Winter tyres - When to switch over? - MBClub UK

Rosun · 17-09-2011, 04:17 PM

I've received permission from the leasing company to shod the 2011 C220 CDI with a set of winter tyres.
The question is when is the best time to do this taking into account:
a) Weather
b) Impact on day to day MPG

The original Dunlops will be stored in a 'tyre hotel' until they are ready to be swapped over.

Any recommendations for winter tyre brand or will Kwik Fit have the equivalent of winter Dunlops?

Many thanks in advance.

tylerdurden · 17-09-2011, 06:27 PM

consistently below 7deg or so (I think).

Rory · 17-09-2011, 06:32 PM

I'd be keen to know which leasing company that is - it's the first time I've heard of one agreeing to it. Are they paying the whole cost?

Re changing, I'm keen to know as I have a set in the garage, but not for my MB! In your case have you checked availability? Winter tyre availability becomes very random as demand ramps up elsewhere in Europe and they're mandatory in some countries from 1st Nov. I would certainly be wanting to get hold of them probably by mid-Oct or you might struggle. Once the temps start dropping off it's worth getting them on anyway.

They'll probably knock the edge off MPG marginally, but we'll also be on winter diesel which is a little worse, and lower starting temps, more time with lights and other electrics on etc, don't help either.

Mercy1 · 17-09-2011, 06:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tylerdurden

consistently below 7deg or so (I think).

... which to most people seems to equate to beginning of November until the end of March...that's what I am aiming for depending on how the weather pans out...
Recommendations? View mytyres for a good range of options - you pays your money, you takes your choice...

Satch · 17-09-2011, 07:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mercy1

... which to most people seems to equate to beginning of November until the end of March..

About right. In Austria from start of November to mid April winter tyres are compulsory if driving in "winter conditions" (errrr right......) but here is the rub for those of us who drive there: they are not considered winter tyres if they have less than 4mm tread, so do have to "ration" use a bit!

A1GSS · 17-09-2011, 07:29 PM

I change mine 1st weekend November, and swap back again 1st weekend April...

oldcro · 17-09-2011, 08:49 PM

The most popular time is just after the first fall of snow, then replaced with summer tyres the day before the heaviest fall of the year.

dibblodocus · 17-09-2011, 10:21 PM

Well I went for Pirelli Sottozero last winter which I can highly recommend. Fantastic grip in deep snow to the extent that I really can't understand the 4X4 panic that affected so many people last winter. Just get the right tyres and enjoy your rear wheel drive car!

Re fuel economy it is hard to make any real judgement as my car was brand new when I had the Pirellis fitted so I can't make a proper comparison. What I would say is that fuel economy from my W204 C220CDI was initially disappointing but then it was very cold and the car was new and had not 'loosened up'.

Tyre noise is definitely worse on the Sottozeros compared to the Michelin Energy that were supplied with the car (and which have been on it since March this year). Handling was fine from memory, but then again most of the time I was driving on wet / cold / snowy roads....

On my car with R16 205/55 tyres 4 X Pirellis cost £400 fitted in December 2010. It then cost me £50 to have the Michelins swapped back in March.

Colin_b · 17-09-2011, 10:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by antoniasdad

I change mine 1st weekend November, and swap back again 1st weekend April...

Thats usually my target, give or take a week or two depending on the weather forecast.

Rosun · 18-09-2011, 01:00 PM

Thanks for all the replies.
I guess it's an 'Elf and Safety issue with the leasing company.

Spinal · 18-09-2011, 03:49 PM

As I drive in the early mornings and get home late at night due to work, I tend to do most of my driving when the conditions are colder... hence, once I start seeing the first frost on the windscreen in the mornings I change the tires...
M./

17-09-2011, 04:17 PM	#1
Rosun New Member Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Lancashire Car: C class (c220 cdi) Posts: 19	Winter tyres - When to switch over? I've received permission from the leasing company to shod the 2011 C220 CDI with a set of winter tyres. The question is when is the best time to do this taking into account: a) Weather b) Impact on day to day MPG The original Dunlops will be stored in a 'tyre hotel' until they are ready to be swapped over. Any recommendations for winter tyre brand or will Kwik Fit have the equivalent of winter Dunlops? Many thanks in advance.

17-09-2011, 06:32 PM	#3
Rory Hardcore MB Enthusiast Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Cheshire, UK Car: C270CDi Estate (2004 facelift model) Posts: 5,450	I'd be keen to know which leasing company that is - it's the first time I've heard of one agreeing to it. Are they paying the whole cost? Re changing, I'm keen to know as I have a set in the garage, but not for my MB! In your case have you checked availability? Winter tyre availability becomes very random as demand ramps up elsewhere in Europe and they're mandatory in some countries from 1st Nov. I would certainly be wanting to get hold of them probably by mid-Oct or you might struggle. Once the temps start dropping off it's worth getting them on anyway. They'll probably knock the edge off MPG marginally, but we'll also be on winter diesel which is a little worse, and lower starting temps, more time with lights and other electrics on etc, don't help either. Last edited by Rory; 17-09-2011 at 06:34 PM.

17-09-2011, 06:27 PM	#2
tylerdurden Hardcore MB Enthusiast Join Date: Apr 2010 Posts: 161	consistently below 7deg or so (I think).

17-09-2011, 07:29 PM	#6
A1GSS Hardcore MB Enthusiast Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Saffron Walden, Essex Posts: 139	I change mine 1st weekend November, and swap back again 1st weekend April...

17-09-2011, 08:49 PM	#7
oldcro Hardcore MB Enthusiast Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Shetland Car: Range Rover Sport 3.0 HSE Posts: 1,261	The most popular time is just after the first fall of snow, then replaced with summer tyres the day before the heaviest fall of the year.

17-09-2011, 10:21 PM	#8
dibblodocus Member Join Date: Nov 2010 Car: W204 C220 CDI Exec SE Posts: 31	Well I went for Pirelli Sottozero last winter which I can highly recommend. Fantastic grip in deep snow to the extent that I really can't understand the 4X4 panic that affected so many people last winter. Just get the right tyres and enjoy your rear wheel drive car! Re fuel economy it is hard to make any real judgement as my car was brand new when I had the Pirellis fitted so I can't make a proper comparison. What I would say is that fuel economy from my W204 C220CDI was initially disappointing but then it was very cold and the car was new and had not 'loosened up'. Tyre noise is definitely worse on the Sottozeros compared to the Michelin Energy that were supplied with the car (and which have been on it since March this year). Handling was fine from memory, but then again most of the time I was driving on wet / cold / snowy roads.... On my car with R16 205/55 tyres 4 X Pirellis cost £400 fitted in December 2010. It then cost me £50 to have the Michelins swapped back in March.

18-09-2011, 01:00 PM	#10
Rosun New Member Threadstarter Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Lancashire Car: C class (c220 cdi) Posts: 19	Thanks for all the replies. I guess it's an 'Elf and Safety issue with the leasing company.

18-09-2011, 03:49 PM	#11
Spinal Hardcore MB Enthusiast Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Uxbridge Car: Smart, S320 and C180 with 3-pointed stars amongst others Posts: 3,951	As I drive in the early mornings and get home late at night due to work, I tend to do most of my driving when the conditions are colder... hence, once I start seeing the first frost on the windscreen in the mornings I change the tires... M./

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