snow tyres or wheel chains?

1. Add91289 Established Member Joined: Aug 2008 In The Peak District Posts: 2348 Icelandic VT?

   #1 29th November 2010, 22:06

   concidering getting one or the other for this winter.
   which would be the better option? and are the that much better then just normal tyres?
   
   for 195/55/15 wheels
2. user_33701 Established Member Joined: May 2009 Aberdeenshire Posts: 1932 MK3 Dub VR6 & DUB TDI

   #2 29th November 2010, 22:26

   iirc snow chains are illegal in the uk?
   
   Get some cheap steels and whip snow tyres on them, then you can just change them when spring comes around and keep them till next year. Saves paying anyone to change tyres around etc.
3. user_28362 Saxperience Post Whore Joined: Nov 2008 Posts: 5306 911 Turbo

   #3 29th November 2010, 22:27

   Snow tyres all the way
4. Chris_O Saxperience Forum Bum Joined: Mar 2007 Kent Posts: 4175 RB25'd s14a + 2008 MWB Transit

   #4 30th November 2010, 00:10

   Quote:

   Originally Posted by -GG- iirc snow chains are illegal in the uk?

   Snow chains def aren't illegal in the uk! And they work really well but only if you actually using them on proper snow. If you use them on really thin patchy stuff they will not last long at all becuase of the road contact
5. blaconbomber Infrequent Poster Joined: May 2009 LEEDS Posts: 111 1.4 saxo sx

   #5 30th November 2010, 11:01

   Snowchains aren't illegal in the UK, however any tyre which can cause damage to the road surface IS illegal. if your going to use snow chains or studded tyres you have to make sure there is enough snow covering the road surface to warrant using them. In all fairness the snow wont be around long enough to be spending that kind of money pal imho.
6. user_33701 Established Member Joined: May 2009 Aberdeenshire Posts: 1932 MK3 Dub VR6 & DUB TDI

   #6 30th November 2010, 11:23

   Ah, just one of those things you hear from a mate in the pub then
   
   I think the chains sound like a better idea, in the respect that, when you come to tarmac you can just whip them off. Whereas studded tyres / snow tyres have to be changed completely.
7. LukeyC Regular Poster Joined: Nov 2010 Bedfordshire Posts: 272 saxo furio 1.4

   #7 30th November 2010, 13:35

   id say best option is to get snow tires on another set of wheels and just change them over as and when
   what is the cheaper option?
8. Gobby13 Newbie Joined: Nov 2010 M/cr England Posts: 27 Citroen Saxo, Yamaha YZR-R6 and Aprilia RS250 - tr

   #8 30th November 2010, 21:08

   Hey, was on Demon Tweeks site today, and they have "Snow Socks" advertised on there. Now, these badboys velcro on over your tyre, give as good grip in the snow as chains and are really easy to fit. DTs claims not mine. They are about £50.00. Have a look.
9. Lewis Saxperience Forum Bum Joined: Oct 2009 Middlesbrough/Coventry Posts: 3808 Megane 225

   #9 30th November 2010, 21:12

   A mate of mine has a set of snow chains in his boot over the winter months. Whenever he needs them he just puts them on. No big deal. Snow chains are far better IMO
10. Add91289 Established Member Joined: Aug 2008 In The Peak District Posts: 2348 Icelandic VT?

    #10 30th November 2010, 21:46

    got a quote of £173 for 2 snow tyres at 195/55/15 fitted and balanced. seems abit steep for me. might try to get some thin steelies and put winter tyres on them, should be cheaper.
    
    i saw those snow socks on ebay, cant really see how they would work? and surely they would rip if you skided or span your wheels abit?
11. alendil Infrequent Poster Joined: Sep 2010 Posts: 167

    #11 30th November 2010, 23:04

    i use winter tyres on astra mk5 saxo mk2 and toyota soarer i will never go to snow chains to much trouble.
    snow tyre is good in temp below 5 C so abowe 5 C is wearing off veary fast.
    but traction is perfect and is legal even without snow not like chain.