Tyres made specifically for cold weather improve traction and safety in challenging driving situations.
Winter tyres are made specifically to be used in cold climates. Many people believe that they work best when there is snow or ice on the ground, however this is a widespread myth. In actuality, they are created for cold weather in general.
Winter risks include rain, damp leaves, snow, and black ice.
Your car’s tyres improve driving safety, but only under specific circumstances.
What exactly do they do and are they the appropriate choice for you, first and foremost?
Find out if you need to get them by reading on.
How do winter tyres work?
Compared to summer tyres, winter tyres are built differently and contain more silica and natural rubber.
They have a softer compound, deeper grooves, and tiny incisions (known as sipes) included into the tread.
These characteristics improve contact with the road by spreading water and snow and allowing the rubber to move around. Because they don’t harden as the temperature drops the way summer tyres do, they provide better traction in colder weather.
The insignia on the sidewall of these tyres can help you identify them. These are the three-peak mountain snowflake (3PMSF) and the M+S symbol, both comply with acknowledged industry standards.
Are they worth it?
Given the evidence that winter tyres perform better in cold weather than summer tyres, you might anticipate that more drivers would make the switch each year.
The tyre industry typically recommends installing winter tyres during this period because temperatures are frequently below the 7 degrees Celsius tipping point between October and March.
For winter tyres, temperatures below 7 degrees Celsius are ideal. In these conditions, regardless of whether there is snow or ice, they actually perform better for traction, cornering grip, and braking than normal “summer” tyres.
Installing tyres for the winter can help keep you and your family safe during the colder seasons.
What is the law?
In the UK, these types of tyres are not mandatory. However, many of whom reside in more rural regions, such as mountainous areas, choose to install them.
How long do winter tyres last?
An average set of winter tyres should last roughly as long as an average set of summer tyres when used as intended in colder climates.
The softer rubber of winter tyres, which aren’t made for warmer climates, will soon wear out if you leave them on your car all year.
Additionally, stopping distances lengthen and grip and traction deteriorate. It’s best to use the appropriate tyre for the applicable weather.
Why can’t I just put on socks or snow chains?
If you live in a region where snowfall is severe and roads are poorly cleared, it is recommended to keep snow chains and socks in your boot.
In some of the colder nations of Europe, having them in your car is mandatory by law, but given how harsh the winters are in the UK, it’s doubtful that you’ll use them much.
Remember that snow chains and socks only function on ice or snow-covered surfaces; even during severe weather, UK roads are typically sufficiently cleaned to eliminate the need for them. However, winter tyres will be better able to handle chilly, slushy roads.
When can I invest in them for my car?
These specific tyres can be purchased all year long, but demand will inevitably increase as the seasons change and the temperature lowers in the autumn and winter months.
If the winter is extremely harsh, demand will undoubtedly exceed supply, making it difficult for you to get a pair for your vehicle.
If you’re thinking about purchasing a set of tyres, it would be wise to do so sometime in the autumn, before the weather worsens.
Keep your car safe with winter tyres from our Bangor Tyre Company! Let us help you prepare for the colder months with reliable and durable tyres designed to keep you safe on the roads.
Whatever you need, get in contact with our team today to learn more about winter tyres or to schedule an appointment with our staff.