T-200 tyre reviews

Tyre size and vehicle make
165 / 80 R13 T
FIAT Panda
Result: Would you buy again? Definitely
Comment:
We have 2 Fiats on T200's a Panda & Qubo, Qubo not yet used so cannot comment. UK public need advice (see attached) most tyre fitters will only fit 4 winter tyres which is fine for all round high speed driving but too expensive. For temporary use 2 is quite sufficient and legal. WINTER DRIVING CAR PREPARATION (Revised 8/12/2012) 1. Use Winter tyres on either:- i) On all wheels PERMANENTLY between October – March when the average temperature is below 7c. This reduces stopping distances and significantly improves road safety. Or, ii) The driving wheels TEMPORARILY when the roads are snow-bound. When the roads are clear, do not drive fast or corner hard, as the handling characteristics will be changed compared to summer tyres. Buy extra wheel rim/s and have a snow tyre/s fitted to that and the spare tyre if it is on a full size rim to install temporarily in snowy weather. 2. Carry snow socks or snow chains for fitting when (or just before) getting stuck. Snow socks are very easy to fit but must be removed as soon as you leave snow and ice covered roads. See www.autosockdirect.co.uk 3. Ensure washer fluid is full and to at least -20c and will not freeze on the screen. 4. Ensure car is not in need of a service, has antifreeze/coolant, fully charged battery etc. 5. WHEN BUYING A CAR FOR USE IN RURAL AREAS look for:- i) Good ground clearance, high front bumpers without low spoiler skirts and a small front and rear overhang. ii) ESP (Electronic Stability Programme) This corrects slides by applying brakes and power according to the intended direction of travel and will soon be mandatory on all new cars. iii) Limited slip differential or EDL (Electronic Diff Lock) that will stop one wheel spinning ahead of the other that is stopped. The latter does this through the ABS system and is common on new cars. BEFORE SETTING OUT 1. Remove all snow and ice from the roof, bonnet & windows before driving. Roof snow will slide over the screen when braking once the interior has warmed the roof. 2. Warm up the car before driving so that heating & defrosting are in full working order. 3. Set all driving controls to the anticipated position before moving. i.e full defrost etc. 4. Adjust the seating position to allow you to good steering wheel movement and ensure that heavy clothes do not hinder steering wheel movement. 5. Wear warm clothes, good shoes for driving. 6. Take food and drink, mobile phone, a torch, boots and clothes for outdoors and for long journeys a duvet. WHEN DRIVING 7. Use dipped headlights and in falling snow fog-lamps. 8. Do not use the radio etc., and at slow speeds in narrow country lanes, drive with the window down so you can hear other cars, horns etc. Get in the right gear well ahead of time so that the engine speed is about mid-range about 2000 r.p.m i.e. not idling but not revving. 9. Braking; at low speed without cars behind or approaching try the brakes on different surfaces to get used to the response. 10. Loss of traction when stuck (10mph); Lower the tyre pressures in extreme icy conditions for slow speeds. Make sure you re-inflate them for normal driving. Use the rougher surface at the side of the road which has better grip than polished ice. 11. Take extra care driving out of ruts created by the traffic when changing road position as this is likely to induce a slide. 12. If a skid occurs on very slippery ice use the deep rough snow or bank at the side of the road to stop or maintain traction. 13. Skid control. Too much for this short list and further reading and lessons are recommended, but; i) Rear breakaway release accelerator, steer gently “into the slide” and the direction to want to go. Do not be harsh. ii) Front breakaway, steering not responding and sliding straight on. This is very sensitive to the make of car and lessons are needed. AFTER DRIVING 1. Do not park on the road especially through roads which must be kept clear for snow ploughs and traffic that needs more space. 2. Clean all windows and check levels etc. 3. Cover if not garaged to ensure clear windows next time. 4. Park with reverse or first gear engaged (P on automatics) and where the handbrake can be safely left off with the wheels chocked. This is so that the hand brake does not freeze on as can happen especially with older cars. The above list is brief and I recommend further reading and best of all appropriate driving courses. A 4WD vehicle will help but is unnecessary. Even the best of us get stuck and need help and I’m sure neighbours will help; this is a good way to bring the community together ! Frank Riddle I Eng. SOE, Member Institute of Road Transport Engineers.

Tyre size and vehicle make
185 / 65 R15 T
PEUGEOT
Result: Would you buy again? Definitely

Tyre size and vehicle make
165 / 70 R13 T
Ford Fiesta
Result: Would you buy again? Probably
Comment:
Very good value, i'm sure more expensive tyres are better, but for the price these are excellent. Grip on cold wet roads is very much better than summer tyres.

Tyre size and vehicle make
195 / 65 R15 T
Skoda Octavia Est TDi
Result: Would you buy again? Probably
Comment:
Good grip in cold & slippery conditions, fantastic in Snow! Acceptable in the Dry. All in all great tyre, just noisy at speed.