As the nights get shorter and temperatures plummet we know that winter is well and truly on its way. The countdown to Christmas begins, and purse strings tighten. Bank balances seem to rapidly deplete and more expenses are added to the monthly outgoings bill. Are winter tyres another necessary expense for you this winter? Or is it just another ploy for the industry to make money?
You may be aware of the recent television advertising campaign Continental are running promoting their winter tyres and how they can impact on your safety over the winter months. Is this just another way for you to keep spending, is it just another waste of money, or can winter tyres safe your life this winter?
Let’s face it, winter in the UK is rarely disruptive, but when snow does fall in Britain the country seems to fall apart because it’s a well known fact Britain and snow just don’t go. The winter tyre market in the UK amounts for just 2% of the market, so whilst people are aware of winter tyres, it seems they aren’t buying in to their benefits.
Are winter tyres worth the money?
Who can blame them? Motorists continuously have to pay out for being on their roads, so if something isn’t a legal requirement its doubtful people will sit up, take notice and invest. In many European countries winter tyres are a legal requirement, however in the UK our typical climate is much milder, so it is seen as a personal choice whether or not to fit them.
In the UK particularly there is a lot to suggest that winter tyres are simply a waste of money. With the average cost of four tyres costing around £500, it seems something which is hard to justify. In urban areas it’s hard to see why someone would invest in winter tyres as major routes are continuously treated during icy conditions.
However if you live in rural parts of the UK, winter tyres may be an overlooked investment it seems. We know that sometimes local councils struggle to grit all routes, and rural areas are often left untouched, which means winter tyres would seem worthwhile. Our recommendation is though that you do fit them, not only as a safety caution, but more importantly if you live in rural ares.
In a recent test of Bridgestone’s winter tyre against its ultra-high performance summer tyre stopping distances in icy conditions varied enormously. At 10mph the winter tyre stopped in 6.4 metres while the summer tyre needed more than twice the distance to stop (14 metres). Imagine the difference if you start braking at 30mph. So its clear the benefits of winter tyres, they have a tread pattern designed to cope with slush and cold rain, as well as snow and ice, and give much more grip and control in the cold. They are also safer than a standard tyre in dry conditions below 7C, because the tread compound heats up at lower rolling temperatures to create grip in low temperatures.
The need for winter tyres in rural areas cannot be denied
Buying two sets of tyres may not be such a bad investment as you can store your summer tyres (see our guide for how to store your tyres here) which means in the long-run you will be spending no more. But we are missing the real point here…its not just about buying winter tyres, the question is “how can I improve my safety on the roads during winter”. As a driver you need to be conscious of driving in icy conditions, and how exactly to handle your vehicle. Driving slower and in a lower gear can help, but if it really is cold outside, why not just stay in and off the roads unless necessary?
If you would like to find out how much winter tyres will cost you why not search via TyreQuote.com, we’ll find you the best prices in your area from independent retailers.