Winter tyres

[thebobster]

For those just wanting an emergency only, short term solution then i noticed today Asda are selling snow socks.

Snow socks are only for use on snow and ice, once back on tarmac they have to be removed. Limited to 30mph also from recollection

£35 hmmm has anybody got any experience with using these that they'd like to share ?

[AxeMurderer]

Snow socks are an alternative to snow chains (so they are good on snow, but like chains, need to be removed as soon as you get to a road that has been cleared). Normally they are a bit more expensive than chains; that price is a bargain. I'd buy some if I was going to the Alps this winter.

[neilos100]

Yep.....snow socks are good enough on snow.....snow tyres are a better all rounder though....even on dry tarmac when its cold they'll grip very well. Snow socks can ONLY be used when there is snow on the road...they'll shred as soon as you hit tarmac again. But 35 squid is indeed a steal...!

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[thebobster]

Well I have ordered some 15" steel rims with Conti Wintercontact TS380 tyres from my local Veedub dealer. They are pushing the alloy wheel route offerig them on 195x45/15 for £740. I didn't want alloys though for winter , feeling that steelies will be harder wearing and needing less TLC. Looking out for some trims now on the bay cos I aint paying £120 for 4 from Veedub !!

[percymon]

Yes sadly the VW dealers pretty much onyl want to sell what's in the winter brochure, and not go down the route of selling Mk5 / Passat steel wheels.

I couldn't get my dealer to confirm that Mk6 steel wheels would be OK on a Mk6 Golf that left the factory with alloys - they just won't commit incase a customer comes back to them with a law suit/complaint.

[thebobster]

Yes sadly the VW dealers pretty much onyl want to sell what's in the winter brochure, and not go down the route of selling Mk5 / Passat steel wheels.

I couldn't get my dealer to confirm that Mk6 steel wheels would be OK on a Mk6 Golf that left the factory with alloys - they just won't commit incase a customer comes back to them with a law suit/complaint.

Well they tried fitting one of the steel rims on my car and it fited with no problems - at leat 8 -10 mm of clearance I was told. The Golf S comes with the same rims so I can't see why there should ever be an issue ...

[percymon]

Well they tried fitting one of the steel rims on my car and it fited with no problems - at leat 8 -10 mm of clearance I was told. The Golf S comes with the same rims so I can't see why there should ever be an issue ...

Exactly, but you ask the guy int he parts department to confirm they fit OK and you'll get no guarantee.

I rang 4 dealers witht he same result this time last year - perhaps 12 months on they are a little wiser now the UK motorist (or some of us) are starting to catch up with winter preparedness.

It doesn't help that VWs own winter programme brochure says you can't put 15" winter alloy wheel set on a car that left the factory with 16" wheels !

[thebobster]

Exactly, but you ask the guy int he parts department to confirm they fit OK and you'll get no guarantee.

I rang 4 dealers witht he same result this time last year - perhaps 12 months on they are a little wiser now the UK motorist (or some of us) are starting to catch up with winter preparedness.

It doesn't help that VWs own winter programme brochure says you can't put 15" winter alloy wheel set on a car that left the factory with 16" wheels !

Yes the parts guy at my local dealer seemed surprised when he read that about the 16" wheels , as mine came with 17's but 15's fit OK

[Bob_S]

Well I have ordered some 15" steel rims with Conti Wintercontact TS380 tyres from my local Veedub dealer. They are pushing the alloy wheel route offerig them on 195x45/15 for £740. I didn't want alloys though for winter , feeling that steelies will be harder wearing and needing less TLC. Looking out for some trims now on the bay cos I aint paying £120 for 4 from Veedub !!

Did you take a look at Mytyre.co.uk? I just ordered a set of 15 inch steel rims from them for my 2010 Golf Plus with Continental TS830 195/65 15T tyres for £416 including delivery, which is a big saving on what the VW dealer quoted me for 16 inch rims with 205/55 16 tyres fitted (£757).

[Bob_S]

It doesn't help that VWs own winter programme brochure says you can't put 15" winter alloy wheel set on a car that left the factory with 16" wheels !

That's interesting as when you look at the options for the Golf Plus one of them is a set of 15 inch alloys with 195/65 15 tyres.