After having two serious (for the South East) downfalls of snow in one year, Im toying with doing something to be better prepared for next time.
Ive found a few sites that sell chains ranging from £50 a set up to £400 but I dont know if these would actually be worth it in the UK as my understanding is that Id have to keep taking them off whever I come across a clear bit of road ? (Is this due to damage to the tyre if the chain runs on tarmac?)
The alternative is to perhaps get winter tyres. Does such a thing exist ? Would it make a blind bit of difference to my Astra ?
Finally I can just Man Up, which tbh is probably what Ill end up doing but Id at least like to hear some thoughts :p
Winter tyres are the way to go as they are designed to work better in cold weather regardless of how good they are at dealing with snow, chains are pointless over here.
You can get a type of sock that fits over the wheels for snow, i have no idea what they are called or how good they are though.
You can buy winter tyres but they sell out fast, so prepare in advance.
TBH i think you should just man up, im driving 200-300 miles a night over some obscure backroads and across the local moors etc, if driving a distance just be prepared for getting stuck:
Shovel/Spade
Surival Bag
Jump Leads
Tow Rope
Warm Clothing
Food/Flask of Coffee
De-Icer / Screenwash etc
I got stuck twice lastnight, luckily i got help the first time, 2nd time i dug myself out.
(http://www.ausmotive.com/images/Citroen-WRC-2010-2011-01s.jpg)
Just get a winter runaround like this :heehaw:
If youve just got a run of the mill car, get all season tyres.
Not as good as a dedicated Summer/Winter tyre in their respective seasons, but a lot better than a summer tyre in winter and a winter tyre in summer.
I have stud free winter tyres works a charm and if you get them in a less wide dimension you will have even more grip (more pressure per square inch and look at pic above) I have Bridgestone Blizzard tyres I like them better than I thought had Gislaved Frost before also very good.
Partially deflate yer tyres... youll be driving at lower speeds (and its a lot colder) anyway...
get the thinnest steel wheels you can fit on with winter tyres.
Quote from: Markget the thinnest steel wheels you can fit on with winter tyres.
:stupid:
I meant to buy some chains before the winter but forgot all about them....
only to use once stuck.... I figure theyre easier than digging the vans out of the snow
theyve all doubled (or tripled) in price now... and winter is nearly over so Ill wait till the prices fall again... I need 6 sets so itll be worth waiting (as long as the snow doesnt get any worse)
Quote from: Markget the thinnest steel wheels you can fit on with winter tyres.
Ive read this a few places, what difference does steel wheels make?
Quote from: Clockd 0NeQuote from: Markget the thinnest steel wheels you can fit on with winter tyres.
Ive read this a few places, what difference does steel wheels make?
They are cheaper than Alloys :) A set of cheap steel wheels with winter tyres to put in a dark place when summer comes, ready for next winter.
as above, theyre just cheaper than alloys!
So you can fire them in the garage once spring hits and forget about them until next winter.
I kept meaning to get some winter tyres on my old alloys but never got around to it.
That is the way to do it though, have a 2nd set of wheels.
Would steel wheels be a little heavier too so youve got more weight on a smaller area?
Quote from: zpyderWould steel wheels be a little heavier too so youve got more weight on a smaller area?
Slightly, thin tyres though ups the pressure per square inch also some alloys are not winter proof and can crack if really cold.
and youll be grateful when you go sliding across the road and bounce off the kerb !
whats hamsterley area like? Ive to go there on Sunday
Quote from: Markwhats hamsterley area like? Ive to go there on Sunday
main roads are ok right now, back roads might be a bitch.... really depends on the next few days... if it warms up a bit itll be clear, if it snows a lot you might struggle... what you going in >
how long you over here for ?
Quote from: knightyQuote from: Markwhats hamsterley area like? Ive to go there on Sunday
main roads are ok right now, back roads might be a bitch.... really depends on the next few days... if it warms up a bit itll be clear, if it snows a lot you might struggle... what you going in >
how long you over here for ?
A boeing 737 maybe? Then her mums car from the airport.
Just over for a few days then heading to her sisters in Macclesfield then going home
Cheers for the replies :)
Part of my problem is that I work from home and very rarely have to actually go out in my car. Ive done about 22k miles in just under 5 years ! When I do get called out though its a matter of urgency and means I have to go whether I want to or not :/
I already carry an emergency supply pack with me when Im out in the snow. My shovel has saved me once ;)
I think Im going to investigate the cost of getting 4 winter tyres fitted onto steel rims.
Quote from: MarkA boeing 737 maybe? Then her mums car from the airport.
Just over for a few days then heading to her sisters in Macclesfield then going home
cheeky twat :p
check the airport is open tho.... I only just made it home on Monday, i flew into Manchester airport and it was pretty much the only one open at the time
youll have to stay for longer some time so we can go for a pint.
Get yourself a bus instead...
http://uk.cars.yahoo.com/10122010/36/bus-driver-shrugs-snowy-hill-0.html
There seems to be problems getting snow tyres in the UK, they are almost unavailable. Chains are only any use in deep snow and can cause damage to the road surface if they come into direct contact with it.
Quote from: SeriousGet yourself a bus instead...
http://uk.cars.yahoo.com/10122010/36/bus-driver-shrugs-snowy-hill-0.html
There seems to be problems getting snow tyres in the UK, they are almost unavailable. Chains are only any use in deep snow and can cause damage to the road surface if they come into direct contact with it.
Tried reading his OP, hes not banging on about buying winter tyres now.
Quote from: SeriousGet yourself a bus instead...
cause damage to the road surface if they come into direct contact with it.
What, more than the years of neglect by the council and the lack of repairs since last years snow?
4x4s are almost mandatory here now as the pot-holes are at least 4" deep.
Does the skinny tyres advice apply to driving on ice or compacted snow?
Quote from: DeltaZeroDoes the skinny tyres advice apply to driving on ice or compacted snow?
Both :) but on ice I would imagine that stud free could be slightly wider.
Quote from: soopahflyQuote from: SeriousGet yourself a bus instead...
cause damage to the road surface if they come into direct contact with it.
What, more than the years of neglect by the council and the lack of repairs since last years snow?
4x4s are almost mandatory here now as the pot-holes are at least 4" deep.
They also get damaged themselves, you dont want to wear out your expensive chains or damage your tyres using them on the road surface.
If you can get some suitable chain they are fairly easy to make yourself. Ive made some out of nylon rope, which seems to work adequately although wore out quickly on bare road.
All-weather tyres have been sufficient in the snow thus far in the work vans, they are plenty grippy and get a lot further than I expected working last week!!
Jaimz :rock:
Talking about BMW drivers this made me lol http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j6yX70Ce9VY :mutley:
Quote from: ShaunTalking about BMW drivers this made me lol http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j6yX70Ce9VY :mutley:
Lucky she did not make it out into the traffic.