Rear wheel drive in snow

[Shude]

Really ?

i had the VTEC CRX (160 hp though the front wheels) , i just could not scrub them off , it was like they were made out of titanium or something , the rear ones lasted 4 years, the fronts only got changed when i had two punctures in quick succession .....

The tread compound was just sooooooo hard , like they had been fossilised ....... toilet tyres

The P6000 is a popular tyre for new cars from every brand, presumably because they get killer deals on them. IIRC the P6000 is quite an old tyre model now.

They are pretty hard/long-lasting tyres so they look good for company/lease car figures.

Do not attempt to use them in anything remotely approaching wintery conditions . Believe it or not I had problems going in a straight line on a road that was 100% de-iced because the car was slipping on the grit! The P6000 is a classic

 

[Thmsshaun]

Is they are that bad then surely they would not be aloud to be sold

 

[Doodle]

Really ?

i had the VTEC CRX (160 hp though the front wheels) , i just could not scrub them off , it was like they were made out of titanium or something , the rear ones lasted 4 years, the fronts only got changed when i had two punctures in quick succession .....

The tread compound was just sooooooo hard , like they had been fossilised ....... toilet tyres

Yep, which probably gives some idea of how hard I used to drive it. I bought them foolishly, I was desperate for a new set of fronts before going away, they were cheap and local. I used to get plenty of wheelspin, but it was probably the enthusiastic cornering that finished them. Couldn't wait to get rid of them (and the ancient Pilot HX's on the rear - eugh!) and fit a set of SO2PP's

Only problem is, having sold it, I want one again. Maybe a CRX VTEC this time...

 

[Shude]

Is they are that bad then surely they would not be aloud to be sold

I thought Pirelli came out with a replacement for the P6000, like the P6 or the P7 or something, might have to check out their website again. I'm sure they have a more modern alternative. The P6000 is a stealership favourite though!

 

[robert.saunders]

From 1st hand experience, avoid the P6000, unless you like going off into a ditch - like I did. And that was around 10 years ago. Makes you wonder why they're still sold, but as has been said, it seems they're a fleet/dealer favourite, as they last forever with no grip.

 

[Birdman]

I had P6000's on my 1997 E320 (not as originals) and moved to P7000 when they arrived. Then when I could no longer get them - I was told by the suppliers they had been replaced by the P Zero - I moved across to those. Can't say I was especially thrilled with any of them though and still don't know what's best for year-round safety.

 

[MainMan]

I originally had P6000s on my SLK320 and I agree that they're pretty useless. They're hard-wearing but only because they don't grip. MB fit them because they're cheap but it's a false economy because, when journalists test cars, they test them on the supplied tyres so their reputation for road-holding suffers. More astute manufacturers equip their sports cars with top spec tyres - I remember that the Toyota Supra was initially offered with semi racing tyres and its reputation for great road holding has stuck.

Ultracs seem to me a good all-round compromise - I don't see any real weakness in them. F1s are also good but I'm not sure if they're usable in snow - anyone tried them in snow?

 

[Shude]

Ultracs seem to me a good all-round compromise - I don't see any real weakness in them. F1s are also good but I'm not sure if they're usable in snow - anyone tried them in snow?

Practically all tyres are useless in snow unless they are a winter, M&S or mud tyre designed to work in 7° or less.

For a good laugh check out the snow rating for whichever tyre you want at tirerack.com

 

[GrahamC230K]

In the snow we had in the UK, my otherwise pants Uniroyal Rainsports seemed better than the Goodyear F1's, as although I could not prevent wheelspin, I didn't crab off the road sideways to a standstill like last year.

Anyway, it's is ALL down to having snow tyres and for ice/inclines chains where appropriate. Just happended to snap these MB's whilst away for New Year (Happy New Year everyone).

All MB, ok the ML is 4x4 but would not get far on summer tyres and an Audi (Ed. oops Skoda) to show what a real cold start can be in the morning.

I was amazed at how the cars went and stopped in the snow on just winter/snow tyres. Once on the coompacted/ice on the mountain inclines, chains really required though.

A cold start for all - 1st dig the thing out so you can get in - and hope that anti freeze is good!!

I missed a shot of a w211 with some cracking icicles.

C180 Classic

Does this count as off road?

On oldy for Jay.

I was having trouble walking on this surface.

A locally registered CLS350 a real surpise (not the first I have seen in this town however).

I hope you like.

 

[Howard]

Where is that Graham ? the snow in that w210 shot looks crazy deep !

 

[GrahamC230K]

Where is that Graham ? the snow in that w210 shot looks crazy deep !

Northern Slovakia, not so far from Poland. Most shots are in a town called Poprad, the silver w211 and oldie (how rubbish am I?) are up in the High Tatra mountains. Snow VERY deep in places and constant.

 

[Howard]

Oooops , i meant w211 not w210 ...... but then any 'W' that came after w124 doesn't matter anyway, does it ? .....

Looks like an incredible place Graham ..... glad you had a good time .

 

[Shude]

Oooops , i meant w211 not w210...

You were right the first time.

Great pics Graham!

 

[MainMan]

Practically all tyres are useless in snow unless they are a winter, M&S or mud tyre designed to work in 7° or less.

Not true. Some summer tyres are slightly less than useless and allow enough traction to "get you home" if you're caught out in a snow shower. Ultracs are an example and it's because of the rubber compound they're made from - I guess being a Dutch tyre (and they get a lot of snow in Holland but most people don't use winter tyres) it's designed to not be useless in snow. Uniroyal Rainsports are also reasonable. P6000s are nearly useless and Bridgstone SO3s are absolutely useless and won't even get you going along a flat level road. I know because I've tried these tyres.

 

[Shude]

they get a lot of snow in Holland but most people don't use winter tyres

only 10-12% of tyre sales in NL are winter tyres, compared to nearly 50% in DE, but I reckon that's because a lot of people who live in NL commute/travel in DE a lot and winter tyres are required in DE (although not by law).

 

[GrahamC230K]

Where is that Graham ? the snow in that w210 shot looks crazy deep !

Trying to refrain from boring you with my holiday snaps.......this was my first "winter" holiday and something I have always wanted to do. I was really amazed at how people carry on as normal in car that are only adapted by the tyres they wear.

This gives an idea of the level of snow trying to be cleared from the mountain roads...

and another w210 comes past ........

Could you cope if you local Tesco's car park was like this? Nice W211

Mmmm mountain roads......try these with your F1's on!!!!!

 

[Shude]

Yet a couple of flakes fall in Kent and they have to call on the Army to help

 

[Thmsshaun]

So are they studded tyres on those cars?

 

[Shude]

So are they studded tyres on those cars?

Unlikely, studded tyres cannot be used on anything other than snow, those cars probably just have regular winter tyres on, although the studs can be removed/replaced on studded tyres it's not a quick job

 

[Thmsshaun]

Will have to google winter tyres then as I know nothing about them. Do they have wider tread patterns then?

Will google it