I can remember those days also, mine were the tyres with less than enough tread usually. In days of old in never never land, I could only just afford the payments for the second hand car, tyres! pphhh, they were a luxury, that were only changed as a last resort and then usually on borrowed money. Then, almost too late, I learnt the secret of life, a better education. It worked for me, half as much work, twice or more as much pay, now I can afford a Lexus, a story that will bring back memories to many, I bet.
In Italy it is obligatory to wear snow tyres between November and the end of March, needless to say most people do not use them, and the bill are not normally very good at their job, so it is pretty safe. I have been undecided on which tyres to get for Mr. Jingles, but will have a set for next winter. I have Winter and Summer tyres for my Subaru and use that when I leave my local area and head for the mountains, or Switzerland, the Swiss police are more capable shall we say, they also track one down to issue the fine.
With all the rain this year I was thinking of building a raft powered by Mr. Jingles, steered by water jet, no prop or rudder to snag, also to incorporate a track just in case it encountered terra firma. The track would be available in Winter or Summer versions.
Michael.