Are winter tyres really useful? This is a question I ask myself every year when the temperatures start to drop, and I am reminded of the accident we had in the snow. I ask myself if we had winter tyres, would that have made a difference? What is so special about winter tyres that as a driver, I should consider changing to them as the temperatures drop?
The composition of winter tyres makes them useful in temperatures below 7 degrees because they have a better grip on the road than summer tyres. Over the last few weeks, the temperatures have dropped tremendously, and it has left me questioning whether to buy winter tyres or not. If like me you’re looking for winter tyres then check with DAT Tyres today, they offer a wide range of affordable tyres.
As a
Reason Why You Need Winter Tyres
A few years ago, we had the worst winter ever, I remember having to abandon my car because I couldn’t drive on the snow without skidding. I remember wishing I had fitted better tyres on my car to prepare for the cold season. The holiday season is fast approaching and before it’s too late, I am taking my car for service in a few weeks as I will be driving a lot during the holidays.
I am planning to fit winter tyres on my car because;
- Can be fitted when temp drops below 7 degrees Celsius with or without ice/snow; and removed when temps climb above that
- Contain huge percentage of natural rubber in addition to silica this has an impact on the stopping distances.
- Tread depth {8 and 9mm} advantage to handle very low temps and offers an improved grip even on corners
- Tread pattern aggressive and helps with ice/snow grasping as well as better braking traction
In the UK unlike other European countries like German or Sweden, it is not a legal requirement to fit your car with winter tyres when the temperatures drop below freezing. But even then, I personally think winter tyres are useful especially when the temperatures drop below freezing, the only catch is you can’t really use them above 7 degrees, and they wear out pretty fast compared to summer tyres.
Winter tyres are useful because in low temperatures the special tread pattern ensures they perform better in snow, wet and icy conditions. As someone who lives in a countryside, it is a prudent investment to have winter tyres especially as the back roads are not always salted before it or after it snows. Our family four-wheel drive can only perform so well during the winter months and the braking distance is incredibly reduced on our summer tyres company to winter tyres. This is why I personally will be investing in winter tyres, even though I am not a new driver, I think it pays to learn about your car in various conditions.
dearmummyblog says
My mummy hates driving on icy roads so would feel safer with winter tyres! She might invest in some this year!
Michelle Twin Mum says
If I had somewhere to store my regular tyres when I had winter ones put on, I’d definitley go for it, as I’ve seen firsthand in Belarus what a difference to make in snow and ice. Mich x
Jenna Parrington says
I think on a whole tyre safety and maintenance is so much more important this time of year when the roads are more treacherous!
Helen of Fuss Free Flavours says
Making sure your car is in good condition is so important, so regular checks are key. Making sure your tyres are good for winter is so important, with a deep tread for good grip. So winter tyres can be a good choice, particularly if you do long distances and travel on more minor roads.
m1ssingsleep says
We don’t travel as much when winter really sets in but perhaps if we had the right tyres we would feel more confident being on the road
Charli says
We’ve been debating this as we live in Dartmoor where the weather can be really severe in winter. Although we’re debating a 4×4 first!
Cx
Elizabeth Williams says
I am pedantic about checking the condition and wear of my tyres and always put on winter tyres over the winter months especially as the weather can be deadly where I live in Wales.
Rebecca Smith says
We have never got winter tyres before but have considered it for this year as the roads get more icy and treacherous.
Mostlyfoodandtravel says
I should take more interest in ensuring my wheels are as they should be. I always leave it to my husband but it’s good to know