The original fit tires were Continental all weather tires. The Vredestein Wintracs fitted since are notably more comfortable, offer better wet road grip and are very good in snow. Recent deep snow demonstrated just how good they were, as the car managed quite steep inclines with ease and kept going even when the snow was deeper than the ground clearance. Still need caution on ice, as no tire can overcome the laws of physics! The penalty is the Wintracs wear faster than the Continentals (which I suppose proves they are a softer rubber compound to better cope at low temperatures).

First year I've bought a dedicated winter tire, and my what a difference. To say there is an improvement over standard offroad tires is not doing these justice; I was amazed at just how much grip they give, even with one side of car on ice and the other on tarmac they were composed, reassuring and never stepped out of line. Deep snow, deep mud etc seem to fall off the tires, they self clean so well you are left with almost clean tread on each rotation. I was concerned as having no central bar all round that they would wear quick and be noisy, but were better than standard fit options from main dealer on my pathfinder. Just bought a new car, and these are first purchase for next winter, and I wouldn't consider "making do" with a normal tire again. 100% recommended, just make sure you buy them early, because they don't stay around for long. Leave me a set though ;-)

Just bought a set of 4 for my freelander 2 ready for the snow at the start of december 2010 and used them in the heavy snow this week before christmas, ive taken off my wranglers and put in the garage ready for the spring they are good but these Vredesteins are the best ive ever used in heavy snow,ive had rangerovers,disos old and new,and a izusu but this freelander 2 with these tires on are by far the best. We live out in the middle of the back of beyond and weve not had a problem at all getting about. i bought the tires just for the winter so cant give a full score.

Fitted these to my rear wheel drive car as winter tires. They are quiet and comfortable. Great grip in cold wet conditions (under 7 degrees) and great grip in snow on compacted ice like found on numerous non-gritted side roads. I would recommend to buy as cheaper than Continental and Michelin winter tires but just as good in my opinion. The only downside is they are not as good as summer tires to drive in warmer conditions - I tried and the car not as smooth - but - when cold they retain rubber softness and feel great - look good to. I did lots of prior research then purchased so hope this review helps.

I cannot rate these tires highly enough when it comes to driving in snow. In my freelander 2 with these tires I can and have performed a 3 point turn in over 1ft of snow. I have driven up and down step roads drifted over with at least 14-16" of snow (life in west Aberdeenshire is fun). I don't know what black magic is at work, as to look at the tread isn't all that impressive but the grip in snow is incredible much better actually than in wet grass which was ok but nothing special. If you are looking for tire specifically for the snow then these are for you

Great tires,I ripped the original p zeros apart, on the potholed roads. They had only done 6000 miles.
The wintracs are far superior in every respect except hot weather hi speed motoring.
They are quieter, more comfortable, do not track all over the road like the p zero's and are unbelievable in the snow.
Oh, and they are 1/2 price too!!

Tires are on my 08 Touareg SE 3.0 V6. Exceptional is the word. Tires are quiet and summer like in the dry, not particularly affecting noise levels or fuel economy at all (perhaps slightly in town traffic). When wet or snowing tires respond brilliantly. I live in Aberdeenshire - this very morning it snowed and iced up overnight, car handled great with other 4x4's losing traction (which I'm sure mine would have if I'd kept my summer Conti's on!). They are pricey at about ?600 fitted but considering their longevity (wear wise) and the fact that they are not too far behind Michelin for quality, I think all round they're a good option and investment (particularly if you live in an area where road snow is frequent or expected).

These have never let me down. I live several miles off a main road, all single track never gritted these tires worked all last winter now being replaced by a second set.

I bought these in the nick of time in December 09 and they were brilliant in snow on my Saab Aero. Very sure footed and coped extremely well under power and braking. I will be buying these again.

unreal, fantastic such a difference to the geolanders, and the others i have had, its a different car, to drive completely!!!!
Amazing difference!

It is important when considering a winter tire that is expensive in comparison to a summer tire that if you want to use it all year round it will do the job whatever you throw at it. Having looked at supposedly all weather tires; I noteed various reports that basically said that if you are going to drive any distance in snow, dont bother fitting AW tires. I then looked at what was available and the Veredesein fitted the criteria at a reasonable price and specification. Having now run two sets of these excellent tires through heavy snow in Norway as well as running through hot summers in France and Italy - I can say that they have performed extremely effectively and have just ordered a new set for this years winter trip to Norway / Sweden where although I will carry snow chains I have yet had to fit them as the tires are so good.

Fitted on Audi A6 Allroad Quattro (with Autohome roof tent). Used in the Alps in 10 inches of snow (max), steep icy/snowy slopes, uphill and downhill at speeds up to 40/50mph. Previously owned Michelin Pilot Alpine II on A4 Avant (non-Quattro). Comparison is very positive with extraordinary grip in deep snow and what may be difficult conditions without the Quattro/vredestein combination. Braking distance in snow was tight and always in control (ABS). Sharp starts are blistering as no slipping felt. Mornal / summer motroway driving / noise is very good for snow tires.

One drawback is wear: on this vehicle, it appears that the Xtrem4 do wear out on normal UK roads quite quickly. Hammerblow is relative pricing to Michelin's. Michelin's simply do not last twice not justifying the double price tag. Counter-intuitively, added advantage is that replacement is more regular that on the Michelin's - which keeps the rubber softness issue on your side. Overall, excellent tire for alpine use and confident in normal roads...