Winter Tyres - when to swap (UK)

[Baunton]

Having never had a car with a complete set of summer and winter tyres I'm not sure when the best time is to swap over.

I know the 7 degree rule about the rubber performing better when that is the ambient temperature but I'm interested to get peoples views on when they will swap over.

I currently have 20" 469ms Continental Sport Contact 5 Performance RFs on the car and in my garage I have a brand new set of 19” 467ms with Pirelli Scorpion Winter RFs.

Thanks in advance.

[MysticBlue]

I think there are so many variables, every individual circumstance will be different, depending on where you live, where you drive, and what vehicles you have access to.
fwiw, I will change mine around the 3rd week in November, mainly because I know I will be traveling into the mountains for Thanksgiving. If not for that, I could probably keep an eye on the weather forecasts, and wait until early or mid December, depending on what the forecasts say. Conversely, I could also just put them on now, and not drive it if the weather stays warm, since I can drive my M3. Ultimately, depending on your schedule, etc. it seems a person could just wait until the weather makes your decision for you, given that it takes not much time at all to change the tires.

[Baunton]

Originally Posted by MysticBlue

I think there are so many variables, every individual circumstance will be different, depending on where you live, where you drive, and what vehicles you have access to.
fwiw, I will change mine around the 3rd week in November, mainly because I know I will be traveling into the mountains for Thanksgiving. If not for that, I could probably keep an eye on the weather forecasts, and wait until early or mid December, depending on what the forecasts say. Conversely, I could also just put them on now, and not drive it if the weather stays warm, since I can drive my M3. Ultimately, depending on your schedule, etc. it seems a person could just wait until the weather makes your decision for you, given that it takes not much time at all to change the tires.

Thanks MysticBlue....wish I had an M3 to use as my summer car

[Wing Co]

Well based on the UK and parts of Europe's weather last year you would not have to bother swapping over. Even the previous year there was only a small amount of snow. If you have the tools (trolley jack, torque wrench, etc) you can simply watch the weather and quickly swap them over yourself in an hour at home. As you have the wheels though you may just want to consider tyre wear on the originals in relation to when you want to get rid of your current car. If you use both equally then the tyres will last longer and may have enough tread (depending on time/miles) for px without the vast expense of 4 new tyres. I put my winters on in August as I did not want my original tyres having to be replaced before px time in January 2015. The ride is better and steering lighter with the smaller winters.

[Baunton]

Originally Posted by Wing Co

Well based on the UK and parts of Europe's weather last year you would not have to bother swapping over. Even the previous year there was only a small amount of snow. If you have the tools (trolley jack, torque wrench, etc) you can simply watch the weather and quickly swap them over yourself in an hour at home. As you have the wheels though you may just want to consider tyre wear on the originals in relation to when you want to get rid of your current car. If you use both equally then the tyres will last longer and may have enough tread (depending on time/miles) for px without the vast expense of 4 new tyres. I put my winters on in August as I did not want my original tyres having to be replaced before px time in January 2015. The ride is better and steering lighter with the smaller winters.

Top Tip! Thanks Wing Co.

[Heden]

@Baunton I haven't bought my winter set yet, but I will change in December probably. Mainly because I will drive back to Sweden during christmas. If the coming winter are anything like the last one, I doubt that the need for the winter tires will be that great. But as you have the set available, I would recommend changing when the average temperature falls below 5 degrees. But it all depends how dependent you are of the car.

Changing in August like Wing Co did isn't that great as the rubber compound will be too soft jeopardizing the performance greatly.

Regards,
Niclas

[Baunton]

Thanks @Heden I'm leaning towards doing the deed last weekend of November. The long range forecast looks like it begins to turn cold end of the month.

[Wing Co]

Originally Posted by Heden

@Baunton I haven't bought my winter set yet, but I will change in December probably. Mainly because I will drive back to Sweden during christmas. If the coming winter are anything like the last one, I doubt that the need for the winter tires will be that great. But as you have the set available, I would recommend changing when the average temperature falls below 5 degrees. But it all depends how dependent you are of the car.

Changing in August like Wing Co did isn't that great as the rubber compound will be too soft jeopardizing the performance greatly.

Regards,
Niclas

If I am honest I can find no difference in performance, other than lighter steering and softer ride, going from 19" RFT to 18" winter tyres. It can still do 145mph (on the clock) on the autobahn with winter tyres and goes around corners just as well. PS, on winters it does not tramline when the road has groves in it.

PPS: It looks crap on 18" non-off set wheels as well.

[Heden]

Originally Posted by Wing Co

If I am honest I can find no difference in performance, other than lighter steering and softer ride, going from 19" RFT to 18" winter tyres. It can still do 145mph (on the clock) on the autobahn with winter tyres and goes around corners just as well. PS, on winters it does not tramline when the road has groves in it.

PPS: It looks crap on 18" non-off set wheels as well.

That is the thing, the effect might not be noticeable until you need to do an evasive maneuver, e.g. slam the brakes to avoid an accident. If you do this with winter tires, the rubber compound will be to soft due to the temperature being too high. It is just as bad trying to stop with a summer tire in the snow, i.e. you won't have the grip that you expect and need to stop the car in time.

With that said, I think Bauton are making the correct call.

[cc3]

Just put mine on. I have 20 inch mixed Pirelli Scorpion ice and snow run flat on existing rims. Amazed at how quiet they are. Local tyre depot switched them over.

[Baunton]

Originally Posted by cc3

Just put mine on. I have 20 inch mixed Pirelli Scorpion ice and snow run flat on existing rims. Amazed at how quiet they are. Local tyre depot switched them over.

Wow. Would be very interested to know how you get on with 'em.