Vauxhall Zafira - Winter tread tyres up front on FWD car

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Mon 29 Nov 2010 13:58
Vauxhall Zafira - Winter tread tyres up front on FWD car - Jowettman

For years I used winter tread tyres on my cars before I had 4WD cars. I now have, in addition to my little Daihatsu Terios 4x4, a diesel Vauxhall Zafira. I have a spare pair of steel wheels and called at a local Kwik Fit to ask the price of a couple of suitable winter tyres. The chap there refused to supply two only, saying I had to have a set of FOUR due to "uneven traction". I have never heard such rubbish before. Yes, you need matching tyre types on a 4WD but up front, or at the back, on a two wheel drive car? Are they trying to pull the wool over an experienced (40+ years) driver?

I am getting my local garage man to supply, at a price lower than another well known tyre chain.

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Mon 29 Nov 2010 15:26
Vauxhall Zafira - Winter tread tyres up front on FWD car - Collos25

The difference in handling and braking characteristics between winter and summer tyres are such that they should never be mixed (official blurb).Here in Germany with the new laws it would cost you €35 a tyre fine plus your car would be enpounded till the correct match was made.I remember many years ago fitting town and country on the rear of my cars without any problem.

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Tue 30 Nov 2010 13:27
Vauxhall Zafira - Winter tread tyres up front on FWD car - Red Baron

It's not rubbish. Sure, when moving off in the Zafira it makes no difference, but when you brake or negotiate a corner there is a significant increase in the back end losing traction. Fishtailing springs to mind...and you will end up in the ditch backwards. Kwik Fit may have lost a sale, but won't be getting sued!

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