Hi,


Need some advice. Currently have a winter wheel/tire set up on 04 XJR (18" and Michelin X-Ice) and I have to drive to Michigan tomorrow. Still cold here in southern Wisconsin...and about the same in southern Michigan. Barely averages out to about 45 degrees.


Question is...is it OK to do an almost 900 mile round trip on winter tires? Or should I put on the summer tires (Goodyear F1)?

 

I don't see why you cannot use winter tyres all year round, but having a softer rubber, they will wear out a lot quicker in warm/hot conditions.

When the XJ saloon came out in 1968, only one tyre was ever fitted at the factory, the Dunlop ER70VR15, and there was no separation between summer and winter, we just bought tyres more often in those days !

 

Should be fine right now. Fraser, they give a very mushy ride when it gets warmer. I switched all of my vehicles last week.

 

I don't doubt the mushy ride. Actually, I like a boulevard ride and Jaguars once had it, sadly no longer. OK, I am a pensioner, so my boy racer days are over !!

Did I say over ? I just bought another sports car !!!!

 

I agree with the softer ride comment. I have a winter set of wheel and tires for my XF (18 inch) and I regret when I switch back to the factory 19 inch wheels and tires.

 

Thanks for the advice! The trip turned out OK on the winter tires. Actually, probably better I kept them on since it seemed that there were more potholes than smooth road around Detroit. My co-driver is also used to driving a truck...so the "fluffy" winter tires worked out well.

Now to diagnose the check engine light that came on during the trip. Hoping its only some bad gas along the way.

 

Have you considered the cost?


Noise and ride considerations aside, winter tires are more expensive, don't last as long, and negatively impact fuel mileage.


I suspect you'll find it makes more sense to make the switch.

 

Definitely noticed the lower mpg! I don't drive the car much in the winter (including this last jaunt to Michigan, have put on just over a 1000 miles since November) so longevity of the tires not as much of an issue. Hoping to swap out to the summer wheels/tires this weekend.

Will probably need some good summer tires soon though. The search has begun for a comfortable GT (in the classic sense) tire, but with plenty of traction when needed.

 

Might I suggest Yokohama YK580's available at Discount Tire? I believe these are a very well kept secret.