Notice that outside? Graying sky’s, plummeting temperatures and naked trees. Yes its that time of year. Christmas is swiftly approaching (sorry for the reminder) and Autumn has arrived. Now is the time to be thinking about making that change from Summer to Winter tyres, but with everyone on tight purse-strings we have to ask the question, “Are Winter Tyres Really Worth It?”
We’ve put together a little Winter Tyres FAQ to make your decision making that little bit easier, and give you what you value most, an expert unbiased view.
What are winter tyres?
Winter tyres are constructed using special compounds designed for use in winter driving conditions including temperatures below 7 degrees Celsius. They can include multiple blades or Sipes for increased grip in slippery conditions and give good braking/traction performance on snow/ice as well as on wet roads in cold conditions .
Should I fit winter tyres?
Winter tyres make sense if you live in a remote area where winter conditions are likely to be worse for longer. Elsewhere it may be harder to justify the cost, though this has to be a personal decision depending on the risk of bad weather, your confidence when driving and how much you have to drive when snow and ice are around. In some European countries fitting winter tyres is a legal requirement, however in the UK due to the unpredictable nature to our winters it is not a legal requirement and instead down to the decision of the car owner.
How much will winter tyres cost?
Many people worry that changing to winter tyres is just another additional expense to motoring. However prices don’t really range that different from summer tyres, and of course it depends what brand you choose and where you purchase your tyres from.
Are winter tyres just for snow?
No. Winter tyres perform better in cold and wet conditions, they improve breaking distance and overall vehicle handling.
They don’t need to get as warm to perform as summer tyres, so you’ll have more grip on corners so stopping distances will be shorter.
Do winter tyres wear faster?
No, and you’ll be avoiding wear on your summer set, so you shouldn’t find you need to replace any tyres more frequently than you are otherwise used to.
Will winter tyres affect my car insurance?
If you fit winter or all-season tyres in place of your standard ‘summer’ tyres there should be no need to tell your insurer – even though the speed index might be lower. If you follow the standard European practice of keeping two sets of wheels, one with winter tyres and one with summer tyres, then you shouldn’t need to tell your insurer as long as the winter tyres are fitted to wheels of the correct specification.
What do I do with my summer tyres?
You can store your summer tyres in your garage if you have one, or many garages offer tyre storage facilities although its advisable to shop around for the best price. Just make sure they are stored in a cool, dry place and away from direct sunlight.
What are the positives about having winter tyres?
It really depends on the area you live in. For those based in the north of the UK it may be more appropriate due to lower temperatures and more frequent icy conditions. However you should evaluate whether it is economically viable for you to fit winter tyres in relation to how much you need your car during winter weather. Last year for example drivers with winter tyres really did have the last laugh, so it is dependent on what kind of winter we are forcasted! Some cars grip better naturally in winter weather, so take that into consideration too…and keep an eye out on what kind of winter is ahead!
Where can I buy winter tyres from?
We hear TyreQuote.com are a pretty good place to buy new tyres from. We include everything in the price so there are never any nasty surprises. If you are still unsure if winter tyres are right for you, why not chat to a member of our team.
A few things to remember:
- If you do change to winter tyres, make sure when you change back to your summer tyres you check them for overall safety and ensure tyre pressure is correct.
- Make sure you store your summer tyres correctly.
- Double check with your insurers about notifying them of any changes to your vehicle.
- If you are buying winter tyres you must change all 4 tyres. Driving on 2 winter tyres and 2 summer tyres is highly dangerous and you will be compromising vehicle handling and overall performance.