Hi guys what is your take on all season vs summer / winter tyre performance?

 

I've personally been fan of dedicated summer and winter tyres. Swapping and rotations keeps tyres always in top shape/checked. But are likes of Michelin crossclimate almost better options, has the tyre technology moved on? Are summer and winter tyres becoming redundant? I know this is subjective and complicated topic but let's see what approach everyone is taking.

Also how important is it to keep to the load and speed ratings that Toyota gives on the driver door of the car?

1 hour ago, Teekay said:

Also how important is it to keep to the load and speed ratings that Toyota gives on the driver door of the car?

 

Hi Teekay,

 

Below are my opinions.

 

Personally, I have never used summer / winter tyres; or the all 'season tyres'.

As a Southerner I don't feel the need, and as a retiree I don't drive in adverse conditions.

If I were a Northerner, north of Liverpool / Manchester / Leeds I would certainly consider it.

 

My Alphie does not need new tyres yet, but I will consider XL versions when she does.

 

If you fit lower specification tyres than those specified your insurance company may not be sympathetic if you have an accident.

I would not lower the load rating, but, as above, would consider increasing it. (I have a rear conversion).

 

If I were towing I would certainly increase the load rating.

 

For anyone travelling into Europe research the tyre requirements carefully.

In many areas winter tyres are mandatory in winter.

I do not know what the European definition is for Winter; whether it is seasonal, conditional or geographic.

 

I have to say, prior to Brexit. I was once approaching Madrid in April and wished I did have snow tyres fitted !

I use cross climate on my car and the Vellfire. Been really good for me, and when we get the yearly whiteout, confidence on the road. Also with the van, with 4wd and crossclimates on, pretty sure I’ll get out of most muddy fields. I uped the load rating and speed rating (got a better deal on the higher speed rating)

17 hours ago, Oddcouple said:

I use cross climate on my car and the Vellfire. Been really good for me, and when we get the yearly whiteout, confidence on the road. Also with the van, with 4wd and crossclimates on, pretty sure I’ll get out of most muddy fields. I uped the load rating and speed rating (got a better deal on the higher speed rating)

I'm torn between crossclimate and full on summer winter tyres. 99.99% of times in UK I'm going to be fine with crossclimate but if heading to Germany / Europe don't want to be stuck with tyre issues / police. 

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/255531369301

 

Please ignore the link it is official lexus store and I don't get paid.

 

I bought this for my gen 2 Vellfire. Anyone knows if this will fit? Struggling to get anyone commit on if this will fit or not. Very hard to know without having it in my hand 

 

For wheel nuts I had to go to a local alloy wheels shop and order nuts that they say will fit and are genuine Toyota. Fingers crossed 

Hi Teekay,

 

You don't give us any spec for those Lexus ones.

Without research how will we know ?

 

I do know the ones below fit, as I have them on my Alphie, and I think Starider has them on his.

 

McGard 21156SU Lock Nuts for Toyota Alphard [Mk1] 02-08 on Original Wheels.

 

Bought from Ebay

 

My Alphie is Gen1 facelift.

 

Good Luck

 

1 minute ago, Rojie said:

Hi Teekay,

 

You don't give us any spec for those Lexus ones.

Without research how will we know ?

 

I do know the ones below fit, as I have them on my Alphie, and I think Starider has them on his.

 

McGard 21156SU Lock Nuts for Toyota Alphard [Mk1] 02-08 on Original Wheels.

 

Bought from Ebay

 

My Alphie is Gen1 facelift.

 

Good Luck

 

Sorry Rojie there are zero specs on the advert and lexus store didn't share any too. I've ordered it as a gamble. 
 

Thanks for sharing yours. Someone said the lexus ones are mcguard too. Let's see. I'll update 

On 10/20/2022 at 12:47 PM, Teekay said:

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/255531369301

 

Please ignore the link it is official lexus store and I don't get paid.

 

I bought this for my gen 2 Vellfire. Anyone knows if this will fit? Struggling to get anyone commit on if this will fit or not. Very hard to know without having it in my hand 

 

For wheel nuts I had to go to a local alloy wheels shop and order nuts that they say will fit and are genuine Toyota. Fingers crossed 

These locking nut from eBay fit the Vellfire second gen