Are all-weather tyres adequate for use in snow, or should I fit dedicated winter tyres?

I have a set of Pirelli Scorpion STR tyres on a Volvo XC70. I discussed winter tyres with my local tyre dealer last year and he pointed out that Scorpions are designated M+S and, although not true winter tyres, are designed as all-weather tyres. My experience with these tyres during the last two winter in snow and ice was that they performed extremely well even in deep snow. I have no experience of winter tyres and would value your opinion about this issue. I always carry chains for the front wheels in case of exceptional weather conditions, particularly in the Alps.

Asked on 2 April 2012 by PC, Blackheath

Answered by Honest John

Land Rover specifies 225/55 R19 Pirelli Scorpion STRs and ATRs for Discovery 4s, Range Rover Sports and Range Rovers. They are also the best tyres for Mercedes-Benz GLs, Volvo XC70s and Audi Allroads. Pirelli does do Sotto Zero high performance winter tyres, but there are five types of Scorpion Tyres, one of which is specifically for ice and snow.

Tags: wheels and tyres winter tyres all-weather tyres

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