Why do UK cars all come supplied with 'Summer tyres'?

[VincentHanna]

Obviously cars are fitted with tyres in the factory and arrive at dealers on a trailer.

I know we have 'mild' winters compared to a lot of countries, but 'Winter tyres' work best at 7°C and below, so i'm surprised that manufacturers don't take account of this and supply cars delivered to the UK between November and February with winter tyres.

Is this just a logistical issue? I'm not that clued up about how cars on a manufacturing line get allocated to specific countries, and obviously there is lag between the manufacture date and getting it shipped across to a dealer (and then selling stock), so i'm guessing it's hard for them to predict if a car fitted with winter tyres will actually get sold.

Don't you think they should at least liaise with the dealers to offer you a free choice of summer or winter tyres though at the point you collect the car?

Anyone bought a new car in winter and requested it be fitted with winter tyres instead? Anyone get it thrown in for free?

 

[VincentHanna]

Because it doesn't get cold enough here to warrant them.

I'll quote this back to you in about a week

 

[VincentHanna]

Just because they're summer tyres doesn't mean they suddenly stop working below 0c. They can still perform really well in cold and wet.

I know, but they are terrible in ice and snow.

 

[VincentHanna]

I believe that's what they do in the states.

 

[VincentHanna]

In what though?

Earlier this year I drove a mere 40 mile return journey in the snow in my RWD/automatic 5 series and it was pretty hairy. Roundabouts were a nightmare.

I mitigated as best as possible by manually controlling the gears and turning off the DSC, but it wasn't pleasant.

 

[VincentHanna]

Specifically: If you buy a car in winter, you should have the option from the dealer.