I got one reply thumbs up and one thumbs down.... anyone with exp. to break the tie?

 

It should work. I bought a set of Pirelli snow tires for my 20" wheels. I never put them on and returned them after finding out they need to be used in temps below 48.6 degrees or they will wear out prematurely and smell like burning rubber. The temps in January can swing from over 50 to under 20 so I decided instead to rent a car if it snows.

 

Any/all true snow tires will wear quickly if used at temps above 50F/10C.

 

Worked on my former Aston Martin DBS with 20 inch snow tyres

 

They'll work, the only downside is that you have less pot hole protection with the shorter sidewall. You may bend a wheel more easily.

 

My buddy has the Sottozero's on his 7 series (20") and speaks highly of them in the winter.

 

I had them too on my AM - they are excellent

 

I was happy the Dunlop Z rated snows I had on VDP, but not sure if they came in 20", seems like the Sottozero is most popular in that diameter.

 

What's a "snow" tire? Are they made of snow?

 

Bridgestone (Blizzak) offers "winter/snow" tires in 20". These tires are highly rated.

Depending on the exact size you want, these "winter/snow" tires are strictly designed for snow applications.

Complete some due diligence and I am sure you will find a compatible winter/snow that will work well on your Jaguar.

While I don't use a "winter/snow" tire on my 2009 Jaguar XKR, I use an all season performance tire that works well here in the southwest. We do get periodic snow conditions, but I would not choose to drive the XKR in any snow like conditions.

 

Maybe, but the TireRack site only lists them in the 19" size for the staggered setup.
I've been happy with the Michelin X-ice tires I have on three vehicles for the winter, but I don't think they're available in a size for the XK (that's why I plan to go with the Blizzaks in 19").

 

The snow button in combination with good snow tyres works very well in winter conditions - even my wife can handle this :P

 

Actually they are made of snow. The tire works by accumulating a layer of snow on it. Nothing sticks better to snow than more snow.

 

 

You really do like winding us up, don't you

 

IMHO you'd be better off purchasing cheap 18" wheels and good snow tires. The combined price will probably be about the same as 20" snows, because good ones are seriously expensive. That way you will also preserve your OEM wheels, and you can change them when it suits you, rather than the tire shop.
Regards,

 

from what i heard i dont think 18's will clear the brakes

if anyone is interested in 20" snow tires, i have some for sale, great condition!

 

This is why I kept my Ford Escape and my wee Growler will spend his winter nestled in a heated space, dreaming of summer days again