Which? Car Tyre Review (Nov 2011 Issue)

[Andre]

Which? popped through our door this morning, and i thought it would be a useful edition to post up, since it is a topic that arises frequently.

Page 1

Page 2

Page 3

[3rensho]

Interesting read. We get enough snow and ice in this area to certainly justify winter ti(y)res. It's a snap to change them too when they're on separate rims. Found it very interesting though comparing the Michelin Energy Savers in the two sizes. Quite a discrepancy to say the least. They are what came on the car new as summer tires in the 205x65 R15 size. Anyone know why the same tire in different sizes can give such different results??

[corkgsxr]

Iv the hankook optimo on mine and there great and near half the price of some of the top 4

[slugulike]

Interesting reading, Andre, thanks for posting that.

I'm a big fan of winter tyres. Our other car, Peugeot 308 came with original Energy Saver tyres. They were mostly OK - reasonably quiet, superb fuel economy, handled well enough etc., etc., but what let them down badly was their complete lack of grip in snow.

Our driveway is on a moderate slope and more than a dusting of snow would cause the car to completely lose grip, and I mean completely. When we did get out, the ABS constantly cutting in didn't allow the car stop, the rear of the car would fishtail and the front drifted alarmingly. My wife and I are both used to driving on slippery roads (have lived all our lives on farms in Scotland)

Two winters ago, I bit the bullet and bought 4 Avon Ice Touring tyres and they are amazing; the car is transformed. Last winter, and the winter before, our road was white for five weeks but with winter tyres our wee Peugeot never faltered. We will get this winter (that's 3 winters use) out of this set then continue with them over next summer until they need replacing.

I have a set of Hankook RW06 on order for the Puglingo. I don't expect to be stranded.