MOTORING
Winter tyres Ashley Martin examines options for safer tyres this winter
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ou wouldn’t venture outside in winter without sturdy shoes or boots, a coat and almost certainly gloves, scarf and a hat, but most UK motorists do not give the same attention to their vehicles. Yet, the four pieces of rubber in the corner of each car and van are the only items to be in contact with the road. In many European countries the fitting of winter tyres - also known as cold weather tyres - from October to the end of March is compulsory. But, in the UK winter tyres account for only about 1% of the market. Following the last two years of harsh Arctic blizzards, road safety experts have been urging motorists to consider fitting winter tyres to their vehicles. Perhaps, not surprisingly, motor manufacturers, tyre manufacturers and tyre fitters have also jumped on the bandwagon, sensing a sales opportunity. A set of winter tyres will on average cost £400-£500 but, as with standard tyres, the cost is determined by the type of tyre fitted and the make and model of vehicle. However, experts say that winter tyres last as long as summer tyres and perform better in harsh conditions. Depending on vehicle mileage, winter tyres could last for two or even three winters. As, a result wear and tear suffered by summer tyres, which is increased in harsh road conditions, is reduced so postponing their replacement. Winter tyres undoubtedly make sense for drivers living in the more remote areas of the UK where winter conditions are likely to be more severe for longer. Elsewhere it may be harder to justify the cost, though, road safety experts say that has to be a personal decision taking account of the risk of extreme weather
winter weather tyres provide: • Higher levels of road safety during the colder winter months • Considerably shorter stopping distances on both wet and dry roads at low temperatures • Better mileage than standard tyres in winter weather - the wear on normal tyres increases when used during winter months, reducing mileage by up to 20%. Source: TyreSafe.
conditions, driver confidence which reduces when travelling in such conditions, mileage and the need to drive when snow and ice arrives. Winter tyres are composed of more rubber and less silicone than standard tyres so they don’t harden so much when it is cold. They work best in temperatures under 7°C. Such tyres also have wider grooves, which have greater grip in snow and slush, and more sideways grooves to give more edges and contact with the road surface. That translates into shorter braking distances which reduces the risk of a crash: at 20 mph a car or van equipped with winter tyres will stop 11 metres sooner on icy roads than if fitted with standard tyres; at 30 mph the braking distance on snowy roads is reduced by eight metres. Typically, in the snow a vehicle equipped with winter tyres will stop in half the distance as one fitted with standard tyres - potentially the difference between life and death. Meanwhile, tests conducted by the British Tyre Manufacturers’ Association found that a
car braking at 60 mph on a wet road at 5°C stopped five metres shorter, equivalent to more than one car length, when fitted with winter weather tyres. Stuart Jackson, chairman of TyreSafe, the not-for-profit organisation focused on promoting tyre safety, said: “Steering, acceleration and braking are more difficult [in winter] as ‘normal’ tyres have less grip in these conditions. However, it is not just these extreme wintry conditions which can reduce safety on the road. Even cold, damp roads can dramatically affect the performance of tyres, leading to an increased accident risk. Winter weather tyres, which are specifically designed to operate in these conditions, delivering improved safety.” Motorists considering fitting winter tyres and concerned about a lack of space at home to store their standard tyres - and their winter tyres during the summer months - will find that some tyre fitters offer a ‘hotel’ tyre storage facility. Even if drivers don’t fit winter tyres, regular checks should be carried out to ensure vehicles tyres are in the best possible condition for maximum safety. In winter tread depth should be checked to ensure it is well above the legal minimum of 1.6mm across the central three-quarters of the tyre, around its entire circumference - tyre manufacturers such as Continental recommend tyres have at least 4mm tread depth to give at least some grip in snow and slush. Drivers who fail to comply with the law face a fine of up to £2,500 and three penalty points for each illegal tyre. Additionally, tyre pressures should be checked at least once a month or before a long journey. STAMFORD LIVING NOVEMBER 2011 51
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