Winter driving conditions are never ideal, and with the gritters out in full force already and snowfall in October, we could be set for one very cold winter. There is one thing this winter though that could impact your safety on the roads and potentially risk the lives of not only you but also others.
Tyre pressure. Sounds dull doesn’t it? Alarmingly over 65% of motorists admit to checking it only twice a year and a further 80% are oblivious to the actual impact of low tyre pressure. But did you know the impact of low or incorrect tyre pressure worsens over the winter months?
When you are low on fuel, typically you go to a petrol station to refill your tank. It’s common sense after all. However the same theory applies to air in your tyres; it it’s low you fill it up; yet in the majority of cars there is no indicator to tell you when you are low, instead you must keep checking…is it an inconvenience more than a benefit?
Cold weather can impact your tyres more than you believe, so lets not get into the science of it all, lets keep to the facts and keep it simple.
- Ensure your tread is sufficient. Driving on less than 2 mm in winter can severely reduce contact with the road.
- Do not reduce tyre pressure to get more grip; it doesn’t work and reduces stability. Driving on incorrect pressure (either too high or too long) compromises the tyre design. Tyres are designed Specifically for a certain pressure; if this is incorrect a tyre may bevel and contact with the road is reduced.
- Consider changing to winter tyres or all season tyres. They have a higher silica content in the tread which prevents it hardening during lower temperatures and gives better grip in cold or wet conditions. Remember though – the design will only be at its optimum if tyre pressure is correct.
Why not see if you are running correctly by downloading our App where you can check tyre pressure for free.