If my tyres had arrived a couple of days early, I'd have shaved about 90 mins off my 3-hour commute last Thursday (normally 45 mins). There were three roads involved:
- The short way over a hill pass which goes from sea level to 1400 feet and back again in 20 miles: no point trying that even in a Land Rover, when it's snowy it's often impassable, and they regularly close the snow gates.
- The long way on the trunk road: this is what I had to do, nose-to-tail snail's pace traffic, and 31 miles became 62 miles. Winter tyres would have made no difference apart from a bit of extra safety for the occasional bit we got above 25mph
- The alternative route, a rural A road but which is lower-priority for the gritters (Dagger and others will know the Slug Road - it was fine early on but by the time I got there had had another several hours of constant snow). Would have been 39 miles and missed out the worst of the trunk road traffic jam. That's the road I'd have taken if I'd had my tyres changed, it was just a bit too slippy at that time without them.
So the reason I've bought them is the increased safety, which gives me more choices. We don't have that many roads to choose from up here
You cannot plan for other drivers and every eventuality. Summer tyres on snow/ice, as far as breaking is concerned, are useless. Better to be defensive and use the best tyres. 
Driving in snow for as long as I have my 9 lives would have well and truely been used up by now. I drive to the conditions and to the grip I have and seeing as it has worked for me for 45+ years I am ok about this. It's the other fools on the road I worry about, they are the ones that need special tyres....I think you've just had good luck mate.You cannot plan for other drivers and every eventuality. Summer tyres on snow/ice, as far as breaking is concerned, are useless. Better to be defensive and use the best tyres.
I had a bit of bad luck over a year ago. Was driving at a speed to match the conditions but the guy in front of me wasn't and, spun out covering both lanes. I attempted to stop and there was nowhere for me to go. Into the back of him. 'My fault'.
So, I think it's down to luck IMHO. Anyone who's a half decent driver can tackle snow with right speed and counter steer etc but it's all about traction and stopping.
Can of worms this thread haha. I got some good tyres out of it though
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Get some summers with M+S on the sidewall
Yes, and they were out in force again this week - what a sad mess.
You are so correct and I am on my 3rd Quattro. Winter tyres beat 4wd every time in bad snow conditions.
Ice is another issue altogether. Then you need spikes of course. Driven on them in Greenland. The UK is not at that level of cold.
Yes but few people are buying anything... so the problem continues. The Midlands, Wales and Yorkshire get some decent Winter weather- Northern Scotland doesn't have the monopoly there.
Oh but I do, that's why there is no need for me to waste my money. Please don't preach...Interesting to read those that understand winter tyres and them that don't - or won't.
Spending £450 having his car detailed is cuke2u's prerogative and nothing to do with any of us.
We all make our choices and I thank you for your support. However I do not need winter tyres so it isn't a choice between the two..
