Should we be using winter tyres in the UK?

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Originally Posted by Valve Bounce

OK! I'll throw a spanner in the works and ask the obvious question: "What about keeping a set of chains in the car instead? "

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Snow chains would need to be taken off when you get onto roads which are clear which in the UK means most main roads. So for me in the last week I'd need to put the chains on when going into my street in the evening, take them off when I get off my street in the morning, put them on when I get into the car park at work and then take them off leaving the car park. That's just moronic.

Have to say well done to the Highways Agency this morning. A1 & A64 completely clear despite it being -12C outside!

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Originally Posted by Daniel

Snow chains would need to be taken off when you get onto roads which are clear which in the UK means most main roads. So for me in the last week I'd need to put the chains on when going into my street in the evening, take them off when I get off my street in the morning, put them on when I get into the car park at work and then take them off leaving the car park. That's just moronic.

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OK! chains would not suit your situation, obviously. But if you have a Subaru, surely you'd get by without resorting to winter tyres where you are. I'm just thinking of the cost of the extra set of tyres and the trouble of changing them over on the wheels for winter.

-12C this morning! My car managed fine (if you ignore that the screenwash froze solid!) I didn't fare quite so well!

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Originally Posted by Mark

-12C this morning! My car managed fine (if you ignore that the screenwash froze solid!) I didn't fare quite so well!

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I got Halfrauds concentrate screenwash which is anti freeze, works very fine and you can mix water in to dilute when it's not that cold. Having the engine in the rear means that anti-freeze screenwash is doubley important because there's no heat from the engine to unfreeze the pipes.

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Originally Posted by Mr Jan Yeo

I got Halfrauds concentrate screenwash which is anti freeze, works very fine and you can mix water in to dilute when it's not that cold. Having the engine in the rear means that anti-freeze screenwash is doubley important because there's no heat from the engine to unfreeze the pipes.

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Well my bottle is currently full of Halfrauds, assuming I can actually use some of it on the way home tonight I might see if I can pick up a bottle of super double concentrate -100C stuff and just whack it in neat.

Thankfully the forecast is to be below zero for Tuesday and Wednesday morning then a return to positive numbers on Thursday :D (Although how often is the forecast right?!)

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Originally Posted by Valve Bounce

OK! I'll throw a spanner in the works and ask the obvious question: "What about keeping a set of chains in the car instead? "

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OK! How fast can you drive with snow chains? Might as well walk instead!

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Originally Posted by Valve Bounce

OK! chains would not suit your situation, obviously. But if you have a Subaru, surely you'd get by without resorting to winter tyres where you are. I'm just thinking of the cost of the extra set of tyres and the trouble of changing them over on the wheels for winter.

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Subaru's don't brake or corner significantly better than 2wd cars. ;)

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Originally Posted by Valve Bounce

OK! chains would not suit your situation, obviously. But if you have a Subaru, surely you'd get by without resorting to winter tyres where you are. I'm just thinking of the cost of the extra set of tyres and the trouble of changing them over on the wheels for winter.

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We do have a Subaru and I would MUCH MUCH rather drive the Fiat 500 to work on winter tyres. After Caroline's experience the other day I'm certainly not changing my mind....

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Originally Posted by donKey jote

OK! How fast can you drive with snow chains? Might as well walk instead!

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You sure are one fast walker if you can keep up with a car, be it with snow chains.