What is life like with your car? Let us know and win £500 in John Lewis vouchers | No thanks

Will winter tyres prevent my Nissan X-Trail from skidding on ice?

I have a Nissan X-Trail 4x4 which is fine in the snow but skids on ice in the winter. Would winter tyres reduce the skidding and should they be used when the car is in 4-wheel-drive?

Asked on 13 November 2010 by RK, Ipswich

Answered by Honest John
Yes. Winter tyre compounds are suitable for temperatures below 8 degrees. Best fitted to a separate set of rims and used on the car from November to March. They greatly reduce braking distances on snow and on wet roads at below 8 degrees centigrade.
Similar questions
Being the owner of two rear-wheel-drive cars I am frustrated at being marooned in my house during the snowy conditions. As we live on slight hill we have not been able to drive to the nearest main road...
I read with interest your article regarding winter tyres in France and wondered whether my Michelin Cross Climate tyres would be acceptable under French law? If not are snow chains acceptable?
I'm looking for a good quality 2.0-litre petrol 4WD SUV / estate car, preferably two or three years old. We live in a lane which most years gets snowed in for a few days so it must actually perform in...
Related models
Excellent drive on tarmac and very competent off road, large boot, plenty of standard equipment.