Insignia and Snow?

[AndyBanks]

Hi there.

I have a Vectra 1.87 SRi which is appaling in the snow. I may be swapping it for an Insignia and wondered what these are like in the snow.

Has anyone had any experience of an Insignia in the snow?

Cheers,
Andy

[HellDiver]

Why would the Insignia be any better?

Have you considered not using summer tyres in winter?

[parapaul]

Vectra 1.87?

AWD Insignia VXR may be better, but it's an expensive way of getting about in the snow... New tyres and a bit of gentle car control would be a better alternative

[Curry Burns]

It's all down to the TC in the Vectra, but if you go for the 1.8 it can do the snow fine.

[stevenandalex]

I have been driving my wifes vectra b in the snow and it is ok. I would say that this time of year most cars and drivers are well out of there depth.

Steve.

[Magictrousers]

My Vectra 3.2 and Signum CDTi have both been brilliant in the snow and ice, both wearing 235 width tyres.

[AndyBanks]

Hi there,

My SRi is on low profile 215/50 17's and the new Insignia is on 245/45 18's. Hopefully the extra width should help.

I'm really not sure what actually influences how well a car grips in snow. I know how to drive in snow after doing some skid pan training and always drive appropriately.

It's becoming obvious it comes down to tyre choice more than anything. What would you recomend for a good winter tyre on 245/45 18's.

Cheers

[Munter]

Width = worse. Snow tyres recommended are generally narrower to generate more pressure under the contact patch.

[richcorsavxr]

my corsa vxr is terrible, couldn't get up a tiny slope

[richcorsavxr]

my corsa vxr is terrible, couldn't get up a tiny slope but the insignia should be good as its 4x4

[maurauth]

in response to the above, not all insignias are 4x4, the only car that is standard 4x4 is the VXR, and it's only optional on the 2.0T. I think when the twin turbo diesel comes out it's going to be standard 4x4 also.

[Clivey]

The tyres will be by far the biggest factor in determining traction in snowy conditions. Look at the tread pattern of any "sporty" summer tyres and it's not surprising that you just sit there with your driven wheels spinning in the snow.