Expert answer

Hi Noel,

Depending where you are in the world people refer to winter tyres as that or snow tyres. However, there are also more extreme tyres available specifically for driving on snow and ice that have metal studs in them.

Winter tyres that are suitable for Irish roads could be used all year around, though they do wear quicker in warmer weather. Likewise, in warmer weather they have less grip than a normal tyre. However, they come into their own in temperatures below +7 degrees centigrade (yes, that warm), as they don't harden. That means they're of use even if you're on a bone-dry road in low temperatures. On top of that they have 'sipes' cut into the rubber that massively increased grip on snow and ice.

Whether it's worth fitting them in Ireland is up for debate. Historically we only have a few days a year in which these tyres would be the best option, but the past two years have certainly increased the perception that we have cold, snowy winters. They are invaluable in such circumstances. Not only do they enhance traction to make it easier to climb hills, they also make it safer and easier to turn and stop.

A good value alternative to have in the boot that'll keep you going (at lower speeds) is snow socks.

Hope that helps.

Expert answer

Hi Blake,

You really shouldn't drive any further with the car in this state. It sounds like the pads have not been fitted correctly and the wheel should be removed and the brakes inspected by a qualified mechanic. We'd like to help, but it really is something that needs to be physically seen.

Good luck with it.

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Hi Ruairi,

Hi Ruairi, with regard to this we received some good advice from The Automotif Centre on the Kinsale Road in Cork, who said "The BMW 116 hub is 72.5, PCD is 5x120. The suspension is designed for runflats. Steel wheel bolts are shorter & 12x1.5."

Expert answer

Hi Ciaran,

The Sorento is known for being robust and generally mechanically sound. However, its suspension was never the most comfortable. Your car is very low mileage so I would be surprised if anything in the suspension needs to be replaced as yet. One option would be to ask a mechanic to replace the dampers with high quality items. They'll cost more though.

Before you do that I'd urge you to try to get your hands on another example of the Sorento - from a dealer or something - to compare back-to-back with your own over the same bumpy road. Only then can you know if there's a problem.

Finally, check the tyre pressures as well and make sure they're within spec.

Hope that helps in some way.

Expert answer

Expert answer

Hi Barbara,

It is always hard to give a proper price estimate on a car without knowing the mileage and condition but you should expect to be offered around €12,000 for the Avensis depending on the condition and the dealer you go to.

The RAV4 would probably be worth around €14,500 as a trade-in. It is not unheard of for two cars to be traded-in, but you generally have to find a pretty understanding dealer or one who really wants the cars you have to trade-in. Remember that a dealer has to service your trade-in, perhaps put new tyres on it and add a warranty, so this all adds cost. 

I hope this helps. 

Expert answer

Hi Noel,

Two new models have been launched in the Skoda Yeti range and these make up part of a strong model line-up for 2011, which will include a new 4.9 per cent finance offering on Yeti models. Skoda, as part of the Volkswagen Group, will offer finance through its own bank.

The two new models in the Skoda Yeti range are a 1.6-litre TDI Greenline that has 105hp and replaces the 2.0-litre 100hp diesel. It has emissions of 119g/km, which means it sits in motor tax band A.

The car features stop-start technology, low-rolling resistance tyres and brake energy recuperation. Prices start at €23,165 for the Greenline Active, €24,125 for the Ambition model and €26,035 for the Experience.

Also on offer for the first time is the 4x4 version. It comes with a 2.0-litre diesel engine putting out 170hp and with emissions of 155g/km it sits in motor tax band C.

There are Ambition and Experience specifications available for this model and prices are €29,545 for the Ambition and €31,480 for the Experience.

Skoda sold 775,000 cars worldwide in 2010, but has ambitions to sell 1.5 million by 2015. It will launch several new models to the line-up between now and then.

A small A-segment car that will take on the Ford Ka and Toyota iQ will go on sale in 2013, followed by a replacement to the Skoda Octavia that same year. A new version of the Skoda Roomster comes in 2014 and that same year a new version of the Fabia will arrive.

The new Yeti models are now in dealerships. 

Hope that helps

Expert answer

Hi William,

We'd be only too happy to help you choose a new car if that's the route you want to go down, but one suggestion we'd have that could save you the cost of changing cars is to change the tyres on your Santa Fe to winter tyres.

Many people think that winter tyres are only of use in snow and ice, but that's far from the case. Regular tyres begin to go hard (and hence lose grip) at just seven degrees Celsius. That's regardless of how wet or dry the road surface is. Winter tyres, however, do not go hard at these temperatures and hence retain much higher levels of grip.

It's often said that a two-wheel drive car on winter tyres is better in slippery conditions than a four-wheel drive car on regular tyres.

I have first-hand experience of using winter tyres over the past week and I can confirm that they really make a huge difference. Bear in mind that they help with braking and turning, as well as traction.

You may have heard people say that winter tyres wear out quicker, but actually that's not the case at this time of year. When the temperatures are low, regular tyres wear quicker than winter tyres.

Admittedly, winter tyres wear quicker and their braking performance isn't as impressive as a regular tyre's in warm weather.

There's no doubt that winter tyres are more expensive to buy, but it'd be cheaper than changing your car.

If, however, you want to change your car regardless, come back to us and we'll help you through it.

Expert answer

Hi Sean,

The answer really depends on the type of four-wheel drive you have. Most road-biased SUVs and crossovers with four-wheel drive apportion the engine output to the wheels with the most grip. Some won't use four-wheel drive unless slip is detected anyway. In those cars it makes sense to leave the car in four-wheel drive mode all the time, certainly in the snowy weather we have right now. Best to not get stuck rather than turning on the four-wheel drive when you might already be having an issue.

Some four-wheel drives have a 'differential lock', which makes sure that all the wheels receive equal amounts of power. That should only be used in really tricky conditions, as the car won't be very responsive to turning and the tyres would wear out quicker on a normal road in that mode.

Hope that helps, but feel free to ask us more.

Expert answer

Renault have come back to us with the information. 

The pressures in are front: 2.1 bar (30 psi)and rear 2.0 bar (29 psi) on the 225/55 R17s.

If you do a lot of motorway driving then these should be 2.2 bar (32 psi) front and 2.0 bar (29 psi) rear.

I hope this helps.