Winter in the UK can be unpredictable. Even the best of the tyres face immense challenges in these weather conditions with rain, frost, black freezing mist, and even snow droughts. Residents in areas with severe winter conditions or even those who would wish to be on the safe side driving may have considered purchasing winter tyres. But is it really worth in the UK? Let’s break it down.
What Are Winter Tyres?
Winter tyres are designed to operate optimally even in harsh colder conditions usually below 7°C. They are made from a softer rubber fabric making them flexible even at low temperatures. This allows for better grip on the icy and wet roads. They have deeper tread patterns and narrow cuts called sipes, which help disperse water and slush thereby reducing aquaplaning.
The Benefits of Winter Tyres
One of the advantages of winter tyres is their enhanced performance during the snowy and icy conditions. If you live in an area that has consistent snowfall or icy weather, then winter tyres are going to outperform standard ones in terms of gripping surfaces. They also lower the braking distance in cold climate temperatures even if the roads are just wet.
For instance, winter tyres can reduce braking distance even in wet conditions by 10 % compared to summer tyres. While that may not sound like much, in an emergency stop a few metres can make all the difference.
Do I Really Need Them in the UK?
Unlike countries like Sweden, where winter tyres are compulsory, the United Kingdom does not have such a law. For most drivers located in milder regions, using all-season tyres may be a more practical choice. Such tyres compromise between summer and winter tyres, giving a reasonable performance in both hot and cold conditions.
However, if you live in certain parts of Scotland, or any other area that is sometimes gripped by frost, ice or snow in the winter, switching to winter tyres could be a wise decision. Buying them will cost some more money however the security and control they provide outweigh the initial cost.
Cost Considerations
Winter tyres do tend to be more expensive than standard tyres. Prices can vary depending on the size of your wheels and brand preferences, but on average, they cost more upfront. However, it is important to understand that having winter tyres means your summer tyres will last longer since you share the wearing out effect between the two types of tyres.
Another cost factor to consider is storage. if there is no space at home for storing the tyres, some tyre centers provide ‘tyre hotel’ service, which is very affordable for a season.
What About Alternatives?
For those not keen on the expense or hassle of swapping tyres seasonally, snow socks or snow chains are an alternative. They are manually placed over your existing tyres as a temporary precaution for adverse conditions that would render driving impossible without these cover ups. However, they have to be taken off once normal driving resumes and therefore cannot be seen as a long-term solution. They also don’t offer the same functional alignment as winter tyres in snow or icy conditions.
Final Thoughts
So, should you get winter tyres in the UK? It really depends on where you live and how much winter driving you do. If you are in a region with long harsh winters, winter tyres could likely give you peace of mind and extra protection. For milder areas, it may be best to stick with all-season tyres and take precautions during the worst days of winter.
Still not sure? You can contact Tyred and Exhausted. We can help you choose what is suitable for your car, your safety, and your budget. Call us today and we will assist you in getting ready for whatever winter brings!
