On the hole, yes

I have checked on your website as to whether you have covered the topic of dealing with potholes as well as snow and ice with a 4x4. People seem mainly concerned with ice and snow. I want to ask if a 4x4 is now the vehicle of choice, no expense spared, to deal with our considerably dilapidated roads. I am considering a new car, and have found that all-weather front tyres can deal with most snow/ice, but I am now concerned about my suspension and wheel welfare with the lack of road repair now extant. Is a 4x4 a better option? I don’t do any off-roading.

Asked on 9 January 2010 by MC, Haywards Heath

Answered by Honest John

It's extremely dangerous to fit mud and snow or winter tyres only to the driven wheels of the car. This can cause severe instability under wet braking and when descending slippery hills. One answer to potholes is a 4WD pick-up with 70 or 75 profile tyres. These won’t absorb the potholes because a pick up has crude suspension. But they are the least likely tyres to be damaged by potholes. Tyre and wheels most likely to be damaged by potholes are any with profiles of less than 50. You can get a Honda CR-V with 70 profile 17" tyres. That might be the best compromise.

Tags: winter tyres winter

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