How can I improve my Mazda MX-5's handing in snow?

My MkII Mazda MX-5 1.8i Icon becomes unsteerable in wet snow (by me, anyway). To make matters worse, the ABS robs me of the brakes completely in slush. Would winter tyres help me with either or both - or is a car like that simply impractical in those conditions?

Asked on 31 March 2012 by MT, Leeds

Answered by Honest John

Yes. UK MX-5 1.8s don't necessarily have ESP, and they need it. They are very rear-endy on low temperature slippery surfaces.

www.tyrereviws.co.uk recently ran a summary of the Auto Bild All Season TyreTest. The winner was Vredestein Quatrac 3, closely followed by the Goodyear Vector 4Seasons. 3rd was the Hankook Optimo 4S. 4th the Dunlop SP Sport 01AS and 5th Bridgestone's A001. Which has voted Michelin Alpin 4 as best full winter tyre. Other tests say: Goodyear UltraGrip 8, Dunlop SP WinterSport 4D, Nokian WR A3, Continental WinterContact TS 830 P, Michelin Alpin A4

Tags: driving techniques winter tyres sports cars

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