Ice skating in the s8

[HPsauce]

Well maybe, but the actual "investment" is really only in a spare set of wheels (if you do it that way) and time/effort (maybe cost) in swapping them twice a year.

Used "tatty" wheels suitable for winter use are fairly cheap anyway.
Tyres wear out as you drive, so the net cost of rubber is the same overall.
In fact it "can" be cheaper as the wrong tyres for the ambient temperature (either way) tend to scrub and wear out quicker.

[David's8]

Originally Posted by HPsauce

Well maybe, but the actual "investment" is really only in a spare set of wheels (if you do it that way) and time/effort (maybe cost) in swapping them twice a year.

Used "tatty" wheels suitable for winter use are fairly cheap anyway.
Tyres wear out as you drive, so the net cost of rubber is the same overall.
In fact it "can" be cheaper as the wrong tyres for the ambient temperature (either way) tend to scrub and wear out quicker.

Well, each to his own. I dont see many offers on this forum for a set of 18" winter wheel for less than £100 (unless you are offering! ) and the softer compound winter tyres wear out quicker when used - as they will be - 95% of the time on tarmac.

Its a fine decision either way and dependent on where you live, of course. If you live in Ballater then you'll need something more than snow socks today!

[ainarssems]

I have no winter tyres at the moment for the same reason by the time i get a set of wheels to put them on and fit them the snow will be gone... Its an expence thats only valid in the uk for a couple of weeks and then it melts and pandamonium is over ...

It's not just about snow and ice, winter tyres perform better then summer tyres in cold ( below 5-7C) and wet. 18" tyres are cheaper then 20" and you save on wear on summer tyres. Avoid possible damage to summer tyres and wheels and protect them from salt. Money you invest in second set of wheels can be recovered from selling them on at later stage. If you keep same car for several years second set of wheels with winter tyres is the way to go. If you swap cars that cannot use the same wheels every couple of months then it is debatable. Only downside is initial investment in second set of wheels as that money cannot be used on something else. Over the time it pays back.

[Singh]

19"'s won't clear my ceramics, need to get some 20" winter wheels. Ker-Ching! Don't think I'll bother.

[Reffro]

Originally Posted by ainarssems

It's not just about snow and ice, winter tyres perform better then summer tyres in cold ( below 5-7C) and wet. 18" tyres are cheaper then 20" and you save on wear on summer tyres. Avoid possible damage to summer tyres and wheels and protect them from salt. Money you invest in second set of wheels can be recovered from selling them on at later stage. If you keep same car for several years second set of wheels with winter tyres is the way to go. If you swap cars that cannot use the same wheels every couple of months then it is debatable. Only downside is initial investment in second set of wheels as that money cannot be used on something else. Over the time it pays back.

Ditto

[RanjS8]

Well today the same road that had given me so much trouble was clear of ice and the traction was back in my summer tyres.....it felt soooooo good....at one point I just couldn't resist pressing kickdown and overtaking and slightly slower polo....the acceleration and sure footed feel was awesome.

I am convinced winter tyres are essential....but considering the cost I will be saving for next winter now as I don't think the snow will be back for a little while now.

[notorious]

>> Its an expence thats only valid in the uk for a couple of weeks

In fact, you actually need your winter wheels for 2-3 seconds per year -- not more. But those 2-3 seconds can cost life.

... And they fully justify their cost during those 2-3 seconds.