What do you think of the Mini Countryman?

I am thinking of buying a Mini Countryman SD ALL4, I'm downsizing from a Range Rover Sport. Do you know of or had you heard of any problems with this vehicle? I know it will not be as capable in the snow...

Which winter tyres for my Mercedes-Benz C-Class?

My current car is a 2005 Mercedes-Benz C180K auto estate, tyres Michelin 205/55WR16. In snow I have to traverse an 80-yard unsalted incline before reaching the council’s salted highway, otherwise I'm happy...

Winter tyres are superior in performance to 4-wheel drive without winter tyres.

I thought you might like to hear that we bought the S-Max you suggested to replace a Land Rover Discovery 3 and can confirm your advice that the winter tyres are definitely much better than 4-wheel-drive...

I'm really pleased with the performance of 'snow socks' as fitted to my Volkswagen Touran.

I saw your recent reply about snow socks. I have a pair of AutoSocks, which I have used three times. In January I travelled twenty-six miles in them on partially gritted and very snowy non-gritted roads....

Why aren't winter tyres encouraged in Britain?

West Dorset is a rural and hilly area with three ways out of our village: two steeply upwards and one steeply down. During the recent snowy weather cars were skidding all over the place. I have winter...

Should I specify X-drive four-wheel drive on my new BMW 320d?

I am about to order a new BMW F30 320d auto Touring and am seriously thinking on including their new four-wheel drive system. BMW advises me it drives by the rear wheels and kicks in when the front start...

Strayed into a bus lane during a snow storm - can I contest the PCN?

On Sunday 20th January, I found it necessary to drive in Kingston upon Thames. It was snowing hard and some signage to my destination was partially obliterated by the snow attached to it. Being a disabled...

Which spacious, reliable vehicle offers good performance in winter?

I currently drive a Volvo V50 which is perfect for me and four dogs, however winter conditions pose problems. I live in a rural and hilly part of Devon and in 2010 and 2011 I couldn't leave the village...

Why can't people clear snow from their windscreens properly?

Over the last few days of treacherous snow and icy conditions, I am amazed and frightened by the number of drivers leaving their homes with the snow and ice still covering their cars, particularly the...

Skating on ABS - a quick way into the hedge?

While sliding helplessly across a road junction and into the opposite hedge I had time to consider that ABS isn't really any help at all on thin or slushy ice. It thinks "Whoops, slippy here. Might lock-up"...