Clean It Up

UK Window Cleaning Forum => Window Cleaning Forum => Topic started by: Dave Anderson on December 11, 2010, 06:24:03 am

Title: Winter Tyres UK
Post by: Dave Anderson on December 11, 2010, 06:24:03 am
Just saw the BBC1 news this morning and they had a report about winter tyres and some insurance companies putting up premiums as some said they were modifications.

A spokesman for the British Insurance Association said if your insurance company tries to tell you you this...you are advised to contact the Insurance Companies Headoffice.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-11969958

Cheers
Dave.
Title: Re: Winter Tyres UK
Post by: cozy on December 11, 2010, 06:53:18 am
You couldn't make it up Dave. Winter tyres, always a good idea. Been like it for years. Brit insureance looks at them and thinks they could be more dangerous!!!

What makes me laugh with the insurance companies is they aren't linked up to DVLA. If they were, any un-insured drivers would flag up automaticaly. Having no system in UK makes having insurance optional. ::)
Title: Re: Winter Tyres UK
Post by: Frankybadboy on December 11, 2010, 07:32:47 am
cozy i thought they where now linked with dvla,
Title: Re: Winter Tyres UK
Post by: Mike #1 on December 11, 2010, 07:35:24 am
winter tyres are a waste of money anyway when you are carrying a heavy load as we do with all the water etc
Title: Re: Winter Tyres UK
Post by: cozy on December 11, 2010, 07:42:20 am
cozy i thought they where now linked with dvla,

No mate. ::) If they were, every un-insured driver would flag up. It's an easy system, but you know how it is in Parliment  ;)
Title: Re: Winter Tyres UK
Post by: Darranvps on December 11, 2010, 08:12:09 am
winter tyres are a waste of money anyway when you are carrying a heavy load as we do with all the water etc
Wrong Totally Wrong!

In winter do you wear winter work boots ar trainers?

If everybody used snow tyres the country would NOT come to a standstill ever time we have 2 cm of snow!

Go abroad, Belarus, Bulgaria etc - they all use snow tyres, usually have more snow than us, and there traffic problems are no where near as bad as ours.

I say make it law from end of october to end of march to use snow tyres on every vehicle.
Title: Re: Winter Tyres UK
Post by: darren clarke on December 11, 2010, 08:26:24 am
they are sort of linked cosy, as if u get pulled by police they know weather u r insured all not and moted  etc
Title: Re: Winter Tyres UK
Post by: rg1 on December 11, 2010, 11:11:15 am
winter tyres are a waste of money anyway when you are carrying a heavy load as we do with all the water etc
Wrong Totally Wrong!

In winter do you wear winter work boots ar trainers?

If everybody used snow tyres the country would NOT come to a standstill ever time we have 2 cm of snow!

Go abroad, Belarus, Bulgaria etc - they all use snow tyres, usually have more snow than us, and there traffic problems are no where near as bad as ours.

I say make it law from end of october to end of march to use snow tyres on every vehicle.

I wouldnt be too happy about having to use snow tyres during this period if there was no snow ???  What a waste of money!
Title: Re: Winter Tyres UK
Post by: John drake on December 11, 2010, 11:16:37 am

I say make it law from end of october to end of march to use snow tyres on every vehicle.

 ::)
 ::)
 ::)

Look at the past 20 years, What it that ? No snow.

Now with 2 weeks of bad weather you want it law to use snow tyres for 5 months.


Title: Re: Winter Tyres UK
Post by: formb on December 11, 2010, 11:25:38 am
If you use snow tyres when its warm they wear out pretty quick.
Title: Re: Winter Tyres UK
Post by: Darranvps on December 11, 2010, 11:30:00 am
There is always some snow, Ice winter showers etc etc etc have you all got short term memories?

Temperatures always drop to freezing point or near freezing.

The least bit of frost on the roads can cause cars to lose grip, especially on a slope.

Every year roads are backed up due to people using summer tyres in winter and not being able to go forward. I have seen it on the news and in the newspapers etc

Time to wake up and catch up with the foreigners!

Only idiots go out in freezing weather in flip flops ;D
Title: Re: Winter Tyres UK
Post by: Darranvps on December 11, 2010, 11:30:46 am
If you use snow tyres when its warm they wear out pretty quick.

Change back to summer tyres :P
Title: Re: Winter Tyres UK
Post by: formb on December 11, 2010, 11:32:35 am
If you use snow tyres when its warm they wear out pretty quick.

Change back to summer tyres :P

I have AT tyres anyway.

I meant for making it mandatory Oct - Mar.

