Winter driving can be challenging. Whether driving on icy terrain or on streets covered in snow, tyres can make a massive difference. But choosing the right tyre for winter driving can be challenging given the wide range of options available. Finding the ideal winter tyre doesn't have to be difficult. But thanks to a few pointers we'll explore which tyre is the best choice for winter driving.
The three main types
All-season tyres – These are the most common type of tyres, and they are designed to offer year-round performance in both wet and dry conditions. They are typically made with a harder rubber compound that helps to improve traction in all temperatures.
Winter tyres – These tyres are specifically designed for use in cold weather. They feature an extra-soft rubber compound that stays flexible even in freezing temperatures, providing increased grip on icy and snowy roads. Winter tyres also have deeper treads than all-season tyres to help improve traction in wet and slushy conditions.
Summer tyres – These tyres are designed specifically for hot weather and high speeds. The rubber compound is usually softer than all-season tyres, allowing for better grip on dry roads, as well as improved braking performance. Summer tyres also tend to be more lightweight than their all-season counterparts, allowing for better fuel efficiency. It's important to remember that while summer tyres can provide great handling capabilities in the heat, they are not suitable for colder climates. As such, it's important to choose the right tyres based on your climate and driving style. If you live in a colder area or drive through snow frequently, then it's best to opt for a set of winter tyres. On the other hand, if you don't experience much snow but want improved handling at higher speeds, then summer tyres could be your best option. Whichever tyres you choose, make sure to check the tread depth regularly and replace them when necessary. This will ensure maximum safety and performance during the winter months.
Which type is better during the winter months
Winter tyres are the ideal tyres to use for driving in the cold. They're made with tread patterns that are especially suited to harsher climates and slick terrain. In addition to this, they offer softer rubber that enhances traction and grip in icy weather.
Winter tyres are best suited to temperatures below 7 degrees Celsius and when driving on snow or ice-covered roads. Some winter tyres are designed to provide superior grip in temperatures as low as -25 degrees Celsius.
The use of winter tyres can significantly reduce stopping distances and increase cornering stability. They can also be beneficial in areas that experience a lot of snowfall, as they will perform better on deep snow and on packed snow than all-season or summer tyres.
However, bear in mind that winter tyres are not suitable for warmer weather, and should be changed back to summer or all-season tyres once the temperature rises above 7 degrees Celsius. This is because the softer rubber compound used in winter tyres doesn’t provide enough grip in higher temperatures.
Overall, winter tyres provide superior performance in cold weather and on icy or snowy roads. They may cost more than all-season or summer tyres, but the improved safety and performance they offer make them well worth the investment.
Save money
Why not save money by getting a fuel card for small businesses? Most cars come with all-season tyres, which are a great choice as they can be used all year round. However, if you want to save some money and get the best performance out of your car, investing in a set of winter tyres could be a good option. Winter tyres are specifically designed to provide improved traction and grip in cold temperatures, which can help make driving safer in snowy or icy conditions. Winter tyres have a deeper tread pattern than regular tyres, which helps to displace slush and water from the contact patch with the road surface, ensuring your car has maximum traction.