why winter tyres

What Are Winter Tyres?

Winter tyres are designed for use in winter driving conditions. They offer an optimal driving performance in temperatures below 7°C and provide excellent grip on wet, icy and snowy roads.

Do You Need Winter Tyres?

Unlike in some areas of Europe, there are no laws enforcing winter tyre use in the UK. However, it’s not just about snow and ice when it comes to winter tyres, a simple drop in temperature below 7°C can affect tyre performance dramatically.

Fitting your vehicle with winter tyres can offer:

• Greater resistance to slipping and sliding on wet and slushy roads (greater aquaplaning resistance).
• Shorter stopping distances on ice, snow and wet roads.
• No loss of performance or comfort in normal conditions.
• Compliant with the most stringent European legislation should you need to take your car abroad.

When to Fit Winter Tyres

There’s no specific date to switch to winter tyres. They’re normally fitted when the temperature drops below 7°C which tends to happen around November in the UK. So, if you already know how to store your tyres properly you can make the switch from summer to winter tyres when the temperature drops. Your winter tyres will provide improved performance in colder driving conditions until the weather warms up around March time, and then you can switch back to summer tyres.

How Long do Winter Tyres Last?

Manufacturers say that winter tyres should last around 5 seasons or 25,000-30,000 miles if you use them appropriately. If you run winter tyres when intended, the average set of winter tyres should last just as long as a set of summer tyres. However, if you run winter tyres during the summer then you’ll greatly reduce their lifespan as the tread wears out quicker.

How do Winter Tyres Work?

Winter tyres are designed with wide, deep tread grooves that handle snow and water a lot better than summer tyres. The wide tread pattern contains lots of thin slits across the surface of the tyre, also known as sipes, that help prevent ice or packed snow building-up so your tyre gets as much grip as possible.

Goodyear UltraGrip Performance+ tyres are designed with a traction protect technology that reduces +braking distances and improves grip on snow and ice. They’re made with a particular compound mixture that leads to improved rubber elasticity at low temperatures.

Benefits of Winter Tyres

• Flexible material – winter tyres are made from a material that maintains flexibility when the temperature drops below 7°C. It’s important to note that your tyres won’t only be affected by the rain or snow in winter, but simply colder temperatures. Winter tyres will maintain optimum grip and traction at low temperatures, providing you with better handling and safer braking capabilities.
• Braking distances - in harsh conditions, winter tyres are extremely effective at braking. At just 18mph a car with conventional tyres will take an extra 11 metres to stop, which is the length of a double decker bus.
• Strong traction – extra cuts in tyre tread called sipes provide more efficient grip on wintry roads. The sipes are especially good at dispersing water, snow and ice that builds up in your tyre tread.
• Cost effective – it might seem counter-intuitive to invest in an extra set of tyres if you’re concerned about the cost. But if you’re a regular driver, your summer tyres will wear out a lot quicker in winter. A set of good quality tyres for both winter and summer will provide better safety and performance for longer than two sets of poorer quality summer tyres.
• Aquaplaning prevention – the sipes and deeper grooves in winter tyres help to disperse more water and at a faster rate than summer or all-season tyres. This means you’re less likely to aquaplane on dangerous standing water after heavy rainfall.