It can be quite warm in Oct and even in March
Title: Re: Winter Tyres UK
Post by: Darranvps on December 11, 2010, 11:39:55 am
Its a no win situation on here ;D

Title: Re: Winter Tyres UK
Post by: rg1 on December 11, 2010, 12:28:14 pm
Its a no win situation on here ;D



Form B is right about the weather. It is the reason why snow tyres are not a legal requirement in the UK. In some European countries, snow is more predictable so measures can be taken in advance to cope with the situation. Here in the UK, snow can arrive any time between December and March although this year, we have had it in November. It has even been known to snow in April!
Title: Re: Winter Tyres UK
Post by: formb on December 11, 2010, 12:42:47 pm
Its a no win situation on here ;D



Form B is right about the weather. It is the reason why snow tyres are not a legal requirement in the UK. In some European countries, snow is more predictable so measures can be taken in advance to cope with the situation. Here in the UK, snow can arrive any time between December and March although this year, we have had it in November. It has even been known to snow in April!

We had snow in chuffing MAY this year.
Title: Re: Winter Tyres UK
Post by: Nathanael Jones on December 11, 2010, 12:48:32 pm
Can't you get "all weather" tyres these days,..  more grip than standard tyres, better wear than winter tyres?
Title: Re: Winter Tyres UK
Post by: formb on December 11, 2010, 01:20:42 pm
Can't you get "all weather" tyres these days,..  more grip than standard tyres, better wear than winter tyres?

All terrain tyres.
Title: Re: Winter Tyres UK
Post by: Perfect Windows on December 11, 2010, 02:38:04 pm
What makes me laugh with the insurance companies is they aren't linked up to DVLA. If they were, any un-insured drivers would flag up automaticaly. Having no system in UK makes having insurance optional. ::)

They are: http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Motoring/OwningAVehicle/Motorinsurance/DG_071948

That's why if you watch "Traffic Cops" you'll see them stopping drivers all the time for not being insured.

Vin
Title: Re: Winter Tyres UK
Post by: cozy on December 11, 2010, 03:16:42 pm
they are sort of linked cosy, as if u get pulled by police they know weather u r insured all not and moted  etc

Yes Blue, but only if they are running behind you on the road or they stop you for some reason. Here, it's notified to the cops as soon as your insurance is cancelled or has run out. They come and remove your number plates and your veh is grounded untill you re-insure. You can't be hit by an uninsured driver normally. If some idiot drove with no plates and ran into you, your insurance sues them for the damage and legal costs.
Title: Re: Winter Tyres UK
Post by: Dave Anderson on December 11, 2010, 03:47:16 pm
No point flogging a dead horse...but the fact remains winter tyres are safer in colder conditions over standard tyres...whether you get them or not is up to you....but these foreign chaps in Europe don't seem to have half the issues that the UK gets...

For me they are a no brainer but for others they are not wanted/needed.

Now I get my mot done and at that time the garage take my winters tyres out of their tyre hotel and swap them over with my standard tyres...no hassel, no real effort on my part ...just have tyres for the season.....when spring comes...they swap them over again and my winter tyres go on their summer hols ;D ;D

Cheers
Dave.

Title: Re: Winter Tyres UK
Post by: paul saunders on December 11, 2010, 08:36:54 pm


What makes me laugh with the insurance companies is they aren't linked up to DVLA. If they were, any un-insured drivers would flag up automaticaly. Having no system in UK makes having insurance optional. ::)

I think you'll find that they are linked, when you tax your car online, they check that the car is insured and MOT'd.  ;)
Title: Re: Winter Tyres UK
Post by: barry mallett on December 11, 2010, 08:54:18 pm
If you use snow tyres when its warm they wear out pretty quick.

Change back to summer tyres :P
like youve got nowt better to do than keep changing your tyres every couple of weeks ???
Title: Re: Winter Tyres UK
Post by: Mike #1 on December 12, 2010, 05:54:16 am
winter tyres are a waste of money anyway when you are carrying a heavy load as we do with all the water etc
Wrong Totally Wrong!

In winter do you wear winter work boots ar trainers?

If everybody used snow tyres the country would NOT come to a standstill ever time we have 2 cm of snow!






Go abroad, Belarus, Bulgaria etc - they all use snow tyres, usually have more snow than us, and there traffic problems are no where near as bad as ours.

