I know it gets discussed every year, but I changed mine today, so thought I'd post some pics

I have the 'standard' Conti 275 40 22's (left) on my L405 and fitted the Winter Conti (right) in the same size - here's what the 2 treads look like (wheels are back to back)



The overall tread pattern is very similar - hence the M+S logo on both - they are both very capable of self clearing & in slushy conditions or fresh snow would perform well and not get clogged up.

However, there are 2 key differences - the first is that the winter tyre is made with a higher silica content, so it remains much more flexible in colder conditions. The other is all the little cuts (sipes) in the tread blocks - then help to generate heat in the tyres and also create lots of little grippy edges - that's why winter tyres are so much more effective on ice - and in the cold generally on both wet & dry roads.

TBH the Summer Conti's have more of an all-season look to the tread than any tyre I've had before & Winters felt like a bit of an extravagant purchase this year, but now I've got them on I'm happy that I've got the best grip that I can get through the winter months

Summer -


Winter-

good info that Alistair...i wonder if you would notice a difference in normal day to day driving.. ... - .- -.




Y. O. L. O.
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I've not actually driven on these yet - but from prior years I doubt I'll notice any difference at all - but there is usually at least 1 time over the winter when I'll be very glad that I've got them.

Somewhat similar to 4x4 or ABS - 99% of the time it doesn't matter, but when you need it you are very glad you have it.

Of course it's usually hard to know whether you would have stopped / made it up the icy hill etc with the summer tyres.

Having said that - I should clarify that that is on the FFRR

We also have a Cooper S - and on that there is noticeably less understeer - that's my station car & I usually get a 6am train and have a couple of big wide roundabouts on the route to the station

It's the under steer that I noticed a difference in when going from summer to winter. Could corner much harder before the fronts started slipping. Surprising how close the two tread block designs are. V8 or else ...