Winter Tyres

[martin8]

Afternoon all
As I'm now driving a rear wheel drive monster, I thought I'd look into getting winter tyres to cope with the horrendous winter we're likely to have . I managed to snag a spare set of wheels earlier in the year, so figured I could get winter tyres fitted to the spares and swap them over if it gets too bad.

I've been looking at tyre tests :
http://www.tyrereviews.co.uk/Article/2011-ACE-Winter-Tyre-Test.htm
http://www.tyrereviews.co.uk/Article/2011-Auto-Bild-Winter-Tyre-Test.htm

And have come up with the following possiblities :

Michelin Alpin A4
Semperit Speed Grip 2
Goodyear UltraGrip 8
Dunlop SP WinterSport 4D

Can anyone (Inchley ) give me a price for the above to fit 205/60R15 wheels? Or suggest alternatives?
(I've also looked at getting a set of snow socks http://www.autosock.co.uk/ for if it gets really bad and I need to get home)

Thanks

[inchley313]

Hi Martin,

Not many of my suppliers are listing winter tyres yet as available. However, 1 of my suppliers are listing a "Mid-October Pre-Order" available on the Nankang SW-7 Winter tyre.

These are priced at £81ea fully fitted including VAT.

Having a 2nd set of wheels is a great idea. They will last you a few years and save you a lot of money in the long run (changing tyres onto rims twice a year at a cost of £10 per tyre).

We have found that rally gravel tyres also work very well in the snow (they chew through the ice and put you back on tarmac!! ) but are marked "For Competition Use" on the sidewalls so I can't recommend them!!

[martin8]

Hello again
Sorry for not replying sooner, have had a mental month at work... need a holiday
I've looked at a fair few reviews for the Nankang's and they do look very nice. I've had a think about it and think I'll stick with Goodyear if you can get them as the OptiGrips I've had on this year have been very good.

I've decided to go with slightly skinnier tyres as I've read that helps in the snow as well, so could you let me know if you can get the Goodyear UltraGrip 8 in 195/65/15 ? If you can, I'll take 4 as soon as I get paid at the end of the month.

Thanks

[inchley313]

Hi Martin,

I can get the Goodyears in for you in 195/65r15, they will be £94ea fitted incl VAT.

If you still own those wheels we took off the car for you, they would be ideal as a winter set!!

If that's any good to you, let me know

[martin8]

Hi Inchley,
Aye, that'd be great. I was keeping an eye on Camskill to see if they got any of the cheap 91T or H's (http://www.camskill.co.uk/m95b2364s703p79369/GOODYEAR_TYRES_WINTER_SNOW_CAR_GOODYEAR_ULTRA_GRIP_PERFORMANCE_8_-_195_65R15_91T_TL_) but it looks like they'll be out of stock for a while

Give me a shout when you get them in and we can arrange a time for me to bring the wheels in.

Thanks

[inchley313]

That's seriously cheep!! but by the time you've added carriage and fitting, the price does become more realistic!!

My supplier has these tyres in stock and I can just about do them for £88ea fitted incl VAT. but I really can't get the priec any lower than that!

Give me a shout if you need them.

Thanks,

Ian

[martin8]

Hi Ian
Sounds good, I'll take 4 of them at £88 please.
Give me a shout when they're in and I'll bring my spare wheels.

Thanks

Martin

[inchley313]

Sorry Martin, I've been away for a few days and have only got back to the island in the last couple of days

Just to let you know, I've just ordered your tyres and I'll give you a shout when they are in.

Cheers

Ian

[inchley313]

Hi Martin,

Your tyres are now in so let me know when you want them fitted or just drop the loose wheels down when your passing and leave them with me and i'll get them fitted between jobs!!

Thanks

Ian

[martin8]

Hi Ian
I'll drop the wheels round tomorrow.

Thanks

Martin