The first snow of the year may still be some way off – hopefully – but now’s the time to think about getting geared up for motoring during the winter months. There’s a number of routine things to do, including topping up with antifreeze and screen wash, getting your car serviced, and ensuring you have a few emergency supplies, such as a blanket and torch, just in case. One of the best investments you can make, however, is to buy winter tyres.
Our attitude to winter tyres in the UK has been gradually changing in recent years, especially in the wake of some harsh winters. Although it is common practice for motorists to fit winter tyres in most European countries – and mandatory in many of them – drivers in the UK have tended to consider them an unnecessary expense.
The misconception is that winter tyres are for extreme weather conditions and only needed in those parts of the country where snow and icy roads are prevalent in winter. Apart from the fact that we seem to be getting more snow and wintry conditions throughout the UK, winter tyres have come a long way in recent years and, such are the technological advances in their construction, they provide added safety and performance on cold or wet roads, as well as icy ones.
It’s estimated that more than a third of drivers have been stuck because of wintry conditions on the road. The fact that too many people drive around with bald tyres (1 in 10, of us according to industry estimates) no doubt contributes, but even perfectly sound tyres can struggle for grip under certain conditions.
Why winter tyres?
The tread pattern on winter tyres is what makes them so efficient. Small slits, or sipes, on the surface of the tyre, help them to grip on icy roads or compacted snow. Normal tyres are designed to perform best above 7C, but temperatures on the roads are frequently below that from October to April in the UK. Unlike normal tyres, where the rubber hardens below 7C and reduces grip, winter tyres contain a higher percentage of natural rubber, as well as silica and other additives, that stops them from hardening on colder surfaces.
Most drivers slow down or change their driving style if they see snow or ice on the road, but cold or damp surfaces are harder to distinguish from wet roads and these conditions can be dangerous if the temperature drops below 7C. Anyone who has driven with winter tyres will know what a difference they make. While other cars are slipping and sliding about, you feel safe and confident. Tests have shown that at speeds of 20mph, a car fitted with winter tyres will stop 11 metres shorter on icy roads, compared to one with standard tyres. At 60mph on cold and damp roads, winter tyres will brake 4.8 metres quicker. Fitting winter tyres to your car will give you better handling and you’ll feel a lot safer on the road when the temperature starts to drop.
View our wide range of winter tyres here at Asda Tyres.