WINTER/COLD WEATHER TYRES
British motorists are six times more likely to be involved in an accident during the winter months, so taking extra steps to improve your car’s reactions will help to reduce the risk. As the grip on summer tyres reduces, due to the rubber compound stiffening as temperatures drop, cold weather tyres offer extra handling advantages due to their higher percentage of flexible, natural rubber. Not only will you stop sooner in reduced temperatures, but you are also less likely to lose control in an evasive cornering manoeuvre. Should you live in an area where air temperatures drop below 7°C regularly during winter (noting that the road surface is likely to be colder) cold weather tyres are worth considering, especially if you perform early morning/late evening commutes. Additionally, cold weather tyres have a different tread pattern, which clears snow and ice build-up and increases traction on wet, icy, slushy and snowy roads.
Deciding whether, or not, to invest in a set of cold weather tyres (they should never be mixed with summer types) is a matter of balancing your budget and risk. You may choose to buy a set of matching spare steel wheel rims from a breaker's yard, although you should ensure that the donor vehicle has not been crash damaged. If you do not have room to store your unused tyres at home, some tyre-fitting chains offer affordable ‘tyre hotel’ services. Despite the initial outlay, the overall long-term cost is not significant, because only one set of tyres will be in use at any one time. Cold weather tyres are mandatory in certain European countries during the winter season, so be aware of this if you decide to travel to the continent before spring. In extreme conditions, take note that snow chains can be used only if they do not damage the road surface. Studded tyres are legal in some European countries, but are prohibited on UK roads.
Should you be undecided about cold weather/winter tyres, Continental Tyres is offering a free summer vs winter tyre driving experience between 11am to 1pm from Saturday, October 26 to Sunday, November 3 at Mercedes-benz World in Weybridge. Pre-booking is unnecessary – just turn up. If you decide that cold weather tyres are not for you, consider that all-season tyres are offered by a variety of manufacturers. These combine both summer and winter tyre attributes that are more appropriate for the UK’S ordinarily milder climate. Michelin’s Crossclimate, Nokian’s Weatherproof, Falken’s Euroall Season and Continental’s Allseasoncontact, compromise extreme summer and winter performances that might be more appropriate for your needs, especially if you live in the south east of the UK.