Utter crap, Winter tyres are well worth it. Why would most European countries use them and in some countries the use be compulsary with fines for not fitting them!
See here...
http://www.blackcircles.com/tyres/wi...nd-legislation
If you have ever driven a BMW or other rear wheel drive in the snow on summer tyres you would know. That is the problem with this country, we never prepare for bad weather and then we moan when it snows and blame everyone else instead of ourselvs when the country grinds to a halt. Other countries manage that experience worse weather than us because they are prepared.
I have paid £400 for a set of new Pirelli winter runflats and delivery mileage genuine BMW alloys. The ame set from BMW would be over £1000! I could use these for 2-3 winter and still sell them for a profit. Part worn sets are fetching over £500 on Ebay!
Winter tyre are made of a different compound which stays soft below 7 Degrees Celcius where summer tyre rubber starts to go hard. They also have a different tread pattern with Sipes to help grip in the snow better and are better at dispersing water.
I would rather pay out £400 and know my missus stands a better chance of controlling her car in the bad weather.