Winter Tyre Safety Introduction

Preparing your car for the winter season is the way forward to ensure safety and optimise the car’s performance. The presence of ice and snow and poor visibility reduce safe driving conditions during winter. Therefore, winter tyres were invented specifically for use on icy and snowy road surfaces. These tyres provide much more grip at lower temperatures, thus improving the vehicle’s overall safety.

Knowledge of Winter Tyres

What are Winter tyres?

Winter tyres have been designed with special requirements to work perfectly in below-freezing temperatures:

  • Rubber Compound: They work on a softer rubber compound that does not lose elasticity even at sub-zero degrees, thus ensuring better contact with snow and ice.
  • Tread Patterns: Featuring deep, aggressive tread patterns and many sipes – tiny slits, these winter tyres do a tremendous job of holding onto the ice and snow.

Distinctions Between Winter Tyres, Summer Tyres, and All-Season Tyres

  • Summer tyres: Optimized for warm conditions, they harden in cold temperatures, reducing traction.
  • All-season tyres: Designed to perform adequately in various conditions but may not provide sufficient grip in severe winter weather.
  • Winter tyres: Specifically crafted for cold and snowy conditions, offering superior traction and safety.

How Do Winter Tyres Work?

At very low temperatures, the rubber in all-season or summer tyres becomes hard and will have lost its ability to provide ample traction. Winter tyres are made from a special compound of rubber that remains elastic when cold, hence providing improved grip on icy and snow-covered roads.

Advantages of Winter Tyres

  • Shorter Braking Distances: Winter tyres can make the braking distance 15% shorter on wet roads and up to 50% shorter on snowy roads. LOCKTON GLOBAL
  • Better Grip: The special tread patterns and rubber compounds ensure better grip on snow and ice, providing better control.

Key Benefits of Using Winter Tyres

Increased Road Traction and Tread Life: Winter tyres do not lose their elasticity when extremely cold, making them adhere better to the road than all-season or summer tyres.

  • Better Stopping: They help achieve a shorter stopping distance in snow and ice, which is a very important safety benefit.
  • Legal: Some regions have legislated winter tyre use within certain months or weather conditions.
  • Long Life for Summer Tyres: Winter tyres are used during the proper seasons to avoid wear and tear on summer tyres, thereby increasing their lifespan.

When Should You Change to Winter Tyres?

  • Temperature Conditions: Winter tyres are engineered to function optimally below seven °C (44.6°F).
  • Seasonal Advice: It is best to mount winter tyres in early fall to prepare for the cold season.
  • Indicators for Installation: Persisting low temperatures and predictions of snow or ice are indicators for installing winter tyres.

Selecting the Right Winter Tyres

Factors to Consider

  • Vehicle Type: Different vehicles, such as cars, SUVs, and vans, have different tyre specifications.
  • Road Conditions: Urban conditions may be different from rural areas that experience more significant snowfall.
  • Tyre Size, Brand, and Ratings: Choosing the right size and selecting brands with good ratings is important.

Reading Tyre Labels

Tyre labels indicate fuel efficiency, wet grip, and noise levels to help you make a better choice. Tyre Expert Ltd or other experts ensure that recommendations are given considering your driving and local conditions.

Winter Tyres Maintenance

Proper maintenance of winter tyres ensures that they perform well and last longer. Important practices include:

  • Tread Depth Checks: A winter tyre’s tread depth should be at least 3mm to maintain its grip on snow and ice. Worn treads may reduce the grip significantly, which means less safety.
  • Tyre Pressure Monitoring: Tyre pressure drops with cold temperatures by about 1 PSI every 10°F. Underinflated tyres can cause reduced traction and increased wear. Monitor and adjust tyre pressure regularly during winter months to the manufacturer’s specifications.
  • Rotation, Alignment, and Balancing: Regular tyre rotation promotes even wear, thereby extending tyre life. Proper wheel alignment and balancing improve vehicle handling and prevent uneven tyre degradation.
  • Cleaning to Remove Salt and Dirt: Road salt and road debris can damage tyres. Wash tyres regularly to avoid rusting and damage and maintain their integrity and operation.

Winter Tire Installation and Storage

Installation Guidelines

  • Professional Installation Versus DIY Installation: Whereas one can install tyres themself, professional mounting and balancing are required because they ensure safety and smooth performance.
  • Installing a complete set of four winter tyres will ensure good balance handling and consistent grip across all wheels, minimising skidding.

Storing the Summer Tyres

  • Good Storage Conditions: Store your tyres in a cool, dry place away from direct sun rays and heating appliances to avoid the rubber degrading.
  • Use of Tyre Bags or Racks: Tyres are placed in airtight bags or on racks, which helps them retain their shape and protects them from environmental factors.

More Winter Safety Tips

  • Regular Vehicle Maintenance: The battery should be in good condition, wipers should be functional, and antifreeze levels should be adequate to prevent breakdowns in cold weather.
  • Emergency Kit Essentials: Carry items such as a blanket, shovel, and ice scraper for emergencies.
  • Safe Driving Practices: Adopt reduced speeds and increase stopping distances to account for slippery conditions, enhancing safety.

How Tyre Expert Ltd Can Help

Tyre Expert Ltd offers comprehensive services to support your winter driving needs:

  • Mobile Tyre Fitting: Convenient installation of winter tyres at your location, ensuring safety without disrupting your schedule.
  • 24/7 Emergency Tyre Replacement: Quick response to winter conditions, minimising downtime and safety.

For assistance, contact Tyre Expert Ltd at 07505 965373 or visit tyre-expertltd.co.uk.

Conclusion

Prioritising winter tyre safety is essential to protecting yourself and your loved ones during cold weather. Preparation ahead of time, in conjunction with Tyre Expert Ltd, ensures that driving will be safe and comfortable. Stay safe this winter—get your tyres checked and installed today!

 

References

The Sun. (2024, October 15). Drivers warned against wasting money on ‘winterising’ service at auto shops as temperatures fall. The Sun. Retrieved from https://www.the-sun.com/motors/12586770/drivers-warned-against-wasting-money-winterizing-vehicles/