I noticed that you have endorsed the use of snow tyres recently. I have been Michelin Alpin, M + S rated tyres in winter since 1997 and swear by them. However, I have seen reports in the press that some insurers are trying to levy increased premiums on the grounds that fitting winter tyres is a modification! Surely this is an outrage and cannot be justified. Am I correct in not notifying British insurer when I swap my summer wheel for my winter wheels complete with M + S rated tyres?

German car users handbooks give a range of wheel and tyre sizes and types ( including M + S ) which are considered by the makers to be acceptable for each of their cars. This is because the German registration documents quote the same information.