With Christmas Day just over three weeks away, it’s safe to say that the UK has watched temperatures drop recently. And although winter doesn’t technically start until December 21st, the cold weather still has an impact on how we drive. That’s why many organisations believe that winter tyres should actually be referred to as cold weather tyres, as they should be used on cars when the temperature drops below 7°C. However, what many motorists struggle with is knowing what tyres to go for and whether they’re actually worth it or not. To put it simply, yes, they are 100% worth it.
First Off, What Are Winter Tyres?
Thanks to their soft compound, deep grooves and narrow cuts (sipes), winter tyres are designed to offer optimum traction and grip in cold conditions. These are all specifically designed by manufacturing experts to help effectively disperse both water and snow. You’ll notice what tyres are made for winter by the snowflake symbol featured on the sidewall.
When compared to summer or all-season tyres, winter tyres are made from more natural rubber, meaning that they remain more flexible in low winter temperatures. This helps to reduce the stopping distance and maintain excellent grip. The way the tread on winter tyres has been designed allows for extra bite into the snow and ice, resulting in an interlocking grip. This is especially important in the centre of the tread where the tyre carries the highest load.
When They Should be Used
Contrary to belief, winter tyres aren’t just for use on snow. Instead, they are so much more than that. Featuring specially designed tread patterns, winter tyres are made for use during all kinds of cold weather conditions. They’re made in a way to disperse more water and offer more grip than what summer or all-season tyres would, which means they’re suitable for use when the road is either wet or dry.
What the Benefits Are
Winter tyres come with an array of driving benefits, such as:
Shorter stopping distances – winter tyres have the ability to dramatically reduce braking distances on snow and ice compared to that of summer tyres.
Improved safety and performance – winter tyres have excellent grip during cold weather conditions because of the specifically developed compound that contains more natural rubber.
Less risk of aquaplaning – your vehicle is less likely to lose traction with the road when it’s wet because the tread patterns are specifically designed to disperse more water.
Winter Tyres vs Summer Tyres
If you have two vehicles that were exactly the same and travelling at the same speed during cold conditions, the car that had winter tyres on would come to a halt much quicker than the one with summer counterparts fitted. In fact, when driving at 60mph on cold and damp roads, winter tyres will brake around 4.8 metres shorter.
Unlike regular tyres, the tread compound and tread pattern of those designed for winter are very different. Small slits, also known as sipes, on the surface of the tyre aids grip and performance. What’s more, winter tyres also contain a much higher percentage of natural rubber, silica and other additives, which is what prevents them from becoming hard when the temperature drops.
How Much Do Winter Tyres Cost?
If you’ve just had some quality summer tyres fitted, you may not want to pay for four brand-new winter tyres. However, think of it this way, once replaced, your summer tyres will be stored away for a few months, meaning they’re not being used at all. This, in the long run, can actually help them to last longer.
It must be said that there’s no set price for winter tyres. Just like regular tyres, they come in a wide range of price brackets. There are budget options and premium brands – such as Bridgestone, Goodyear and Dunlop – that all provide winter tyres, and the more you pay the more you’re likely to get out of them.
Are They a Legal Requirement?
Though common, they are not compulsory – not in the UK anyway. However, there are many parts of Europe where winter tyres are mandatory. For example, drivers in Sweden must have winter tyres fitted to their vehicle between December and March. In Austria, however, motorists need to have them on cars between November 1st and April 15th.
Laws surrounding the use of winter tyres vary throughout Mainland Europe, with each location having a different set of rules. Driving in the UK during winter is simple, but if you’re about to set off on your travels, it’ll be worth carrying out some research before you set off.
Where to Buy Winter Tyres
Make sure your car is ready for the cold weather and get yourself some winter tyres. They’ll help you to feel safer on the roads and prevent your day-to-day schedule from being interrupted. With Asda Tyres, ordering is quick and easy. You’ll find a range of top brands that offer high-quality tyres for great prices.