There is sometimes confusion about what constitutes a winter tyre and what they should be used for, with an astonishing number of people thinking that they should only be used when there is thick snow lying on the ground. As this does not happen very often in the UK, they reason, there is little reason to buy a whole new set of car tyres not getting sufficient snow cover every winter to make it a worthwhile purchase. However, this thinking is incorrect: read on for a complete guide to winter tyres.

Differences between summer tyre, all-weather tyre and winter tyre?

All-weather tyres sound like the perfect solution, but in fact, like so many ‘all-purpose’ products they are not ideal in extreme conditions: very heavy snow, unexpectedly low or high temperatures and excessive amounts of water on the road will all best the so-called all-weather or ‘four season’ tyres. They are perhaps better named fair-weather tyres, as they work well in average weather and temperatures.

Summer tyres are also good weather tyres, easily able to cope with warm days and performing well on both dry and wet roads due to the tread patterning. They are made from a rigid, inelastic compound which means that they are hard-wearing (and therefore economical) and effective, as long as the temperature remains fairly warm, above 7°C.

Winter tyres come into their own below 7°C. Their design is tailored to work most effectively in colder, not necessarily snowier, weather. However, do be aware in instances of very extreme weather – such as a momentous drop in temperature to tens below zero – that you should check the specifications of the tyres and drive with care: there will be temperatures below which even winter tyres will struggle.

What is a winter tyre?

Winter tyres have three distinct features. The first is that they are relatively soft, with the rubber compound from which they are made being high in silica. This allows the tyre to remain pliable when summer tyres will have tightened up or contracted from the cold, leaving a rigid, smooth surface that struggles to grip. Winter tyres will ‘bite down’ onto the road’s surface holding onto a cold surface and even coping with a layer of snow to do so.

Secondly, the tread pattern on winter tyres is quite different to summer and all-weather tyres. The grooves are wide and funnel from the centre of the tyre outward. This encourages the tyre to hold down onto the road, and squeezes any excess moisture, be it from rain or snow, out to the side. This superior grip has seen winter tyres whip summer tyres in any test involving cold or wet conditions, with stopping distances reduced by a massive twenty metres or more.

Thirdly, the design of winter tyres results in the tyre being ‘looser’ than summer tyres, a feature which means that they vibrate busily while in use. The vibrations stop snow and debris from getting compacted into those wide grooves, and keep the tyre surface clean and able to readily grip the surface.

When should you use winter tyres?

Winter tyres should be installed when temperatures will frequently fall below 7°C. In some European countries, winter tyres should be installed from winter’s onset until spring – or Easter, as Germany has ruled. When it comes to winter tyres, the whole of the UK – has no legal requirement to use winter tyres, but they are safer for you and your passengers once winter has set in.

Where can I get Winter Tyres?

A lot of garages these days stock winter tyres considering the chilly and snowy winters, UK have to face. You can start by checking your nearby garages. Or to shop tyres in Headley, visit Headley Tyres Basingstoke Branch or visit their website and book your tyres online with no upfront payment required. You can also call them to get all the information regarding winter tyres.

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My Ultimate Tyre Guide Tips to keep your tyres in good condition How to stay active during the winter season Tips for looking after your home this winter