Winter Tyres: Everything That You Will Need to Know About Winter Tyres
Cars have to transverse through many different things and terrains. Rain, water puddles, wet leaves, snow, etc. are difficult to travel when compared to dry conditions. Of course, the skills of the driver will be important for road safety.
However, the use of the right type of Tyres Harrogate is just as important. To avoid hazards during driving on wet and snowy surfaces, winter tyres are the perfect fit. Wondering what are winter tyres, and what are the rules for using them, then this blog is all you need!
What Are Winter Tyres?
Let’s start with the basics. Winter tyres, as the name suggests, are those tyres that are made specifically to be used during winter seasons. The rubber compound in these tyres is engineered to withstand cold weather conditions without compromising the integrity of the tyre.
Furthermore, the compound is much softer than the one in summer tyres. The softer compound ensures that winters do not become rigid in cold weather.
Apart from that, design-wise, winter tyres have deeper grooves and treads. These two elements help the cars to move on difficult snowy terrains as well as on wet surfaces without compromising car handling. These tyres provide optimum traction.
If you want to single out these tyres from your regular ones, look for the snowflake symbol on the sidewall. If you don’t find that, don’t worry. Some winter tyres and in other parts of the UK come with the “M+S” symbol on the sidewall, which stands for mud and snow. However, the tyres with the “M+S” symbol are not necessarily the right kind of winter tyres.
Rules for Using Winter Tyres in the UK
The use of winter tyres in the UK is legal. Although there are no legal repercussions of not using their tyres, the weather conditions could lead to problems. For example, when the temperature outside drops and you do not switch over to winter tyres, you may face a sudden stoppage due to the tyre’s inability to move.
Summer tyres solidify during winters. Hence, using them during the winter season is not recommended. Furthermore, it is worth noting that winter tyres are perfect for normal weather conditions as well. Unless the temperatures are skyrocketing, you need to switch back to regular or standard tyres.
Bear in mind, your winter tyres will not function properly above 7 degrees celsius. If you see the temperature get above 7 degrees celsius, change your tyres and in other parts of the UK to standard ones.
Apart from this, standard winter tyres come with a 2mm tread depth, as opposed to the 1.6mm tread depth of regular tyres. The deeper tread pattern allows for better grip on slippery surfaces. Additionally, it ensures that mud and snow do not become a harbinger to better and comfortable driving during winters.
Are There Alternatives for Winter Tyres?
In the UK, unlike in other parts of Europe, there aren’t any fines to be worried about. And most of the motorists do not find themselves worrying about the issue of winter tyres. The thing is, many car manufacturers offer all-season tyres.
All-season tyres eliminate the need to change your summer tyres and winter tyres. However, winter tyres offer greater compatibility with harsh conditions. For those motorists, who have to travel through harsh winter terrains, winter tyres have become a must. It is common to see cars suddenly coming to a stop because of the wrong tyres. To avoid those issues, always change your tyres beforehand.
Bottom Line: Winter Tyres a Good Option?
Winter Tyres Harrogate are always a good choice. As evident in the information mentioned above, winter tyres make it easy for drivers and motorists to drive to risky terrains. Summer tyres will not provide you with the right traction to transverse through wet and muddy terrains as winter tyres will.
