Anybody else been using winter tyres?
I have, for about 5 or 6 years now. The difference, not just in snow but even just on a light frost, was night and day - astonishing. On snow, they allow my 2wd saloon to storm past stranded Chelsea tractors.
But after these 5 seasons (or is it 6) the tread is nearly down to min (4mm for winters) and my 'summer' tyres also well past their prime. So I've invested in a new breed, Michelin Crossclimate. More than just an all-season, the best of both worlds, or so they claim.
Wonder if I'll regret it?
I like the idea of a tyre that can be used in all seasons but I got put off 12-18months ago when I did some research and the All-Season Tyres were shown to worse that good Summer Tyres in Summer.
I would be interested in how these work out, as if good in Winter and Summer, I would be tempted swap.
Have you used Michelin Primacy 3 Tyres, as they are a Tyre I know, and if so how do they compare to the Crossclimates ?
Particularly comparison of Grip in Wet/Dry and Hardness of the compound, as Michelin Primacy's have over recent years moved to a softer compound that increases wear.
I liked the previous Primacy & Primacy 2's and got good performance & wear.
I found the Primacy 3's had a compound change that made them too soft and wear was excessive by my measure.
It was a real pity, as I mostly liked/used Michelin Tyres over the last 20 years, but the Primacy 3 was not worth the premium cost with the increased wear rate.
Last time I did any research regarding Winter Tyres, I found the 'Best' Winter Tyres were very good in winter but well under average in summer (as expected).
All-Season Tyres were roughly equivalent to the mid+ ranking Winter Tyres and average- Summer Tyres, this meant that you compromised too much, in both seasons which was not good.
Any All-Season Tyre that can improve on the above rankings would be of interest.
I am cannot afford the cost of new wheels for my car + Winter Tyres, so one set of Tyres would be ideal, if they work!!.