As the snow engulfed much of the UK many motorists struggled in the treacherous conditions, cursing those who were lucky enough to have a Range Rover in Kent.In November the value of used 4X4 cars increased by 5% and 4x4 specialists are seeing an increase in people searching for off-road SUVs,but is a 4x4 better than a 2WD fitted with winter tyres?
Winter tyres are made with a more flexible rubber compound that doesn't harden as much in cold conditions and are more competent in temperatures below 7 C, when summer tyres will stop working efficiently.
Sturdy 4x4s are made for off-roading and are well equipped to deal with adverse weather conditions, but unless they are fitted with winter tyres, as opposed to summer or all season tyres, they offer no more traction when braking in snow and ice than a 2WD car. A 4x4 with winter tyres though will offer unrivalled grip and handling.
A 4x4 might be out of your price range but don't underestimate the importance of fitting winter tyres to your 2WD car. From December to March winter tyres are a legal requirement in many European countries and although the UK might not get as much snow as other countries winter tyres offer improved grip in slushy,wet, frosty, icy or even dry and cold conditions too.
The number of accidents caused by wet conditions increases in winter by 267% and fitting winter tyres can increase safety on the road for everyone.Although winter tyres might cost 25% more than conventional tyres they wear less than summer tyres and by swapping tyres you save wearing your summer tyres down.Four by Four or not you can't afford not to invest in winter tyres