If you’re like most people, you probably don’t think much about your tyres until something goes wrong. But tyres are actually one of the most important parts of your car – they’re the only contact between your vehicle and the road, so it’s important to make sure they’re in good condition. One of the best ways to keep your tyres in good condition is to switch to winter tyres during the colder months. Winter tyre is specifically designed to cope with the challenges of driving in snow and ice, and can make a big difference to your safety on the roads.
If you’ve just bought winter Michelin Tyres Erdington, or are thinking about making the switch, here’s everything you need to know…
What are winter tyres?
Winter tyres are designed to offer improved grip, traction and braking performance in cold weather conditions. They’re made from a different type of rubber to regular tyres, which makes them more flexible at lower temperatures. This means they can maintain their grip on the road better in icy or snowy conditions.
Winter tyres also have a deeper tread than regular tyres, which helps to clear snow and slush from the surface of the tyre more effectively. This is important because it helps to prevent the build-up of ice on the tyre, which can lead to reduced grip and traction.
Do I need winter tyres?
The legal answer is no – in most countries, there’s no law that says you must fit winter tyres to your car. However, we would always recommend fitting winter tyre if you’re going to be driving in snowy or icy conditions.
There’s a common misconception that winter tyres are only for use in very cold countries like Scandinavia. But the truth is, even if you live in a country with a milder climate, winter tyre can still offer benefits over regular tyres during the colder months.
For example, winter Michelin Tyres Erdington will perform better than regular tyres at temperatures below 7°C. So if you live in the UK and are planning to drive in the Scottish Highlands in December, winter tyres could be a good choice.
In short, while you’re not legally required to fit winter tyre, we would always recommend doing so if you’re going to be driving in cold, snowy or icy conditions.
When should I fit winter tyre?
As a general rule of thumb, you should fit winter tyre to your car when the average daily temperature drops below 7°C. This is because winter tyre will start to lose their effectiveness above this temperature.
Of course, this isn’t always possible – if you live in an area with a mild climate, it might not get cold enough to warrant fitting winter tyre until December or January. In this case, it’s best to err on the side of caution and fit them as soon as possible.
How do I know if my tyres are suitable for winter driving?
Most regular tyres Erdington are not suitable for winter driving, so it’s important to check that your tyres are up to the task before you set off.
There are two main ways to do this. Firstly, you can look for the symbol on the sidewall of the tyre – this is known as the M+S symbol, and indicates that the tyre is suitable for use in mud and snow.
Secondly, you can check the tread depth of your tyres. Winter tyre should have a tread depth of at least 6mm – anything less than this will significantly reduce their effectiveness in snowy or icy conditions.
If you’re not sure whether your tyres are suitable for winter driving, we recommend speaking to a qualified mechanic or tyre specialist. They’ll be able to advise you on the best tyres for your car, and can even fit them for you if necessary.
How much does winter tyre cost?
The cost of winter tyres varies depending on the size and type of tyre you need, as well as the brand. In general, you can expect to pay anywhere from £50 to £100 per tyre, although some premium brands can cost significantly more.
It’s also worth considering the cost of fitting winter tyre – this can range from £20 to £40 per tyre, depending on the garage or tyre specialist you use.
Are there any other benefits of winter tyres?
As well as improved grip and traction in cold weather conditions, winter tyre can also offer better fuel economy and shorter braking distances than regular tyres.
This is because winter tyre is designed to be more efficient than regular tyres, which means they can help to reduce fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. They can also provide shorter braking distances on wet and icy roads, which can be vital in emergencies.
Conclusion
Winter tyres can offer a number of benefits over regular tyres, even in milder climates. They provide better grip and traction in cold weather, as well as improved fuel economy and shorter braking distances.
If you’re going to be driving in cold, snowy or icy conditions, we recommend fitting winter tyre to your car. You can buy them from most tyre dealerships or online retailers, and they typically cost between £50 and £100 per tyre.