I say make it law from end of october to end of march to use snow tyres on every vehicle.
Title: Re: Winter Tyres UK
Post by: Mike #1 on December 12, 2010, 05:58:27 am
 IF PEOPLE KNEW HOW TO DRIVE THE COUNTRY WOULD NOT COME TO A STAND STILL,   PEOPLE GET  STUCK AND PUT THE FOOT TO FLOOR EXPECTING TO MOVE AND THEY GET KNOW WERE MOST PEOPLE HAVE NO CLUE HOW DRIVE IN SNOW OR ON ICE
Title: Re: Winter Tyres UK
Post by: Dave Anderson on December 12, 2010, 08:57:25 am
I don't think that these euro's are any better driving in any given condition to be honest speaking about these dutchies....I don't think I have every come across a more arrogant and aggressive bunch of drivers in the main, get them out of their cars and there are perfectly normal people but in them...it's very close to dodgems...

As for the driving over the recent snows we had over 700km's of traffic jams in the country at one time but people were able to move after the accidents were cleared away on various motorways, carridgeways etc.

Now as for gritting, yes they do grit the main roads but sometimes just the one lane...as for roads on housing estates etc forget that...thats your issue....but what is funny...every effort is made to ensure the cycle lanes are clear and usable. They will also stop private use of the canals so only the freight barges will use them.

Winter tyres here are not compulsory but most people seem to accept that they have there place.

In the main I have noticed that those in power in the U.K seem to be reactive and here more on the proactive..then the media kick in and you're all doom and gloom...the 2 do not make the public feel any better about a given situation....

Dave.

Title: Re: Winter Tyres UK
Post by: chopsie on December 12, 2010, 01:12:12 pm
It really winds me up rhino man going on about winter tyres(or snow tyres as he wrongly calls them) and all us brits are thick not using them.
I, at 33 years of age have never heard of them until his post about them. Now i have asked around and a lot of people have never heard of them either. Also we do not use 'summer' tyres, we use all season tyres  ::)
I have rang up about these tyres and searched on the net and basically the country has virtually none left. Now hardly anyone has heard of them, and those who have cannot get them as there is none in the country...........So how is that us brits being thick.
Title: Re: Winter Tyres UK
Post by: rg1 on December 12, 2010, 01:45:20 pm
It really winds me up rhino man going on about winter tyres(or snow tyres as he wrongly calls them) and all us brits are thick not using them.
I, at 33 years of age have never heard of them until his post about them. Now i have asked around and a lot of people have never heard of them either. Also we do not use 'summer' tyres, we use all season tyres  ::)
I have rang up about these tyres and searched on the net and basically the country has virtually none left. Now hardly anyone has heard of them, and those who have cannot get them as there is none in the country...........So how is that us brits being thick.

Even if you could get them, tyre fitting businesses are reluctant to change your current tyres for winter tyres that they haven't sold you. So the only solution would be to have them on another set of wheels so you could change them yourself as and when required.
Title: Re: Winter Tyres UK
Post by: SPE on December 12, 2010, 04:54:01 pm
snow tyres, winter tyres, cold weather tyres = the same thing, does it really matter what we call them chopsie ? RG1 I think you've the right idea, get some spare wheels and have a set fitted and chuck em in ya shed for when needed.
I take it you really only need SNOW :D tyres for your drive wheels? eg; in my case the front ones. Its road conditions that keep me from taking the van out and working and so I think a set would be very worthwhile if I can get hold of some.
Title: Re: Winter Tyres UK
Post by: Darranvps on December 12, 2010, 04:59:52 pm
I have to say thats how I did it on my own car whilst living abroad. One set of Winter/Snow tyres on a set of winter wheels, and Normal tyres on my other set of wheels.

Perhaps Chopsie needs to be more determined whilst shopping around for his winter/snow tyres, where theres a will theres a way.

You can't educate a pork chop! 8)
Title: Re: Winter Tyres UK
Post by: chopsie on December 12, 2010, 05:07:08 pm
very funny rhino.
Me getting winter tyres was not the real issue. It was your rants about the thick useless british public driving around on the wrong tyres. here is a news flash.....I, and most on here are those useless british public  with supposedly wrong tyres.
There are not enough winter tyres in the uk for the people who know about them and want them, never mind for the rest of us thickies who have never heard of them so are driving around on supposedly wrong tyres  :-*
Title: Re: Winter Tyres UK
Post by: Darranvps on December 12, 2010, 05:42:10 pm
Well we have had winters since the car was invented, have we not?

We have had cold weather conditions including, snow, ice and heavy rain for as long as I remember.

We have had moaning Brits complaining about the snow on roads for as long as I remember.

