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Winter tyres can offer extra safety during the colder months, especially when the temperatures are at and below 0°C. They can also be beneficial during extended periods of rain where there's a lot of surface water.
Here's a brief explanation of how they work and why they might be worth investing in.
USING WINTER TYRES
In European countries like Germany, Sweden and Austria, winter tyres are compulsory during winter months. However, while not mandatory for UK drivers, motorists in Suffolk may still want to think about investing in some.
What is a winter tyre?
The main differences between winter tyres and regular tyres are the tread depth, pattern and the compound the tyre is made from.
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On a winter tyre it starts at between 8 and 9mm, as opposed to 7 and 8mm on a regular tyre. The grooves within the tyre are wider and deeper as well, forming a larger channel for snow and water to travel through, which maintains grip on the road.
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The material used to make winter tyres contains a larger percentage of natural rubber and silica which, in cold weather, doesn't harden as that in regular tyres, this in turn improves the tyre’s grip.
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Shorter stopping distance
As well as enhancing road grip, which is obviously a boost for road safety in wet and icy conditions, winter tyres have an affect on stopping distances.
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Tyre manufacturer Continental says that a vehicle fitted with winter tyres will come to a stop on a snowy road after 35 metres. That stopping distance is eight metres longer (43 metres) with regular tyres. That is equivalent to two car lengths; potentially an accident or collision avoided.
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Are winter tyres worth it in the UK?
According to experts, winter tyres are effective in temperatures below 7° Celsius, which we generally see during UK winters.
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Chairman of TyreSafe, one of the UK’s leading tyre safety organisations, Stuart Jackson, says: “There is a misconception that cold weather tyres are not appropriate for drivers in the UK. “However, this couldn't be further from the truth. “Cold weather tyres provide much better grip in both wet and dry conditions when the temperature falls below seven degrees, so they offer extra safety typically from October to March.”
From our experience
Mildenhall's branch manager, Ian, has a spare set of wheels he purchased from a local scrap yard and has a set of winter tyres fitted to them. Stored in his garage they get put on if the time is right. "You notice a big difference when there's a lot of water on the road, and especially if there's snow and slush. Road noise goes up, fuel economy goes down but if you're on the road in winter the improved handling and safety make them worth looking at.".
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Other Points to Consider
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Winter tyres are not as effective or as efficient as regular tyres. In our milder winters it is advisable only to fit winter tyres if the temperature is regularly below 7°C. Sudden cold periods mean having a spare set of wheels fitted with winter tyres can be advantageous.
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Check your insurance policy to see if there are any caveats or benefits when it comes to fitting winter tyres.
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While the tyres are not expensive, having a set of "winter wheels" will cost you more in the short term. However, using another set will save wear and tear on more expensive summer tyres. Factor the safety improvements and you may find winter tyres a real consideration.
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Find out more
Get in touch, we can offer advice on swapping out your tyres, sourcing wheels to own a second set, and so on. We're always happy to help!
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