Not sure why the original post about snow and tyres was closed? Some people problems presumably.

However,
what I wanted to add is this>>>>

In my research for a new tow car to replace my 4x4 Octavia of 7 years I was keen to source another "stealth" 4x4.
Problem is that most of the manufacturers models with the 4X4 option only offered diesel powered engines but also ridiculously large diameter wheels with low profile tyres. What the majority of 4x4 owners do not grasp is that their cars come out of the factory with summer tyres fitted as standard....absolutely useless in icy conditions. A 2x4 drive car fitted with winter or M&S tyres will display better traction in icy conditions than a 4x4 with summer tyres.

I asked my proposed new dealer about having a $X$ option fitted with small diameter wheels and high profile M&S tyres out of the factory and I was told that the option was not available. I responded OK, I'll fit my own steel rim small diameter etc wheels in the winter and was told it would invalidate the warranty. Why? I asked. Because it will affect the gearing . Tosh!!! Small diameter plus high profile equals same rolling radius thus same gearing......car salesman, like most experts, know very little.
The only manufacturer to offer proper wheels plus fitted M&S tyres out of the factory was the cheapest, the Dacia Duster. Unfortunately the cheap build quality that went with it was just too cheap.

Back to the plot, I used to own a Citroen 2CV which had very narrow cross ply tyres.....it would go anywhere.

I'm afraid the efficacy of tyre design has been hijacked by the EU obsession with CO2 emmisions linked to fuel economy. A smooth summer tyre delivers better CO2 emissions than a fit for purpose tyre to suit wet and slippery conditions :)

Honest John of the Daily Telegraph motoring makes very frequent glowing references to Michelin Cross Climate tyres. I assume they are some sort of hybrid?
TonyP

Interesting observations. I know of no tyre which will give traction on ice unless fitted with chains or spikes. M+S tyres were designed primarily for mud but do handle soft snow quite well. They give no traction on ice.

Citroen 2cv were fitted with radial tyres in 1949 and to my knowledge no manufacturer other than Michelin has been fitted as original equipment to this car since. The narrow tryes were much better in snow than some of their low profile cousins.

Stewart

Quote: Williebraveheart wrote in post #4

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The narrow tryes were much better in snow than some of their low profile cousins.Stewart

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I have a 4x4 Dacia Duster Laurette 1.5 DCI., used it for three years now initially with a Rapido Club pop Top Caravan and now a Triton 430.
The build quality of the car is well above average and perfectly acceptable, handling a little soft but ok.
Great tow car turning in 40 mpg with the Triton under tow.
Done over 35000 miles with no problems. Original tyres still have 4 mm tread on them
Great car with low depreciation and cheap running costs. Well matched for towing Eriba.
comes from the factory with Continental m&s tyres which are good on snow and ice.