Why do you think I call them Thickos, when they have had all this time to buy some decent winter/snow tyres, and for some unknown reason they go out onto the roads in ordinary tyres whilst its snowing and then have the cheek to complain the roads are too bad to drive on because of the snow :o

So I suppose you think they are super intelligent, I suppose you go out cleaning windows in the winter wearing your flip flops :P
Title: Re: Winter Tyres UK
Post by: Scrimble on December 12, 2010, 08:27:15 pm
i have a set of proper winter tyres on my van and they are very very good, its dangerous to drive in snow and ice without them,

no chopsie your using summer tyres not all season, most brits are thick as when it comes to the snow "where were the gritters" across the papers its pathetic,

and you can get winter tyres in this country i bought a set a month ago from mytyres.co.uk

http://www.parkers.co.uk/News/News/Winter-tyres---a-guide/
Title: Re: Winter Tyres UK
Post by: chopsie on December 12, 2010, 08:44:14 pm
no I am using all season or all weather tyres and this is an extract from the article you posted.

All-weather tyres are generally what is found on cars in the UK. They're a compromise between summer and winter tyres, and as a result they don't grip as well in the dry or handle slippery conditions quite as well.

and yes there is a shortage as I have found when looking for some, even online.

http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/news/autoexpressnews/260503/winter_tyre_ko_as_big_freeze_hits.html





Title: Re: Winter Tyres UK
Post by: chopsie on December 12, 2010, 09:04:39 pm
look, I am not denying the benifits of winter tyres, I would like to get some, I will definitly be getting some for next year for both my car and van, But my gripe is the issue with slating uk drivers for not fitting them.

A. most have not heard of them
B. if they have heard of them they cannot get them as there is a shortage of them globally, never mind in the uk where i believe they only count for 5% of tyre sales (which proves the fact a lot have not heard of them).
Title: Re: Winter Tyres UK
Post by: Darranvps on December 13, 2010, 08:00:37 am
When I lived in Bulgaria, you just drove into any tyre dealer and they had them in stock - always. So its not a world shortage.

My argument is that obviously they are thick trying to drive around in something that is not suitable for the conditions and then complaining that there are no gritters out there - they can't get through because of the summer - all season - tyre brigaid.

You are right Chopsie that MOST brits don't know or even understand what a snow/winter tyre is. To me the name says it all - and you are defending them????
Title: Re: Winter Tyres UK
Post by: bobby p on December 13, 2010, 08:16:59 am
im thinking there are regular tyres,  these winter tyres AND those winter tyres that have studs in them . 
Title: Re: Winter Tyres UK
Post by: jsm on December 13, 2010, 08:47:25 am
what about chains or wheel socks - not bad price £60 per PAIR of wheels for chains .

My dad used to drive lorrys to Austria and used them all winter , said they worked great .

link - http://www.snowchainsandsocks.co.uk/van-snow-chains/polar-snow-chains-en-2.html
Title: Re: Winter Tyres UK
Post by: rg1 on December 13, 2010, 09:48:16 am
what about chains or wheel socks - not bad price £60 per PAIR of wheels for chains .

My dad used to drive lorrys to Austria and used them all winter , said they worked great .

link - http://www.snowchainsandsocks.co.uk/van-snow-chains/polar-snow-chains-en-2.html

Snow chains are only useful if there is a sufficient covering of snow on the roads. If not, you will damage the tarmac and face a possible fine!
Title: Re: Winter Tyres UK
Post by: Scrimble on December 13, 2010, 11:35:27 am
chopsie i very much doubt you are using all season tyres,

winter tyres say M&S on them with a snow flake, all season tyres are marked M&S but without the snowflake,

the tyre garages round where i live were useless at getting a set of proper winter tyres only a few could get them, www.mytyres.co.uk is the best place to get them from, i paid 30 quid to have them fitted at a local asian tyre place

i wouldnt bother with snow chains or socks etc, i couldnt get my van stuck with winter tyres fitted to it, i just drove round people with ease who were stuck!

Quote
at about chains or wheel socks - not bad price £60 per PAIR of wheels for chains .

i paid 45 quid each for the winter tyres!
Title: Re: Winter Tyres UK
Post by: SPE on December 13, 2010, 06:09:59 pm
I take it you really only need SNOW :D tyres for your drive wheels? eg; in my case the front ones.
do I just need 2 for the front ?
Title: Re: Winter Tyres UK
Post by: Darranvps on December 13, 2010, 06:34:32 pm
Better off with all four ;)
Title: Re: Winter Tyres UK
Post by: rg1 on December 13, 2010, 07:16:27 pm
I take it you really only need SNOW :D tyres for your drive wheels? eg; in my case the front ones.
do I just need 2 for the front ?

