subject: When should I replace my winter tyres? [print this page] When should I replace my winter tyres? When should I replace my winter tyres?
Driving in winter brings its fair share of hazards, particularly with adverse weather and frost and ice on the roads conspiring to make driving more difficult and dangerous - even if you consider yourself an experienced driver. If you're worried about your wheels skidding on slippery winter roads, one solution could be to replace your all-weather tyres with specialised winter tyres, designed to offer improved traction even on icy surfaces.
Winter tyres, also known as snow tyres, are made of a softer material than standard tyres, with a tread pattern that's designed for optimum traction on ice and snow, as well as in low temperatures. Winter tyres are tested by manufacturers and regulators prior to going on sale, and can typically be identified by logos such as a snowflake.
These specialised tyres aren't the only option when it comes to winterising your vehicle either. For enhanced performance in snow, frost and ice, you could favour tyres that incorporate metal studs to dig into the ice - though these may be unsuitable for standard road use. Snow chains can also be fitted during particularly heavy storms, or other times when snow builds up and can prove impassable even by winter tyres.
Winter tyres are mandatory in some European countries, and whilst they aren't in the UK, you may still want to consider installing them. However, if you've never changed your tyres before, you may want to seek professional advice before fitting your new seasonal tyres. Incorrectly fitted tyres could lead to an accident or skid, threatening not only your discount car insurance in the future, but your safety as well. So it's certainly a good idea to get a mechanic to fit your tyres rather than attempt to do so yourself if you're not sure how to.
If you're thinking of fitting winter tyres, you should find out the best time to do so. There are no set times for switching to winter tyres, as it depends specifically on weather and climate conditions - but drivers are advised not to wait too long before doing so, as this could put them at risk if they're driving with tyres that offer insufficient grip.
Knowing when to remove your winter tyres is equally important, and it isn't recommended that drivers use winter tyres all year round. This is because they tend to wear out more quickly in the warmer months, due to the material being designed to operate at low temperatures, meaning they may not prove so effective at gripping slippery surfaces the next time winter rolls around.
The author of this article is a part of a digital blogging team who work with brands like LV. The content contained in this article is for information purposes only and should not be used to make any financial decisions.
