Advantages of Winter Tyres
During the winter, the UK gets fairly minimal snow and extreme cold conditions do not last for long periods which may go some way to explaining why the uptake of winter tyres is low compared with other countries.
Many car owners may question: what is the point in paying the extra expense on a set of extra tyres that will only truly be needed on very few days a year? Well, the answer is: the design of winter tyres is not targeted specifically at the snow. At temperatures below 7 degrees centigrade, winter tyres are shown to reduce braking distances and make the car easier to control. They improve traction in all the horrible winter conditions the UK can experience – snow, ice, rain, and general slush. The main reason they are able to do this is that they are made of higher levels of natural silica than regular tyres. This allows them to remain flexible at the lower temperatures, improving grip and reducing the braking distances.
Winter tyres also have deeper tread moulds to regular tyres. This helps disperse surface water and reduces the chances of the car aquaplaning. Contained along these tread moulds are masses of sipes, small channels in the tread blocks, that bite into the snow and ice on the road, improving traction. Winter tyres can reduce braking distance in icy conditions by up to eleven metres; a significant distance in any situation.
Some European countries make winter tyres a legal requirement, and many of the car manufacturers recommend them, as they are purpose built to work alongside a vehicle’s own safety features. Putting aside cynicism that companies just want to sell extra tyres, all evidence points to drivers getting a level of handling and grip with winter tyres that they do not get with their regular varieties.
With regard to additional expense, it goes without saying that initially a second set of tyres will be needed. Yet when the winter tyres are on the car, the regular tyres will not be subject to wear and tear. Over time the initial outlay will work itself into what would have been spent on tyres in general over a period of time. The regular tyres, or summer tyres, are better when the temperatures start to rise again in March and April, as they will then have the better grip than winter tyres.
Tyre retailers have in the past tended to keep limited winter tyres in stock, so if you are thinking about buying a set it is best not to wait until the snow is on the ground. Their removal again in spring can bring a storage problem to some people with limited space. If there is no room in the garage, shed, or loft, some car dealers and fast-fit centres offer storage facilities.
When the weather takes a turn for the worse, as it inevitably will, winter tyres are shown to improve handling and grip in such conditions, and this, combined with sensible driving habits for the conditions, are worthy of consideration.
During the cold season, Munster Tyres are committed to making sure you are safe on the roads with the supply and fitting of top quality winter tyres. Simply get in touch with our expert team today for further information.