Two on the front will grip but the back will be all over the place. Much safer with 4
Title: Re: Winter Tyres UK
Post by: mci services on December 13, 2010, 07:18:51 pm
I just checked that website £120 and odd quid a tyre :o :o
Title: Re: Winter Tyres UK
Post by: SPE on December 13, 2010, 07:21:27 pm
a quick search on net and cant find any tyre much less than £120 each so far (peugeot expert) so sod that, out of my price range  :o
Title: Re: Winter Tyres UK
Post by: mci services on December 13, 2010, 07:31:36 pm
a quick search on net and cant find any tyre much less than £120 each so far (peugeot expert) so sod that, out of my price range  :o

same here expert
Title: Re: Winter Tyres UK
Post by: chopsie on December 13, 2010, 07:37:23 pm
I have looked and yes they are very dear. But they have none in, I have tried mytyres.co.uk but they were out of stock, there really is a shortage, I am not making this up, do an internet search. Infact while I was looking for the tyres I found there is a global tyre shortage in general (google it) not just winter tyres. Its something to do with the recession and car manufacturers cutting car production I think.
 I am defending the general public (us) as you agree they are un aware so how can they be thick? If there was a ad campaign then  that would help and yes then we would be thick for not using them when given the option.
There is slightly more publicity for them in the press now, even kwikfit are doing a tyre hotel system like they have abroad for £40 a year i believe. I think thats a really good idea and save having to store a spare set of tyres on steel wheels if you are short on space.
 happy christmas everyone.
Title: Re: Winter Tyres UK
Post by: Darranvps on December 13, 2010, 07:52:33 pm

When looking at many signs - one of the funniest is a sign on a van/minibus door that states the obvious " pull to open" .

What would people ever do if they didn't have these signs on, it would be a catastrophe - no one would be able to figure out how to get in the said vehicle.

However with Winter Tyres there is a snowflake on them, just to let you know what they are, this is because many of us are unfamiliar with them, yes they have a different tread pattern as well but so do many other tyres.

Its a good job we have this nanny state as so many really do need it!

I am heading up North early tomorrow so I won't be on here for a few days. Good luck with finding snow tyres they are worth it, and lets hope the weather holds up so we don't really need them.

Title: Re: Winter Tyres UK
Post by: chopsie on December 13, 2010, 08:12:38 pm
well i kept getting told today there is snow coming in from wed/thurs onwards so good luck, how far north you going?
Truthfully rhinoman, If you had not lived in Bulgaria would you have known about them? I doubt it, But I may be wrong, If I had ventured to countries in their winters that required that i needed winter tyres then I would of learnt of these too. But like most I have only heard of snow chains etc, and yes I suppose that means I and everyone else should have some. But to be fair the winters have been mild for many many years now, I suppose we have become complacent. I think a law requiring everyone to carry snow chains or snow socks would be a good cheaper idea for many (unless winter tyres fitted that is). Anyway good luck with you journey up north
Title: Re: Winter Tyres UK
Post by: Mike #1 on December 13, 2010, 08:16:22 pm
they only make a certain amount of winter tyres , so they sell out quick , they have a different tread pattern and in temps below 7 degrees the rubber stays soft , with standard tyres the rubber hardens which means less grip but if you are carrying 200 ltrs of water or more you will struggle to get around in snow and ice if at all in bad conditions you need to buy winter tyres in september before they sell out , my car would not move in snow with 4 containers in the back thats why i have bought a 4x4
Title: Re: Winter Tyres UK
Post by: Darranvps on December 13, 2010, 09:03:32 pm
I am going to Harrogate to clean a large building, I hope the weather lasts a good few days.

To be honest with you Chopsie I found out about Snow Tyres the hard way.
When I moved to Bulgaria I drove over in August 04 in a Land Rover Discovery, I thought it would have been great in Snow - it wasn't and I quickly crashed into the back of a taxi one snowy night, and was fined by the local bobbies for not having snow tyres - which I had never heard of.
After that I made sure they were fitted to all of my company vehicles, and even when I came back to the UK this year I brought some of the vehicles with me and of course their snow tyres which I had stored in the garage.

So yes I was a "Thicko" too ;D
Title: Re: Winter Tyres UK
Post by: Scrimble on December 13, 2010, 10:27:41 pm
i bought my winter tyres before the snow and ice, now theres none left and the prices are through the roof for whats left

i agree winter tyres should be more well know the manufacturers should advertise and campaign them would save lives