Does my husband - a rural GP in Cornwall - need 4x4 in the winter, or will winter tyres suffice?

We live in Cornwall, not the Alps, and although we did have some of the white stuff this year we managed, as we had a very nice Land Rover Discovery. Sadly it had to go as it was too costly to run, and our son's learning to drive. My husband is a rural GP so needs to be able to reach his patients. Do you think he could get to most places with a good set of winter tyres or would 4x4 be essential?

Asked on 23 July 2010 by LJ40

Answered by Honest John
A good set of winter wheels and tyres fitted from November to March will do the trick. They're from about £450 via www.mytyres.co.uk

They're more effective in snow than four wheel drive, though 4WD with winter tyres is more effective still.
Similar questions
I'm looking for a good quality 2.0-litre petrol 4WD SUV / estate car, preferably two or three years old. We live in a lane which most years gets snowed in for a few days so it must actually perform in...
Here is a salutary tale on winter driving. I recover cars for a Jaguar Land Rover repair contractor and was called to Gaydon to collect a JLR company Range Rover Sport diesel. A new car, it is allocated...
I have just read the letter from TP of Barnstaple who seemed to think you had little experience of driving on snow and ice. I am glad you put him right about that, and the better performance of front-wheel...
 

Value my car

Save £75 on Warranty using code HJ75

with MotorEasy

Get a warranty quote

Save 12% on GAP Insurance

Use HJ21 to save on an ALA policy

See offer