Do I need winter tyres?

But the traction of normal tyres is reduced during cold conditions.  Tyres tend to harden when the temperature drops below 7°C, increasing the chance of losing control of the vehicle, and increasing the stopping distance in an emergency. 

Reducing risks on the road

The difference between normal and seasonal tyres lies in the material – the rubber compound of a winter tyres has a higher ratio of natural rubber and a higher silicone content than normal tyres.  The natural rubber and silicone content reduces the tendency of the tyre to harden when cold. 

Statistics show us that accidents on the road are higher in winter than summer. In fact more than 6,000 accidents occurred during our winter months than summer, according to Continental tyres [source: www.tyres-online.co.uk].   Although it can’t be said with any certainty that tyres were the contributing factor in the accidents, there’s a strong possibility that they were at least a factor in some of the accidents.

However, fitting seasonal tyres only reduces the risk of accidents and their use cannot guarantee a trouble-free journey.  Drivers need to remain vigilant when driving in adverse conditions, and it’s a good idea to consider effective car insurance.  A good motor insurance policy will help to mitigate the trauma of an accident. 

The experienced driver has a better chance of coping in wintery conditions while young drivers are more at risk of having an accident.  It’s advisable for inexperienced drivers to consider taking out young driver car insurance, a policy that designed specifically for drivers with little experience.    

Increasing traction

The traction of winter tyres is improved by tiny slits in the tread blocks, known as sipes.  The sipes increase the number of lateral edges, so when a car accelerates or decelerates the tyres have a better grip because there is a larger spread of edges on their surface. 

Tyre sipes are named after the inventor, John Sipe, who came up with the idea in the US in the 1920s as a way of improving the grip of the shoes of workers in a wet slaughterhouse.  But although sipes increase the tendency of tyres to grip the road, they also increase noise levels, which is why it’s good to change back to normal tyres when the weather improves. 

Because of their better grip, winter tyres are also less likely to aquaplane in wet conditions.  Aquaplaning is caused when a tyre loses contact with the road because water has reduced its efficiency.  It can be very dangerous as the driver momentarily loses control of the vehicle.   

Increasing performance

When fitting winter tyres, it’s a good idea to fit them onto all four wheels, and not only fit them onto the drive axle. 

Although fitting winter tyres is optional in the UK, it’s worth remembering that in some European countries is required by law because of their safety features.  It may cost a bit more, but studies prove that it’s worth the trouble.