Our winters are changing; snow and ice have resulted in chaos on the UK roads. Throughout many parts of Europe, it is common and sometimes a legal requirement for drivers to fit winter/all season tyres during the winter months.
Summer Vs Winter/All Season Tyres
The difference between a winter/all season tyre and a summer tyre is the tread compound and pattern. The tread compound of a winter/all season tyre contains more natural rubber so that it does not harden when it is cold. This ensures that the tyre remains flexible in low winter temperatures (below 7 degrees) which helps to reduce the stopping distance and maintain excellent grip on snow and ice as well as on wet roads in cold conditions.
In comparison to summer tyres, winter/all season tyres improve the handling of your vehicle as well as reducing breaking distance significantly in snow and ice. The compound of the tyre maintains excellent grip on the road and the design of winter/all season tyres can also effectively disperse a great amount of water reducing the risk of aquaplaning. All in all, a winter/all season tyre gives greater control and safety!
All season tyres are suitable to keep on your vehicle all year round.
Winter/summer tyres are seasonal and should be changed to accommodate the weather.
Both Winter and All Season tyres have the 3 peak mountain snowflake symbol marked on the tyre, this indicates that the tyre meets certain requirements for severe weather conditions (EU Compliant).
During the winter driving conditions become challenging and fitting the correct tyres are imperative to ensure you remain safe on Britain’s roads.
All in all, a winter/all season tyre gives you greater control in extreme weather conditions.
