As the temperature drops below seven degrees, standard summer tyres become less flexible, increasing the risk of accidents and loss of control. This is where winter tyres come into play, as they are designed with a unique rubber mix that prevents them from freezing solid in colder climates. Winter tyres also have deeper tread grooves than summer tyres, starting at 8-9mm instead of 7-8mm, and more edges inside the grooves, improving handling and grip on snowy and wet conditions.
Winter tyres are typically advised to be used between October and March, when the road surface is most likely to be slick or even icy, and they work admirably in both wet and dry conditions when the temperature drops below seven degrees. Although not mandatory in the UK, several European nations, including Finland, Germany, Austria, and Iceland, require drivers to fit winter tyres during certain seasons.
Winter tyres work better in colder weather because of their softer compound, which helps them cut through snow, ice, and mud, thanks to minute grooves that quickly distribute water to improve braking and increase traction. Winter tyres also provide better grip on slick surfaces and have a different tread pattern than ordinary tyres Cambridge, improving braking, turning, and general handling.
If you frequently encounter cold and icy conditions on the road, winter tyres are an essential safety feature. They offer better handling and traction on snowy and wet conditions, improving braking, turning, and general handling, and provide a more secure grip on icy or snowy roadways. In addition to using winter tyres, it’s crucial to follow winter driving tips to ensure safety on the road during colder months.
Difference between Summer tyres and winter tyres
As the temperature drops below seven degrees, standard summer tyres become less flexible. Accidents and loss of control may result from this. Winter tyres are normally comprised of a unique rubber mix that prevents them from freezing solid in colder climates. Driving becomes significantly safer as a result of the increased stability and grip on the road.
Winter Tyres Cambridge have deeper tread grooves than summer tyres (starting at 8-9mm instead of 7-8mm). Moreover, winter tyres have more edges inside the grooves, which improves handling and grip on snowy and wet conditions.
When should you use winter tyres
Since the road surface is most likely to be slick or even icy between October and March, it is usually advised that they be usually utilized during this time. They work regardless of whether it is snowing. When the temperature drops below seven degrees, they perform admirably in both wet and dry conditions.
In fact, fitting winter tyres are usually required by law in some European nations, including Finland, Germany, Austria, and Iceland. Depending on the season, drivers are usually encouraged to switch to summer or winter tyres. Because many parts of the UK don’t regularly experience the weather conditions that call for winter tyres, they are not required in the UK.
How do winter tyres work
Despite what their name might imply, these tyres are actually cold-weather tyres that can perform well on wet, icy, snowy, and cold, dry roads. Compared to summer and all-season tyres, which are frequently constructed of stronger material, they are better suited to grip roads in colder weather because of their softer compound.
It cuts through snow, ice, and mud thanks to the minute grooves that quickly distribute water to improve braking and increase traction. Deeper tread grooves capture and holds snow to help with grip on packed snow and to help water distribute so that aquaplaning is less likely.
Benefits of using Winter tyres
- Better Grip
Winter tyres have a different tread pattern than ordinary tyres, which improves braking, turning, and general handling. Since the deeper tread better repels water, you have more control in muddy or damp circumstances. This is especially useful while traveling up and down hills or in rural areas where it takes longer for adverse road conditions to clear. It should be really noted that snow tyres and winter tyres are not the same things. Some snow tyres have studding for added traction on ice and deep snow. Real snow tyres can be something to consider if you live in a region where the weather can be more severe.
- Flexible in Cold
Winter tyres maintain their suppleness in the cold, unlike conventional tyres which fracture. They provide superior traction on snow, slush, and ice since they are carefully built of softer rubber. Yet, it is crucial that winter tyres only be usually used when the ambient temperature is below seven degrees in order for them to function as efficiently as possible. When considering if winter tyres are the correct choice for you, it’s crucial to keep in mind that they wear out considerably more quickly in warm climates than conventional tyres do in the cold.
Do you need winter tyres?
Winter tyres always increase traction on slick surfaces. They feature the tread depths necessary to maintain a secure grip on icy or snowy roadways. To continue, we must comprehend what winter tyres are. Winter tyres are carefully made of softer rubber compounds that maintain their softness in lower temperatures.
They have deeper tread grooves for better water dispersion. The tread pattern is usually made to collect snow and improve traction over such roads. These tyres are specifically designed to remain constant and steady in colder temperatures and maximize traction on snowy roads.
Tips to drive in winter
- If at all possible, move a vehicle in a higher gear rather than the first one. The car’s wheel will spin more quickly if you go into first gear, which could result in another unbalance.
- If the car has an economy mode, it will automatically slow down your acceleration.
- Employ the clutch and throttle of the car very slowly to avoid causing the wheels to spin more quickly.
- Slowly apply the brakes; do not abruptly turn the steering.
- Reduce the vehicle’s speed or, if it is moving too quickly, depress the accelerator pedal to slow it down.
Final Word
Winter tyres are an essential safety feature for drivers who frequently encounter cold and icy conditions on the road. They are constructed using a unique rubber mix that maintains its suppleness in colder temperatures, allowing for improved stability and grip on slippery roads. With deeper tread grooves and additional edges inside, winter tyres offer better handling and traction on snowy and wet conditions.
It is advisable to use winter tyres between October and March when the road surface is most likely to be slick or icy. Although not mandatory in the UK, they are required by law in several European nations. Proper use of winter tyres can lead to better grip, improved braking, turning, and general handling, and a more secure grip on icy or snowy roadways.
Additionally, drivers should follow winter driving tips to ensure safety on the road during colder months.