Winter Tyres
When it comes to winter and things become more slippery on the roads, snow and ice hazards 3 million road users had accidents in 2010 according to a survey conducted by Continental Tyres.
Why Winter Tyres?
Due to changes in temperature summer tyres harden quickly and do not make as good a contact with the ground. Winter tyres are manufactured from a different compound that reduces how much they harden and have the same lifespan.
What Is The Difference Between Winter And Summer Tyre’s?
Specialists in tyre design say you are better off with winter tyres all year round because the difference in stopping distance with summer tyres in winter is much higher than winter tyres used in summer. However winter tyres used in dry weather do not stop as quickly.
Normal tyre rubber is not the same formulated rubber used in winter tyres because they are designed to work in temperatures below 7 degrees. If a normal tyre was to be used below this temperature, it becomes more rigid and less flexible.
As well as the rubber compound being different and much more concentrated and combined with that more “sipes” being used, it provides much more grip and safety on the road.
When used on icy and snowy roads, a 30 mph speed will bring the vehicle to a standstill around 35 meters where a normal tyre will take the vehicle at the same speed up to and over 43 meters. That is an additional 2 car lengths ahead.
When Should I Fit Them?
If you live in certain parts of Europe it is a legal requirement to have them fitted, but in the UK it is only a recommendation. However we suggest you fit them and leave them on between October and the end of March.
How Much Are They?
There is not much price difference between a normal and winter tyre, despite the research and development done. They will also last just as long as your normal tyres too.
How Do I Store Them?
You can either stack them on top of each other up to four high maximum as the weight on top of them changes the shape. The preferred method is to have them mounted on rims so you can check their tyre pressure at full inflation for the vehicle being used.