Writing about the
Vredestein Wintrac Xtreme given
94% (225-40-18-W)
Driving on
a combination of roads for 7000
spirited miles
Amazing winter tyres. A little soft at the start, but once worn in they felt absolutely fine on the car - maybe slightly softer than summers on dry, but well worth the confidence it gives on wet, dry and snow.
Before tyres (2010) winter: skidded twice whilst braking and cornering almost crashing both times. Also got stuck once while following tracks on snowy/icy path.
After tyres (2011) winter: we were in birmingham when it snowed like crazy and it was a dream!!! On fresh deep snow (about 6 inches) didn't even get a light on the dash - just no drama driving, up hills, down hills, accelerating, stopping, turning. We had to take untrodden hilly roads because the main roads were blocked due to skidding cars.
So absolutely overjoyed with the purchase. Only 2 things to bear in mind: 1) other people might not be able to stop behind you, so watch your back and consider veering to the side if emergency braking, or better still just find a clear road where no-one else dares to go! 2) deep slush on motorways were not fun - there's grip from the tyres on the top layer, but there's just slush all the way down about 3-4 inches so it gets very dodgy - don't do it at speed!
I suspect the tyres will outlast the car, so I'll be looking for a car with the same tyre size!!!