Advice needed, winter tyres make/model and why

[greg1980]

Hi, I need to buy a set of winter tyres, I'm a little bit confused as the choice is great. What would you recommend and why. I will be driving to central Europe this winter.  What Load index and speed rating I should go for.

[sid10]

hi what size wheels as this makes a big difference in tyre choice ?

[greg1980]

255 55 18 Advice need to be based on real experience not on tyre reviews websites.

[greg1980]

These are my few options but I'm open to advice. First one is really good price wise.

http://www.oponeo.co.uk/tyre-details/barum-polaris-3-255-55-r18-109-h-xl-fr#70208060
http://www.oponeo.co.uk/tyre-details/vredestein-wintrac-4-xtreme-255-55-r18-109-v#70525514
http://www.oponeo.co.uk/tyre-details/continental-4x4-wintercontact-255-55r18-105-h-fr-ml-mo#72513201
http://www.oponeo.co.uk/tyre-details/dunlop-sp-winter-sport-3d-255-55-r18-105-h-mo-mfs#69290913
http://www.oponeo.co.uk/tyre-details/bridgestone-blizzak-lm-80-255-55-r18-109-v-xl#71860392

[sid10]

I have Vredestein Xtreme winter on mine 19" great tyre & not badly priced , have you a second set of wheels to put them on as they dont recommend continually changing them ?
  There are loads to choose from just check load speed , & that they have the winter mark on the tyre as some are only M+S mud & snow tyres & some countries wont let you proceed without the marking on the tyres ! As with most things the more you spend the better the result !
  Most tyres are rated by comparison websites so you can check if they are any good or pick a tyre & post it on here some one will probably have used or tried it on here .

[sid10]

hi any of the bottom 4 , what is the load on your car at the moment as it is normally 107 front 111 rear ( written  on the side of your tyres )
ps it is often worth looking at a second set of wheels as it often works out cheaper than paying to get them changed over , also look out for second hand sets as you can save quite a lot if some one is wanting to get rid of them .

[greg1980]

I have just  bought 18inch alloys for £100, I want brand new tyres as the  most of the second hand tyres are run on flat and at least 4-5 years old. In my opinon the tyres that are  4 years old are crap.I'm planning to keep the car for next couple years thats why i I would prefer brand new tyres. Barum is a Continental group.

[greg1980]

Just been on realoem and it says  255/55R18 105H

[sid10]

Mine are 19" maybe thats the difference .
  You have got a bargain with the wheels , in my opinion the Vredestein are the best !

[greg1980]

In the end I went for this Dunlop SP Winter Sport 3D 255/55R18 109 V XL, I will  review them in January. Hopefully we will get a loads of snow this winter, at least in Poland