Snow on the way!

Well, we had just over 1 foot overnight- no chaos, no panic.

I asked 'elsewhere' a Forum a British expats who live here. 17 replies this morning- all saying the same thing- snow and uk = sheer madness. And that snow tyres should be renamed 'winter tyres' because they are so effective in cold temps, wet and icy roads- not just in snow. All of them and they are all British (not like me who has only been British for 43 years- so perhaps quite a bit longer than them ;) ) - stated they just cannot believe what happens in the UK when it snows- and can't understand why people in the North and mountainous areas don't spend that little bit more to have a spare set of rims with winter tyres.

When you lose control of your vehicle- it is not just you that is at risk, but the other cars, and pedestrians on the pavements, children playing in the snow- etc. If it encourages just one GNeter to get fitted with winter tyres who lives in a hilly northern area, the adivce will have been worthwhile. As well as accusations of 'lecturing' and of 'not understanding because I am a furiner innit'! Out now to go and help OH with the snow blowing (yes we have a snow blower- like winter tyres- not having one would be a folly round here) and the shovelling. It's a sunny winterwonderland out there- hurrah.

But you didn't say that, jingl. You said you can't blame people in the UK for not getting snow tyres, considering how little snow we get.
If you get your tyres changed in the winter, you get them checked as well, with the tracking checked twice a year, so theoretically our tyres are safer because we get them checked.
I hope car tyres do not deteriorate as fast as rubber gloves, although I suppose they must deteriorate to some degree.
I never had to bother about stuff like that when my husband was alive as the car was motability, so all servicing was included, as was a new car every three years. I am finding out now how much it costs to keep a car on the road.

When I asked how long they last in storage, I was going by the life of rubber gloves stored in the cupboard under the sink.

I'm quite aware of how far the UK goes up dj.

Yes, snow tyres sound good for those up North.

Posts crossed dj. Actually it would be much better to call them 'winter tyres' as they are really effective on very cold and/or icy roads- as well as on snow- as the RAC and the AA explain.

Jingl, that's why I get deliveries from Waitrose - Ocado do not deliver up here. Once when my son was supposed to be having a delivery from Sainsbury's they had a phone call from the delivery man to say he'd taken the food back as he could not get onto their estate.

jingl I agree if you live in the South- I am talking about North Yorks, Cumbria, High Peaks- eg mountainous areas which do get quite a bit of snow- but also colder temps for quite a significant time (under 7C). They keep very well- no problem, in the corner of our garage at home, and our local garage charges under £30 to change them. So yes, the initial cost is there- but then the tyres last just as long, so long-term the cost is minimal- for safety- for our grand-children and everyone's granchildren, dads, mums, grandparents and all.

No lecture- just common sense.

Jingl, you leave them at the garage and they change them every six months.

Tyres do not deteriorate any more whether they are on the car or in the garage. If you have two sets, they last twice as long as one set. If you are not driving on them, the tread does not wear out.
You might not get much snow where you are, but the UK goes all the way up to the north of Scotland.

We got snow tyres when I knew I would have to be driving my husband over the hills to have radiotherapy in Newcastle four years ago. So those tyres have had two years wear. The summer tyres have had three years wear.

grammar

gramm a r?

will google

Excuse the lovely grammer up there.

It's how I talk.

I'm glad to say that Ocado (where I get my groceries from) have now equipped their vehicles with snow tyres. Or, at least, they have them readily aailable somewhere.

I guess you can't blame UK drivers for not having snow tyres, considering how little snow we get here. How long do tyres keep for if they are stored in the corner of the garage until required? And who does the changing of them?

I have no intention of playing your link. You have laboured your point long enough - just let it go for goodness sake.

Such fun, such hilarity:

youtu.be/zcni1spQ2jc

Ana- the links are from the AA and the RAC - not me. Stay safe. I've seen enough chaos and accidents on UKs snowy roads - tragic. Is it lecturing to say that it would be better if overtaking lorry drivers were not texting as they go? Stay safe- I am really please we will have a 4x4 with snow tyres when we next visit- but it won't stop a car or lorry sliding on Summer tyres from hitting us. (I know you wouldn't mind, but ...). Why do you think the RAC and the AA are getting involved in the debate re snow tyres? To lecture you?

Aye, us northerners are made of 'ard stuff, not to mention possessed of vivid imaginations!

Groan! I give up to your snowy staying power Ana I have run out of frosty
Repartees!

That's just what I used to sing to the mangy mutt, but 'e took no notice!

You were lucky to have an 'Eathcliffe to dig you out - all we 'ad was a mangy old mutt with two teeth oo'd be sent out to fetch us by dragging us by the scruff of our nethers...

Shall we have a rousing Frozen song, Let It Go.

Sigh...do stop lecturing us granjura.

Why no more Merlot- some of you obviously still need convincing, so here you go, this one from the AA:

But in the rest of the UK winter tyres are a bit of a mystery to all but Jeremy Clarkson-type anoraks. It is estimated only 3% of car owners in Britain have winter tyres fitted – maybe because few people realise they are not just for snow but can cut accidents in wet and cold conditions as well.

Manufacturers say drivers are better off with winter tyres whenever the temperature dips below 7C. As they are made of a different rubber compound (a high silica content which makes them softer) and tread pattern (more sipes, or small slits, in the tread blocks), they grip the road better and allow you to safely brake on snow and ice. Tyre maker Continental says that a car travelling at 31mph will take 43 metres (141ft) to stop on snow using standard tyres, but just 35 metres (115ft) when fitted with winter tyres.

Snow and ice sends the accident rate rocketting in the UK. One in four drivers has been involved in a motor accident in snowy or icy conditions, according to figures

Aye Ana Heathcliff as 'ad to dig me out with his shovel many a time, but tha knaws what?..........." the cold never bothered me anyway!" La-la!

granjura, I am not excusing anyone who texts whilst driving a vehicle.

And don't 'Oh dear' me. I'm not five.

Don't bother with any more statistics.