but Britain is probably about 'warm' enough that summer tyres are adequate for most of winter (obviously it's difficult anyway to get through thick snow without AWD/4X4 or snow chains.)
I just got the tyres swapped over and I keep my other tyres in my garage. The garage who changed the tyres did offer to store them, for a price. I have the space so didn't feel the need to use the garage.
Considering we have had 5 ft of snow falling where I work over the last 2 weeks, they have definitely made my life easier:D The only bad thing is, doesn't look like I'll be getting any snow days this winter!!!