Tyres

I've not heard of Kumho and won't touch Yokohama's Harry, I've not had a good experience with those in the past.

On the whole the weather isn't that much worse here than the rest of the country. We had a bad winter here last year but that was a one off, but we do experience lower frost temperatures which in turn makes side roads icy. I need to use a car as I live in a rural area. When Mr S and I first moved up here we considered buying a 4 x 4 but there is no need for it. It's difficult to avoid hills in the Highlands, in fact finding a house to buy on flat land is very difficult.

 

It was me that mentioned skittish steering Pete and that's due to the directional tyres I currently have on my car. It's only the second time I've bought a car with these already fitted and it's the second time I'll be glad to see the back of them. I don't push things to the limit when driving, I'm not that stupid!

I've never had winter tyres and have driven in dreadful conditions, snow, ice etc. on many occasions. It's knowing how to handle the car in those conditions that is necessary. A lot of younger folk haven't had experience of driving in snow or icy conditions because extremely bad winters are now few and far between. They are the road users to fear in my experience.

I checked the paperwork for my car this morning and bearing in mind my current Michelin 'directionals' were already on the car when I bought it - and currently still legal, they've driven 18,000 miles. So all in all they've done well.

 

No, but the ultimate limit of the tyre represents the ultimate opportunuity to avoid an accident.

 

Oh, ye gods!.. So sorry friends but what the hell is the problem? So you think you need a new tyre. Why? puncture. Screw or nail embedded in the tyre. tread worn down.
Punctures taking into account, screws and nails. Punctures are usuallyrepairable if the damage is to the tread. Sidewall damage sadly ends in a replacement. For the enthusiast, sticking to the manufacturorist specs is a good thing. Outside. Yes cost is perhaps a matter to consider. So for the time being, perhaps a cheapy will do. Here lies the decisive IMO. Not wishing to beome too over the top. Hear I speak as an advanced police driver class one. Basic principle. Driver must understand his vehicle. So basiccally you might be driving around in a death trap. At the end of the day. Your car might be shod with the ultimate tyre or the cheapy. It rests with you. Tyre manufacturers specify the max speed etc these tyres are considered safe at. The ball is back in your court. As a former police traffic oficer. Here in the UK,I would feel safe driving at 70-100mph on basic tyres. Yes time and mileage will indicate replacement etc. Down to earth. It is legally upto the driver to decide the how's, when's and wherefores.

 

Those are the tyres I use

I have to agree with Mike - it's more down to being sensible and taking account of the road conditions - and not so much the tyres....oh no, I'm starting to sound like my Dad (God bless him).

Reminds me of a conversation I had on a motoring forum, it went something like this:

Other member - "those cheap tyres are rubbish, I was sliding across the road and the abs was coming on all the time!!'

Me - "none of that has happened with my cheap tyres - I just don't drive like that."

Mind you I did insist on 'quality' tyres when I was whizzing up and down the M56 - I've no idea why, as the car drives exactly the same with the cheap tyres.

 

The issue that is clear from any motoring forum - is that drivers will always favour well known brands over the less well known. Good advertising perhaps?

Staying on topic - isn't there a set of EU required markers on all tyres now - if I remember correctly - noise, wet stop distance and something else. I compared my usual quality brand with the cheap tyres and in all honesty couldn't justify double the price.

The last time I visited the local tyre fitters - many of the punters ordered cheap tyres - a sign of the times or are people cottoning on?

 

Sorry lost interest, if he drove like that on the road in similar conditions they should take his licence away.

 

Imho cheap is ok ish if your pottering about in the city . But if your motorway munching or live in the countrysiee then get the best you can afford.
Me? Im on Michelins. If i was going for winter tyres kumhos would be fine too.

 

Mr S and I called into National tyres today for a chat. We've decided on the Continental's but there's a big price difference in buying them over the counter other than online. Over the counter they are £173 per tyre, online £127 - either way they have to be ordered. So with no argument as to which way to go, we've ordered online and just waiting for confirmation. The only draw back is we won't have them before our mini break next week. Please don't let it snow.

Thanks all for your help.

 

This is what I dont understand, that kind of price difference should be illegal.
Its not like they send them straight to you. you still go there and use their facilities to have them fitted.
I think trading standards should get a grip.