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Some insurance companies will try to charge an 'admin fee' if you tell them about fitting them. Which is a nonsense as they're not a modification.aircool wrote:Would putting winter tyres (on different wheels presumably) affect the insurance
Some insurance companies used to use it as an excuse to charge a fee but last year the industry body recommended that they stop this. As long as the sizes are to manufacturer spec (check door pillar), you shouldn't be charged. The tyres shouldn't effect the pressure sensor which works by detecting differences in rolling diameter between tyres.aircool wrote:We are planning on driving to the French Alps next February, up to a ski resort at around 1800m. And my thoughts have moved on to whether we need / should fit winter tyres. Have quite happily used hire cars before in the alps, only fitting snow chains when necessary (which hasn't actually been that often) which has been effective so far......
We have a 5 Series BMW - not taking the 356! - with dreaded run flat tyres, which would be the car used.
Would putting winter tyres (on different wheels presumably) affect the insurance and possibly mess up the low tyre pressure sensor?
If the snow is very heavy, you can fit chains over winters and as they are smaller, you should have enough arch clearance. You can manage without chains even in very snowy conditions with winters unless the snow is very bad.Presumably you do not fit snow chains over winter tyres?
Winter tyres make a big difference to grip, including on snowless icy roads (when snow chains are useless).Can snow chains replace the need for winter tyres in the alps?
Totally agree with Bert, get the right tool for the job. Summer tyres are just that - they only work down to 5 deg C. Snow chains only really work in wet (near freezing) deep snow where you need to paddle your way out. If the road has been cleared at some point during winter then there will be compacted snow/ice which is where you need winter tyres as the hairline groves in the tread grip the ice. Studs are needed for ice or cold conditions -10 or colder. But the times you will need the extremes of these - chains/studs are rare.Bertroex wrote:I have been using winter tyres on my DD from November until April since 1995 and never looked back. Even in the UK, the cars felt a lot more surefooted below temperatures of 7degrees Celsius. I live rurally now and there is no gritting until about 3 miles from the house, so it has been priceless!
I run it on a different set of rims and over two years, the cost even themselves out switching between summers and winter tyres. For the alloy and tyre combo to be able to have a chain over them, you need to have appropriate sizes: Often it means you have to go to an alloy an inch lower (from 18 to 17 e.g.) and drop a width at the back (say 255 to 235 or even 225)- your manufacturer or owners manual will say more.
Having said that, when I priced up a 530D with winter tyres and alloys at the dealers, they guys looked at me as if I was from a different planet.
I would source a set of OEM alloys on Ebay (often sold because they are not bling enuf, innit) so your TPS works, and then purchase a set of winters from tyre suppliers like Camskill or http://www.mytyres.co.uk or others.
Come April, you switch over and bob's your uncle. As with regards to the admin fee: I was with direct line and challenged them on it and they came back to me stating that as it was OEM wheels and tyre combo's approved by the manufacturer, it was not deemed a modification.
Take care,
Bert
sisu wrote:
Totally agree with Bert, get the right tool for the job.
