New tyres / new wheels / winter tyres?

[ash_pearce]

Hi all, I'd like your opinions please...

I have a standard set of 16" alloys (catlunya's I think) and the front tyres are ready for a change.

I don't mind the current wheels as they are in good condition but i'd love a set of 17" from the sport model - or the multi spoke options from the sel.

Considering the forecast for winter I would like to get a set of winter tyres now and then come March/April hopefully have the budget for some normal tyres.

So the question is:

A: buy 2 replacement tyres for the front - premium brand (currently dunlop sports - which i like) or other suitable tyres.

B: buy 2 winter tyres for use until March/April when hopefully have more budget to buy normal tyres.

C: look for a replacment set of 17's from a sport/sel with decent tyres (i know the budget isn't alot but i would settle for a scuffed set with decent tyres then refurb the wheels when funds allow)

D: any other suggestion you might have

I have a maximum of £300 budget

Thanks in advance for your thoughts

[Tony_Essex]

if you are going to buy just two winter tyres then you should put these on the back. This may sound odd, but you car will be safer in poor conditions, however it does not help with traction. Ideally you should put four winter tyres on your standard wheels, but since the price of winter tyres has gone up ~30% this year, due to demand I guess, then that is becoming an increasingly expensive option, at ~£130 for each corner.

If you stick the winter tyres on just the front, then you run a greatly increased risk of the back of your car overtaking the front on a slippery corner.

[neilos100]

Definitely put winter rubber on all 4 corners.....is not safe to use just the two...

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[g-black]

I've just bought a set of winter rims, as I sold my standard wheels. 17" mercedes c class wheels. For winter tyre sizes, donou stick with standard size or is it better to go narrower or wider?

[Tony_Essex]

for winter narrower is generally better. But any change to the standard rim will be classed as a modification by your insurer, so they will charge you for the change. Personally I got a spare set of standard wheels off ebay, and put 4 winter tyres on. I did this last year and they got me out of a few sticky situations during the snow last year, where others were stranded...so they have already paid for themselves.

[neilos100]

Have a look at the sticker on the door which tells you about tyre pressures...it lists the wheel sizes you can use. If its on that list it shouldn't be classed ad a modification as it will be fitted ad standard to at least one of the models. I've gone down to a 17 from the stock 18's ant they are a little narrower.....225 as opposed to 245. They are the same (as near as dammit) rolling radius and one of the ones Audi recommend for winter tyres. Insurance company were fine with the change.

Neil

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[neilos100]

Sorry......bloody phone is no good for my fat fingers!

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[g-black]

I've no problems with the insurance side of things, I'm aloud change wheels when I want. Just trying to work out what size tyres to put on. Will prob go for the narrower tyre as there cheaper. Can get 215/45/17 for £82 but will need slightly wider for the rear, as there 8.5" and the front are 7.5".

[kenney]

does the law not state you must have the same tyres on all the wheels, narrower tyres give a better result in winter conditions

[g-black]

Same size tyre per axle. Most mercedes and BMW run staggered wheels standard.