Winter Tyres for E class 245/45/R17

[MrGreedy]

Another tyre thread. Apologies.

The 245/45/R17 are the fit for my winter tyres.

Currently they have Continental Winter Contact TS830P (MO) with rim protection.

These are around £200 fitted from MyTyres. I'm looking at my tyres, as I'm having real trouble finding good winter tyres (or hardly any winter tyres) available from typical tyre stores.

Based on this review:

2023 Tyre Reviews Winter Tyre Test - Tyre Reviews And Ratings

2023 Tyre Reviews Winter Tyre Test

www.tyrereviews.com

I was thinking of getting the Bridgestone Blizzak LM005, which seems to excel in braking and wet handling.

The Conti 830 has been replaced by the 850, and more laterly the 870, but I can only find the old 830P in my size.

Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 seems to get very good reviews, but it doesn't have rim protection, so for that alone I've discounted it.

Does anyone have any other recommendations for a great winter tyre with rim protection please that might be available in my unpopular size?

 

[MSG2004]

I'm not sure but do tell your car insurance when you put them on
You are doing the right thing as come the first snowfall, winter tyres will become
more rare and up in price.

 

[Bellow]

Is 'rim protection' a euphemism for something I'd rather not hear about or are there people who genuinely cannot drive without colliding with kerbs?

 

[MrGreedy]

Is 'rim protection' a euphemism for something I'd rather not hear about or are there people who genuinely cannot drive without colliding with kerbs?

Sometimes I (or my wife) have to park temporarily on the street against a curb. And it's better to pick a tyre with rim protection and not need it, rather than not have it and in 1 of the 1000 parking against a curb manoeuvres clip the alloy.

 

[MrGreedy]

I'm not sure but do tell your car insurance when you put them on
You are doing the right thing as come the first snowfall, winter tyres will become
more rare and up in price.

They already know. Declared and no premium impact.

 

[fabes]

It's odd that insurers require to know as they are specified by the manufacturer as fit for use (not a remap, or an aftermarket exhaust etc)

When I used to put them on, I did also tell them and once, just the once, they tried to charge me an admin fee.
No change to premium ever though.
Same with a dash cam btw....

 

[DSM10000]

Is 'rim protection' a euphemism for something I'd rather not hear about or are there people who genuinely cannot drive without colliding with kerbs?

My knowledge only extends as far as the latter and yes, they are out there and the married one!

 

[MrGreedy]

Is this the least responded tyre thread on the forum?

Maybe I should have asked about engine oil?

 

[Petrol Pete]

Is this the least responded tyre thread on the forum?

Possibly , most of us on here have no use for 'winter tyres' so show little interest in them. Maybe once global warming causes temperatures in the UK to stay below 7'C for months at a time we might have to pay attention.

 

[ALFAitalia]

Don't know anyone that uses them around here.....but then I'm about as far Saaf as you can get without speaking French!! Very rare we even get the roads salted here....which is a bonus when you own a 212 with a biodegradable rear subframe!!

 

[MrGreedy]

So to update...

Can't find any major chain that actually supplies winter tyres via their online quote system. When you select 'winter' from the seasons list, they cheekily return results for all seasons tyres. You would think that would only apply if you picked the 'all season' tyres option.
Checked Blackcircles and MyTyres.
And then my local tyre fitter with the best reviews. He can't get hold of enough Blizzak LM005, and the wholesaler has said they aren't getting any more as Bridgestone are going to release a newer tyre, currently available in continental europe, but not availble in the UK yet, hence he can only source 2 tyres.

So, I'm going with Hankook Winter i cept evo3, which will be £160 fitted each, but will take several days to be delivered. This is slightly cheaper than the hassle of going through MyTyres, so I'm pleased with that and directly supporting a local business.