19 replies to this topic

[gazza82]

In snow the best tyres are narrow ones .. had an MG Midget in the early 80s that was pretty un-managable in the snow (5.5" Cosmics with 165 or 175 tyres I think). 

 

I tried an old set of 4.5" steels, from my Austin A35, which were stacked at the back of the garage .. I'd used them to support the shell when I rebuilt said Midget. The rims were rough, had pretty knackered and worn cross-plies (5.20x13) and I left most cars stuck by the side of the road!

Edited by gazza82, 13 September 2018 - 02:39 PM.

[Cooperman]

Back in the '60's Dunlop did a tyre called an SP3 and Goodyear did a similar pattern called the G800. Both were available in 145 x 10 size and they were good in snow & ice. We used them on the Cooper & Cooper 'S' for snowy rallies until the 145 x 10 SP44 Weathermaster came along. They were truly excellent on all surfaces.

It is the current styling fad for low profile ultra-wide tyres which has screwed up a lot of the handling and snowy weather capabilities of cars. In fact, for handling as well as grip in slippy conditions, a 145 tyre width is ideal. They also give lowest aerodynamic drag as well.

[unburntfuelinthemorning]

 

 

 

 

Best not to take clasic cars out in the snow, unless they are historic rally cars, in which case full knobby tyres will be fitted.

Why?
What happens?

They go rusty, or should that be 'even more rusty'!

So knobby tyres stop your car rusting ; but only if it's a historic rally car?

No, historic rally cars go rusty, but that rust is dealt with along with other wear and damage on a regular basis.
Most classic car owners don't want their cars to rust or get damaged on a regular basis.
If a classic is used for motor-sport the level of additional on-going work is accepted.

 

Ah yes that makes more sense.

[unburntfuelinthemorning]

It is the current styling fad for low profile ultra-wide tyres which has screwed up a lot of the handling and snowy weather capabilities of cars. In fact, for handling as well as grip in slippy conditions, a 145 tyre width is ideal. They also give lowest aerodynamic drag as well.

I agree, I drove our 2011 Focus in the snow last winter with it's 205 width tyres, it was never that hard to drive cars in the snow in the past.  Must be even more fun with rear wheel drive.

[Artstu]

. I will no longer be able to afford Summer and Winter Tires.

 

I'm not convinced that will be true. You also may have the option to not drive in snow, these days I wouldn't be running a Mini during the winter when the roads have been gritted.