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Winter tyres As Snow Falls
Winter tyres As Snow Falls
We will take you on a journey of discovery
to understand the difference between winter tyres and summer tyres in all road usage conditions. Find the right summer or winter.
Source: www.youtube.com Another great Michelin video.
We are the half way stage of winter here in Halifax, Yorkshire, UK. I must admit that, as the owner of a successful tyre business, I still feel the need to write about the importance of winter tyres versus summer tyres (2), as the beginning of winter approaches in November.
I am not the only one; in fact, there are thousands of safety-conscious tyre manufacturers and tyre retailers. Who likes me to try to get the driving public to fit winter tyres versus summer tyres? As the winter approaches.
In general, I am pleased with the response of the public over the past five winters. There has been a growing trend to fit winter tyres by the public as they realise how much safer they are when coping with the winter weather, including the growing amount of snow that we are having these days.
In the old days, we would only ever see the rich customers who were going to drive to Europe, probably skiing.
These drivers would have to fit winter tyres versus summer tyres . Winter tyres As Snow Falls
Here we are again, another winter in the Pennine town of Halifax, UK. We usually see our first snow fall in November ! So this year, 2021, has been no different.
On the 26th and 27th, a severe storm system pounded us after a period of clear days and mild weather. The storm came as a “Red warning” and was named “Arwen” by the UK met office.
storm struck in the middle of the night. Winter tyres As Snow Falls
As a result, there was a loud clap of thunder immediately after a huge flash of lightning that woke us up. This was right above our heads. The gales swept in and deposited a few inches of fresh snow . Especially over the Halifax area.
The first snow fall has always been exciting to me. Because of course we sell a variety of winter tyres and all season tyres.
Unfortunately, the winds were very strong and brought down some power in the Halifax area. In our case, the phones were not working correctly and for some reason, our internet went down. However, we reverted to the old-fashioned ways, pre-internet and carried on by dealing with our customers over the counter and issuing hand written bills.
I must admit that we were all excited ! Winter tyres As Snow Falls
Especially when a customer ordered some snow tyres. It was a change from our normal routine of fitting the same old tyres to the same old cars. Older tyre depot owners will remember this and know what I mean?
As time went on, more and more European countries would have to fit winter tyres by law, and so the tyre manufacturers had to come up with a better winter tyre product.
Cars were getting faster and more comfortable to drive, so different materials were used in the tyre compound to make them more flexible in cold weather.
Winter versus summer tyres-Silica introduced
The introduction of silica into the tyres compound helped to solve this problem. Many tyre companies had to come up with ways to dissipate the water and slush. Consequently, that clogged up the tread. Importantly, this was done by fitting a heavy tread pattern, including big lugs for grip. The big lugs were effective but would build up road noise at speed.
Tyre companies started to experiment by using more tinier slits than were previously used, which would open up and release trapped snow and water, enabling the tyre to grip on the surface, They also allowed a bigger surface area to give the tyre better grip and traction.
These are known as “sipes”, I talk all the time about sipes but they were an important evolution in the development of the modern winter tyre.
These two combinations—the silica and the addition of a much more effective tread pattern—
Of course, these were the key ingredients that helped develop modern winter tyres versus summer tyres. These tyres are now also available in all sizes to fit all cars, including SUVs and crossover cars.
Pellon Tyre and Auto-Centre offer car and van servicing and repairs to all makes of vehicles.