Some useful winter tyres info

[sapphireblack]

My sales thread for a surplus set of 20" rims solicited a comment about fitting winter tyres, and about there being no 315 width for the rears and how the fronts 275 size would be too stretched, which i had believed and assumed myself.

Fast forward a week or so and i got to thinking about this option again, so made some specific enquiries.

Michelin were not only quick to respond but gave welcome and very useful information. Now four 275/40R20 winter tyres wont be cheap, but at least they're now a viable option

I think adopting the continental method of formally swapping, say November 1st to March 31st? makes sense. My car would still look as good, to me anyway, and it's as safe as i can make it in snow and even ice to some extent This also evens out the expense of two wheel sets by literally spreading the wear. Given my mileage is really low these days i will have to consider whether another £1K's worth of tyres makes sense but it could save vehicle damage or more. A pity my new insurers won't reflect that in their premium

(With some minor editing of my info, Michelins response reproduced here)


Wednesday, 27 April, 2011 14:24:35[Num]1-470750161[/Num] - Your Michelin Request
From: "michelin-contact@uk.michelin.com" <michelin-contact@uk.michelin.com>Add to Contacts
To: baz---------------------.com


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Our Ref 1-47075----


Dear Mr. Fitzgerald,


Thank you for your enquiry about 275/40 R 20 LATITUDE ALPINE WINTER TYRES.

I can confirm that the the above tyre size can be fitted on a range on Rim's from 9-11".

Kind Regards

Julie


Should you require any further assistance please contact us on 0845 366 1590 (UK & NI) or 0044 (0) 1782 401590 (ROI), quoting the reference number above.

Consumer Contact Team

This email is intended only for the addressee named above and the contents should not be disclosed to any other person nor copies taken. If you are not the intended recipient and/or have received this message in error, disregard the content and return to sender. Any views or opinions presented are solely those of the sender and do not necessarily represent those of Michelin Tyre PLC unless otherwise specifically stated. We do not accept legal responsibility for the contents of this message nor responsibility for any change made to this message after original despatch. Nothing in this email is to be interpreted as an agreement on behalf of Michelin Tyre PLC. We do not accept liability for any damage sustained as a result of any software viruses. Michelin Tyre PLC reserves the right to monitor and record any emails addressed to any worker at Michelin Tyre PLC and the senders of messages shall be taken to have consented to such monitoring and recording.



Michelin Tyre Public Limited Company

Registered in England no.84559. Registered office Stoke-on-Trent ST4 4EY.

[Turks]

That is the same feedback I had from a Pirelli Rep as mentioned in your For Sale thread... I just wasn't sure I liked the idea but i'm sure it is safe! Good information that Michellin also are happy for their tyres to go on the 10.5" Rears of the X5... I will probably get a set of OEM Wheels for Winter now and get some 275/40 R20's on so I don't have to notify the Insurance.


Turks.

[pvr]

I would never notify the insurance company regarding winter tyres, nothing to do with them. I would sue them if they ever caused me grief.

[as400]

Whats the most effective wheel/tyre size for a winter setup on the 53? Im guessing something comparatively narrow and say a 17"?

[pvr]

Which model? For the smaller ones, the 17" is the cheapest option (like mine) for about £600 all in (including almost new alloys).

[X5Sport]

[quote=""as400""]Whats the most effective wheel/tyre size for a winter setup on the 53? Im guessing something comparatively narrow and say a 17"?[/quote]

17" would be OK on the 3.0D and 3.0 Petrol but not on the 4.8is as the discs and calipers require a larger wheel to go over them. Not sure about the 4.4/4.6 though as I don't know about their braking system sizes.

[as400]

Am looking to get a 4.4 facelift, but live in the sticks with a 17% hill outside the farm I live on, so would want to invest in a set of wheels/tyres to wear from November-February.

[Raj]

Nice bit of info there as will be buying a set of winters too this year.