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Winter tyre tips safety aspects
Winter tyre tips safety aspects
Winter tyres can dramatically increase grip on slippery surfaces! Such as frozen lakes… Winter tyres are fitted by many of our European cousins during the colder seasons. Yet we Brits still mostly stick with summer rubber all year round. Attitudes are beginning to change in the UK, though, and […]
Winter tyre tips
Tyre testing is an essential part
of reporting about winter tyre products. Accordingly, these tests are carried out under very strict supervision. In the early days, winter tyres were thought to be just a gimmick. Hence, to help the motorists part with their money.
As time went by, winter tyres became more acceptable. Of course, I think it was becoming recognised that tread designs and the tyre compounds were becoming more relevant. As expected, new chemicals were added to keep the tyre rubber more supple in cold weather.
The cold has always been the enemy of rubber products. Winter tyre tips safety aspects
Thus making them hard and rigid. The tyres were no different. Things changed when “Silica” was added to the tread compound. Of course, with silica added, the tyres became more flexible and, therefore, more responsive in freezing cold weather.
Along with different tread designs, including many new sipes, winter tyres became the new buzz word. In the past ten years, we at Pellon Tyres here in Halifax have seen a massive rise in the popularity of winter tyres.
The increase in sales has benefited drivers. Winter tyre tips safety aspects
who previously would not have been able to drive their cars in bad, icy, and snowy conditions. Most of our winter tyre sales came from word-of-mouth recommendations from friends and relatives.
Until recent years, much of the Autocar team was sceptical about winter rubber.
They were called a conspiracy
designed by the car and tyre manufacturers to get us to part with our hard-earned money for something that we don’t strictly need. But then we tried some, at which point opinions on the subject changed completely.
Finally, here in 2024, we are now Falken tyre dealers for the Calderdale area of Yorkshire, UK.
Q1: Why should I bother with winter tyres? Isn’t this just a marketing gimmick?
A1: Not at all, mate! Winter tyres are a game-changer in the colder months. They are specifically built to withstand low temperatures and challenging road conditions such as ice, snow, and even cold, wet roads. They have deeper treads and specific rubber compounds that remain flexible in the cold, providing significantly superior grip and handling.
Q2: Do winter tyres actually affect stopping distances?
A2: Absolutely! It is like night and day. Winter tyres, when used on icy or snowy roads, can significantly reduce stopping distance compared to conventional tyres. This could be the difference between a safe stop and an unexpected bump.
Q3: I have heard that winter tyres wear out faster. Is this true?
A3: Not necessarily. Winter tyres are designed for cold weather, so when used in appropriate conditions, they will wear at a similar pace to ordinary tyres. The idea is to return to your usual tyres as the weather warms up.
Q4: Are winter tyres just for snow and ice?
A4: No, they’re not only for the white stuff. Winter tyres outperform ordinary tyres in all cold circumstances, including wet roads. When the thermometer drops below 7°C, you’ll begin to notice the benefits.
Q5: How would installing winter tyres effect my insurance?
A5: Typically, no. Insurers often view winter tyre installation as a positive move because it demonstrates your commitment to driving carefully. However, it is always a good idea to call your insurer just to be sure.
Q6: Can I simply install two winter tyres on the drive wheels?
A6: You could, but it isn’t a great idea. Winter tyres should be fitted to all four wheels for optimal balance and stability, especially in slippery situations. It may be more expensive, but the increased safety is well worth it.
Finally, there you have it.
Fitting winter tyres to your automobile is about more than simply dealing with snow; it’s about increasing your safety on all cold and wet roads.
Sure, it’s an additional cost, but consider it an investment in your peace of mind during the cold British winters. In addition, you’ll be replacing them with your regular tyres, extending the life of both. Drive safely, and don’t let the chilly weather throw you off your game!
- Winter Car Care: Car care in winter
- Wheel alignment costs
- Goodyear tyres signage
- Continental Quiet Tyres
- General Grabber tyres feature: Duragen
Click here to view original web page at www.autocar.co.uk
Eric has spent all his working life apart from a brief 6 months as a firefighter in the tyre trade. Married to Michelle, having 8 children all now grownup.
Tyres are Eric's life long passion. Apart from running his business Eric is a keen Blogger and runs 4 online websites relating to his business.
- Winter Car Care: Car care in winter - November 14, 2024
- Wheel alignment costs - November 13, 2024
- Goodyear tyres signage - November 12, 2024