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Telegraph tests winter tyres against summer counterparts

The Telegraph newspaper in Britain has tested a set of winter tyres against their summer counterparts on two and four-wheel drive cars.

Journalist Chris Knapman tested the difference in performance of the two kinds of tyres at the Porsche Experience Centre at Silverstone.

The reports states: “This seven per cent slope features a low-friction surface and two computer-controlled water jets to simulate the kind of conditions that for the last two years have sent British roads into a state of chaos.”

The first test revealed that a two-wheel drive car on winter tyres is better than a four-wheel-drive car on summer tyres.

Knapman reports: “Having just about (and it was a close thing) managed to zig zag our way to the top of the Ice Hill in a four-wheel-drive Cayenne on summer tyres, we are going to try something slightly different.

“Climbing down from the big SUV I land in the seat of a rear-wheel drive, high-performance Porsche Boxster and return to the bottom of the Ice Hill. In theory the Boxster shouldn’t stand a chance here, but as I slot the gearlever into drive and lean on the throttle it begins to move. Be too ambitious with the power and the rear wheels will still spin, but with a bit of restraint it ascends the hill with ease, its steering crisp and controlled. The difference, of course, is that it’s wearing winter tyres.

To read the full article go http://www.telegraph.co.uk/motoring/motoringvideo/9715518/Winter-tyres-put-to-the-test.html.