Hi all,

New member here, although been a lurker for 2 years or so.

Had a quick search of the forum for winter tyres but couldn't see that it had come up before. I'm basically sold on the benefits of them (not just in snow) but if anyone does have first hand experience of them on the ST I'd like to hear your thoughts.

Problem I've had is finding tyres to fit and also places with stock. Phoned around looking for the standard size and also 205/45R17 (larger aspect ratio) but couldn't find any. There are a set of four on eBay but the price is just a touch high! http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/MINI-RUNFLAT-WINTER-TYRES-17-WHEELS-/330503486377

So been looking at getting a new set of wheels and tyres - means I'll have more choice for size. I've found a set of four second hand wheels and winter tyres that will fit. This means I can just chuck the wheels on and don't have to pay a tyre fitter twice a year.

The only thing bothering me is the size - 185/55R15. Anyone think it'll be an issue with only being 185 wide? The load rating is fine. The circumference is a bit smaller than the standard so speedo will under-read. Also 15inch wheels should clear the brakes I think - the spare is only 14inch, is it not? Oh and the car will also look a bit crap for 2mths a year.

Your thoughts and opinions please.

I have winter tyres on my ZS, so not the same size as you but I see the benefits
I have put them on my ZS wheels which is also a not too often seen size and they cost 450 euros including fitting for some Pirelli SnowControl something or others.
Then for summer I'll get some new alloys so I also have 2 sets.

Actually for snow, a thinner tyre is better, because it will cut through the snow better. I think 15 inch is fine for the brakes but im not sure so someone else will need to confirm.

Also a tip would be to stick to the big brand names, such as pirelli, bridgestone, continental, michelin, goodyear, dunlop.

Over here in the ST size 205/45R17, ur looking at 200 euros per tyre for Pirelli Winter SottoZero 2's
Based on that I would say the Vredesteins you showed are about the right price (They are 218 per tyre here)

I would say if you can afford 800+ euros on winter tyres every say 3 years for ur ST wheels then go ahead, but I think you could save a lot of money with a smaller wheel and a more common tyre size

i would go with some steelies and winter tyres a 185/60/15 would give a similar rolling resistance. One of the lads where i live is using his cosworth with skinny tyres and steelies on the rear. Just make sure your brakes fit behind the wheels. Look at WRC cars when they race on snow and ice, they use pram wheels.

Just an update; the original set of wheels and winter tyres fell through but I do now have a set!

I managed to get an eBay auction bargain on a set of five 15" alloys that had come off a guys kit car. Alloys in great condition with some very decent Yokohama A539 tyres - all for £46. I went for 15" as there seems to be more choice for winter tyres in this size, plus the tyres are cheaper too.

I wasn't able to get any new tyres - this wasn't for lack fo trying! Everyone I spoke to said the whole country was out of stock with unprecedented demand.

I settled on some used tyres from a garage that imports them from Germany and Transylvania. 185/55R15 - so only 11mm smaller in total outer diameter. Unfortunately I couldn't find 185/60R16 at the time as this would have been a near perfect match.

Couldn't get a matching set of four, but I do have them matching on each axle. Dunlop SP WinterSport M2 on the front and Michelin winter tyres (can't remember the details) on the rear - all with at least 5mm across the tyre.

The result - much better and stopping, going and cornering than the Pirelli PZero Nero's were last time in the snow! Far far better in fact. No spinning of the wheels now whilst trying to crawl up the compacted snow/ice incline on my road - and that was in first gear using idle revs. Even through slush it copes better.

Couple of photos I took of the car before walking to the station this morning...

The wheels dont look too bad either

Exactly! Everyone who changes to winter tires says they notice a difference so I might try it next year...

did you have to let your insurance company know about using winter tyres?

It's very nice to hear from you Dave, have a nice christmas mate

hmmm winter tyres may be a good idea then for next year as the snow is nearly gone for us

they are not only good for snow but will outperform 'summer' tyres most of the time below 7 degrees C. My first winter with a car this year and since my summer tyres were totally crap in the wet I decided to go for some winter tyres.

yeah we didn't get much where we are but you guys have had loads