Print

Please login or register.
1 Hour 1 Day 1 Week 1 Month Forever
Login with username, password and session length

[tunnie]

So I'm currently considering a road trip to Austria, one the issues I've discovered is I need winter tyres as a legal requirement.

If I do the trip, I'd be driving from London to St Anton in January, so quite possible its blazing heat on M25, but snow in the Alps.   I've been to French Alps in January & most roads were fine, but cannot risk not putting them on.

I know I could get steelies to pop winters on (which would be cheaper), but I've got to go and source them, I might as well use the set of 16" alloys I have in the garage.

I've also got to buy the right size, as if I have an accident don't want to have any legal issues.

So been looking at:

Nankang Snow SV-2 @ approx £66 a corner
Quite good reviews: http://www.tyrereviews.co.uk/Tyre/Nankang/SV2.htm

Falken HS-439 @ £78 a corner
Excellent reviews  http://www.tyrereviews.co.uk/Tyre/Falken/Eurowinter-HS439.htm

Question is really, can it damage winter tyres driving in normal conditions? Anyone driven to Austria recently?

[tigers_gonads]

I'd say it would be cheeper to pay the baggage and fly 

[tunnie]

I'd say it would be cheeper to pay the baggage and fly 

So far, its considerably cheaper to drive, even buying tyres 

Plus I have all my gear to take, plus air-beds, bedding and stuff.

So far, rough breakdown:

Fly   
   
Flight                   £120
Transfer Austria   £70
Getting Heathrow   £10
Extra Weight   £100 (£50/way)
   
      
Total                   £300


Car   
   
Fuel           £212.40
Ferry      £90.00
Breakdown   £64.00
Tyres           £65.00
   
   
Total /3   £147.13

[tunnie]

Also add in fact, driving means room to carry lots of beer + food. Have you seen the cost of a beer in the Alps? 

We figure chuck £30/40 in each, stop at a German supermarket & thats us sorted for the week

[feeutfo]

Dad used to drive to Livigno skiing, but only because Amy had cf and oxygen tanks etc

It was WAY cheaper to fly and get the train. Way cheaper.


Livigno is northern Italy though. No idea re Austria.

[tunnie]

Dad used to drive to Livigno skiing, but only because Amy had cf and oxygen tanks etc

It was WAY cheaper to fly and get the train. Way cheaper.


Livigno is northern Italy though. No idea re Austria.

But was that splitting the cost? Driving along or with 2 flying is cheaper, but with 3 people splitting transport costs (fuel,ferry+extras). Its coming out a lot cheaper...

[feeutfo]

If the useless student is driving, they'll want dropping off at Gatwick, while you carry on.


Check the tyre sizes of steels btw. I'm sue you can get hold of four spares given the number of omegas in Brackley.

[tunnie]

If the useless student is driving, they'll want dropping off at Gatwick, while you carry on.


Check the tyre sizes of steels btw. I'm sue you can get hold of four spares given the number of omegas in Brackley.

Done many a road trip before, Germany, Switzerland & so on, all really enjoyable. It's all about the journey, tunes, snacks. What does it matter if you do 70mph rather than 90mph? 

Now looking at stopping in Luxembourg, make the journey enjoyable 

Could source steelies, from ones we have, but that would leave MotherT & FatherT without a spare, sods law the week I borrow them, they get a flat

[05omegav6]

The only thing I recall seeing in Luxembourg was Ikea

Do like driving on the Continent though

[tunnie]

The only thing I recall seeing in Luxembourg was Ikea

Do like driving on the Continent though

Indeed, smooth roads, cruise control and just enjoy some of the views.

Took a Senator to Switzerland, and previously took 2.2 to Langraaf near German border, great trips!

[OOMV6]

So I'm currently considering a road trip to Austria, one the issues I've discovered is I need winter tyres as a legal requirement.

If I do the trip, I'd be driving from London to St Anton in January, so quite possible its blazing heat on M25, but snow in the Alps.   I've been to French Alps in January & most roads were fine, but cannot risk not putting them on.

I know I could get steelies to pop winters on (which would be cheaper), but I've got to go and source them, I might as well use the set of 16" alloys I have in the garage.

I've also got to buy the right size, as if I have an accident don't want to have any legal issues.

So been looking at:

Nankang Snow SV-2 @ approx £66 a corner
Quite good reviews: http://www.tyrereviews.co.uk/Tyre/Nankang/SV2.htm

Falken HS-439 @ £78 a corner
Excellent reviews  http://www.tyrereviews.co.uk/Tyre/Falken/Eurowinter-HS439.htm

Question is really, can it damage winter tyres driving in normal conditions? Anyone driven to Austria recently?

Yes.
But minimal. The point is that winter tyres are designed and manufactured to operate at their best at 7 degC or less (I think), so high temperatures can cause damage. But realistically, the few hundred miles you MAY do in higher temperatures ain't gonna make a great deal of difference.
It is more a case of being aware not to continously drive in warmer climates on winters.
I have known (disorganised) people who are still running on winters in April and May. No real issue. It might shorten the life a little, but for the one trip you are doing, just pop them on before you leave and change back on return

[tunnie]

Thats good to know, cheers 

[OOMV6]

The only thing I recall seeing in Luxembourg was Ikea

Do like driving on the Continent though

That was Belgium

[tunnie]

The only thing I recall seeing in Luxembourg was Ikea

Do like driving on the Continent though

That was Belgium

Never been to Luxembourg, looking at maps/miles makes a nice half way point.

Looks interesting enough:

[OOMV6]

The only thing I recall seeing in Luxembourg was Ikea

Do like driving on the Continent though

That was Belgium

Never been to Luxembourg, looking at maps/miles makes a nice half way point.

Looks interesting enough:

Feel free to get in touch prior to your trip. If you want a day or so in the area, we can sink a beer or 2. I live 20 - 25 mins from Luxembourg centre