Going to the snow. What tyres?

Hi all

Just joined a few minutes ago. I have a 2000 mod defender from LRSV. It has tyres on it from Avon called Rangermaster and they are 750R/ 16C what ever that means. Are these ok for snow and ice conditions? What makes a good tyre for snow and ice? I also have a pair of sand tyres which are 265/75R16 what ever that means. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks Chris

Avon Rangemaster tyres are general purpose tyres and fitted as standard equipment. A better alternative for snowy conditions would be BF Goodrich AT (all terrain) tyres, or even MT (mud terrain) tyres.

As to the sand tyres, they are 265mm wide across the tread, 16" wheel with a sidewall about 1" larger than a standard tyre. For snow and mud you really want to be using 235/80 x 16 tyres as they can slice through the mess easier.

but in doing so, you may well get grounded out on your axles... depending on the depth of the mud

Depends very much on what, exactly, you mean by "snow and ice conditions". The rangemaster is an AT tyre and should do for run of the mill European conditions. If you think you may encounter serious snow then snow chains are the way forward. If you mean arctic-circle -40 ice then you'll need a studded winter tyre.

So, in short, let us know what the exact requirment is and we'll let you know if your current tyre is up to it.

Hi Thanks for the reply. I am heading down to the Australian Alps for five weeks and most of my driving will be on bitumin though between 5 and 20 km a day will be on snow and ice. It does not get cold like europe though between 5 and minus 6 will be the norm. Generally it is often icey. I will be carrying chains and it would be good to get away with the tyres that came with the car.

I used to work in the snowy years ago and a remember seeing a hybrid landrover over snow vehical dumbed in a farmers padock. Landy used to be popular down there years ago.

Thanks Chris

I spent two weeks in the Austrian alps this year temps were often below -10 and their was frequent snow. I was also at between 2 and 3000m on the Nuestift glacier. All this done with 205 Avon Ranger AT's fitted, with chains as a back up, so I reckon you should be okey dokey with your set. The biggest problem I had was with clearing the ice from the inside of the windows! Got some starnge looks from the locals until I was asked to pull a couple of modern boxes out of trouble. Best one being an X5