dayvboyc

I've been really pleased with my 520dA, a great drive and a smashing place to be.

Problem is we have now had around 10" of snow and my world has become a very different place, full of sideways driving at best and no traction at worst. I really can't justify the investment of winter tyres (based in se england) and was wondering if anyone had any tips.

my last rwd car was an escort 1.6 mexico, things have moved on since then on all fronts other than winter driving ability

Any tips welcomed

Snow socks?

bha7176

yeah, find a beat up old 4 wheel drive and buy it. park the car for the winter months, at least when there is snow or ice.

Ricracing

Hey dayvboyc,
We have now more snow than ever in December (about a yard), but that's not a big problem.
I have stubbless real winter tires. See this!

With summer tires I would not even try...

dayvboyc

Ric, a few years ago I was lucky enough to travel to Ivalo testworld to undertake winter tyre testing (my job used to be far more exciting) and fully understand the benefits of the softer rubber. Problem is we only really have snow for a few days per year and I just can't justify the expense.

Do you drive your in "d" or used the manual mode? if so what gear are you pulling away in?

I like the beaten up 4x4 idea but again the cost of insurance etc and the thought of having a £30k paperweight on the drive really pisses me off

Has anyone tried the snow socks?

jmemahoney

Winter tyres don't really cost that much - after all, whilst you are using them your summer tyres are not being used so the net cost is pretty much zero. I have them (Michelin Alpines) fitted to my wife's car (awaiting delivery of my new F11)and they make a massive difference. Also, I'm sure this has been covered elsewhere, but they are not just for snow - anything below +7 degrees C and they give significantly better traction than harder summer tyres. Much cheaper than buying and insuring another car...Plus you will be safer on the road and less likely to have a prang.

Hotdocta

Hello,

I live in canada and we have had 30inchs of snow in the last week. My XI has been a beast in the snow. It goes through everything. Now Xi does not help you stop any faster. I would go buy the winter tires. It is such a huge difference. I use to have a e39 540 and would not make it to work without winters. I have tried. There is a huge difference!

You have spent enough money on your car. You should do it justice and get the tires! After all the tires are what connect you with the road. AKA the most important part.

ali-cap

Sorry mate, if you can't afford winter tires just reduce Tyre pressure a few pounds , put about 100 kg of sand bags or anything else can think about and you are home free if taken gently .

dayvboyc

Problem I have is it's a lease car with a full maintenance contract (including rubber) so I'll be subsidizing the lease company

I think I'll get to the garden centre tomorrow and stock up with gravel for the boot!

mooney058

if it only snows few days in your area - use taxi. otherwise winter tires are a must. We have some snow in Belgium as well, I hate to see 'surprised' faces of those drivers who could not climb even a small hill on a snowy road. A car with summer rubber on snowy road - is a weapon. Stay at home and do not put your and/or other lives in danger!

gabman

My non XI 535(F10) is horrible in deep snow even with good winter tires, but then again so was my E60. If you are going to attempt to drive on all season or summer tires good luck, but if you do, I suggest from a standing stop you press very gently on the gas peddle and only once the car begins to move(if it even does) and the traction control light does not come on can you give it a bit more gas, but seriously, I would not attempt to drive this car without winter tires on. With the investment you have made in your lease, it would be a shame to have to fix the car and repaint the portion that gets damaged in an accident.