Winter tyres – what are they, and are they worth it?

We may have enjoyed a mild autumn, but make certain you aren’t caught unprepared should freezing weather strike.

Snow and icy roads make driving significantly far more challenging and, even if you drive slowly, it can be all also easy to skid out of control.

Winter tyres can really assist in wintry circumstances, as they are created to perform in temperatures lower than 7 degrees Celsius. They appear fairly considerably like any other sort of tyre, but the large distinction is that they have more all-natural rubber than standard tyres.

Get a grip

This indicates they can nevertheless remain supple even in freezing situations, which makes it possible for them to grip the road far better than normal tyres that harden in colder weather.

The tread on winter tyres is various, as well. They are covered in more tiny channels than standard tyres to assist displace water far more swiftly and to give greater traction in the snow.

The larger channels on typical tyres can quickly grow to be packed with snow, creating it really feel as although you are skating on an ice rink.

Despite the fact that winter tyres do not come cheap – it’ll normally expense you around £300-£350 for a set of 4 winter tyres for a Ford Fiesta, and the expense escalates for larger vehicles – they will usually final for around 2 or 3 winters .

Remember also that employing them also assists conserve your summer tyres for longer, as you will not be utilizing them all year round.

Country life

If you reside in the country and travel on roads that are not generally gritted in cold climate, then it tends to make sense to invest in winter tyres for your vehicle so you can nevertheless drive in snowy situations. If you do not, then you threat becoming efficiently housebound until the snow and ice thaws.

If you do match winter tyres, it’s worth informing your insurer, as some will take into account these a modification which could have an influence on your premiums.

If you reside in an urban location, exactly where roads are routinely gritted in winter and public transport is readily obtainable if you choose not to drive, shelling out for winter tyres is unlikely to be worth the expense.

A spokesman for the AA stated: “It could be tougher to justify the cost (in an urban atmosphere), though this has to be a individual decision depending on the threat of undesirable weather, your self-confidence when driving and how much you have to drive when snow and ice are about.”

If you opt not to fit winter tyres, you need to nonetheless often check your tyres in preparation for winter. You want to be particular the tread is not worn, as this will make you more most likely to skid on icy roads.

20-20 vision

The tread should be at least 1.6mm deep to satisfy legal needs, but at least 3mm is suggested for winter. Insert a 20 pence piece into the tread – if you can see the perimeter edging on the coin, you want to place the funds towards new tyres.

While you are in upkeep mode, check the oil level, anti-freeze and hazard lights as well.

Wherever you reside, you can further shield your self this winter by ensuring that you have extensive breakdown cover in location so that you aren’t left shivering at the roadside if something goes wrong.

Kit automobile

Kevin Pratt, of MoneySuperMarket, stated: “We urge all drivers to take out complete breakdown policies, but it’s also essential to be prepared for the worst case scenario of a lengthy wait in the cold. In extreme climate events, emergency breakdown cover can be stretched thin, and waiting times lengthened.

“We recommend all motorists carry an emergency breakdown kit, with charged-up phone, shovel, blankets, bottled water and sufficient snacks to see you by way of till you are on the move again.”

Winter tyres – what are they, and are they worth it?