Why Choose Winter Tyres? A Beginner Guide to Safe Winter Driving

The UK winters are a challenge for every car owner. With dense fogs, slippery roads, and reduced visibility, driving below the 7-degree temperatures is a testing task. Winters are also one of the seasons where the number of road accidents increases. The snowy and wet roads during this season pose safety risks for drivers.

Since, a major part of the UK only receives milder winters; most car owners are skeptical of changing their tyres. However, fitting winter models is always advised. They are designed specifically for safer and more comfortable driving in the winter season. The seasonal change might be a hassle, but it makes a significant difference to your driving experience. Find out in this guide, why winter tyres are an important investment during the winter months, and more tips for safer winter drives

What are winter tyres

As the name suggests, these tyres are designed to offer optimal performance in winter conditions. These are capable of performing with maximum efficiency in adverse weather conditions, such as ice, snow, rain, and cold roads. These are constructed with softer compounds for maximum grip at colder temperatures. On the contrary, summer and all-season models have harder rubber compounds, reducing their grip on snowy roads.

Winter models also have tiny grooves that bite into the snow, sludge, and ice for a better grip. Plus, these grooves can disperse water faster and ensure more traction while driving. In addition to this, their read grooves are deeper and can gather snow and hold it. This helps in maintaining grip while driving on snow-covered roads.

When are winter tyres needed?

Most car owners are sceptical of changing their tyres with the arrival of winter. If you have been thinking of neglecting your seasonal replacement, you could be risking your safety on the road. These Car Tyres in Beverley are a necessity, especially in the following conditions:

• If you are living or driving in a country, where fitting them is compulsory. For the UK, fitting winter models is not compulsory. However, experts suggest fitting them in cold conditions.
• The local temperatures in your region frequently fall below 7 degrees C. Such weather conditions would lead to heavy snowfall and accumulation of snow on the road, requiring winter tyres. 
• If you are living in a remote region, heavy snowfall and an inappropriate car tyre could lead to the risk of being cut off. 
• If you rely on your vehicle for driving in cold weather, a winter model is a must-have for your car.

How to drive safely in winters?

·        Now that you are familiar with the basics of winter tyres, here are some other tips you need to stay safe while driving on the snow.

·        Always use comfortable and dry footwear. Wet footwear while driving could be overwhelming and reduce your focus. 

·        Maintain gentle acceleration. Drive with low revs and change to higher gear whenever needed, as quickly as possible. 

·        Check whether your car has a winter mode. If not, drive in second gear to reduce chances of wheel slipping. 

·        Maintain safe stopping distance from the car in front of you. The car behind you is also responsible for doing the same. Leave 10 times more space than the normal recommended gap. 

·        Drive at consistent speed. This helps you maintain the safe braking distance, reducing the chances of slippage and collision.

·        If you have to drive uphill, prepare yourself by leaving plenty of room in front of you. With this space, you can maintain a constant speed without having to change gears frequently. 

·        While driving downhill, avoid unnecessary braking and drive in low gear. Again, make sure you are leaving space from the car in front of you. 

·        If you are approaching a bend, brake before starting to turn the steering wheel. If your car starts to slip, do not panic. Simply, take your foot off the accelerator and ensure your wheels are pointing in the direction you want to go in. 

·        In case your vehicle starts to skid, steer gently into it. For example, if the rear of your car is sliding to the left, you should steer to the left too. Avoid panic or sudden braking and keep your hands on the steering wheel. 

·        Remember to use dipped headlights while driving in heavy snow. The daytime running lights alone are not enough in snowy conditions. 

·         Switch to fog lights if the visibility is below 100 m. However, make sure you turn them off when visibility improves. 

·         Avoid driving in the wheel tracks of other vehicles. This is because compressed snow is usually more icy than fresh snow, and might increase the chances of slipping. 

·         Ensure that your vehicle’s controls are functioning smoothly. This includes checking the brakes, steering, accelerator, and gear changing. 

·        Check your windscreen wipers before starting the journey. Plus, the screen wash should be of good quality so that it does not freeze. Keep your tyres in good condition, with sufficient tread depth and proper air pressure.

Prepare for safer winter rides with Goodyear’s Winter Command and Winter Maxx range. These are known for their maximum grip on snowy surfaces with improved levels of safety and comfort. Invest in quality Goodyear Tyres in Beverley to get the most out of your vehicle, even in cold, frigid conditions.