CRV - Winter tyres?

[Irrotational]

I've read a lot about winter tyres in general and how good they are in the snow...

Are they necessary for a CRV? I have standard 17" tyres on my 2009 plate, which have an M+S marking (but not the proper "snow" marking).

Looking at websites there are only two high(ish) profile 17" tyres and they were both pretty pricey.

What tyres have owners used in the snow? and did they work?

Some pertinent facts:-

1. I live just north of glasgow - over the last few years we have had a fair bit of snow
2. We live at the bottom of a steep cul-de-sac, that isnt cleared of snow so it compacts down to ice
3. Despite this, fairly often we could get our old Scenic* up the hill
4. My wife is due to give birth in mid-december!!

Any info gratefully recieved

• yes it was a hateful thing and yes I regretted the day we ever bought it!!

[grumpyscot]

I have both a 57 plate and a T reg CRV. Both have standard tyres - 57 plate had the original factory fitted Dunlops, and the T reg dolly mixtures. The T reg squeals when 4 wheel drive cuts in - it never squealed all winter. Both cars are autos - I simply take off in "2".

I live on quite a steep hill (east of Edinburgh) and, along with another neighbour further down who also has a CRV, we were the only ones who could get out of the street (12" of snow and 2 inches of sheer ice) without having to clear a path or use salt. In fact, at one stage, I had to tow a neighbour's BMW X5 out, as he simply couldn't get a decent grip with his big fat tyres!

[Irrotational]

Ok - thats useful to know - thanks!