Driving On Winter Tyres
Driving On Winter Tyres
Driving On Winter Tyres
Table of Contents
Driving On Winter Tyres
Advantages of Winter Tyres – Why More UK Drivers Are Making the Switch
Winter has well and truly arrived once again across many parts of Britain. One minute the roads are merely wet and miserable, and the next we wake up to snow-covered cars, icy windscreens and dangerous slushy roads.
Here in Yorkshire, especially around Halifax and Calderdale, winter weather can arrive quickly and catch motorists completely off guard. One day you are driving normally to work, and the next you are sliding around steep hills and untreated side roads wondering why the car suddenly feels unstable.
Over the years at Pellon Tyres Halifax, we have seen countless winter-related problems caused simply because motorists were still driving on ordinary summer tyres during freezing conditions.
Many drivers still think winter tyres are
- only for Scandinavia,
- skiing holidays,
- or mountain roads.
But the truth is very different.
Modern winter tyres can make a huge difference to the following:
- safety,
- braking,
- steering control,
- and overall confidence during cold British winters.
Why Ordinary Tyres Struggle in Winter: Driving On Winter Tyres
Most standard tyres fitted to UK cars are actually the following:
- summer tyres.
Many motorists do not realise this.
Summer tyres work very well during the following:
- mild temperatures,
- dry roads,
- and wet weather above about 7°C.
However, once temperatures fall below around the following:
- 7°C,
The rubber compound in normal tyres begins to harden.
When this happens:
- grip reduces,
- braking distances increase,
- and steering response becomes less predictable.
On icy roads it can feel almost like driving on plastic wheels rather than rubber tyres.
What Makes Winter Tyres Different?
Winter tyres are specially designed to continue working properly in the following conditions:
- cold weather,
- ice,
- snow,
- and slush.
They use a much softer rubber compound which remains flexible even during freezing temperatures.
This flexibility allows the tyre to
- grip the road surface better,
- maintain traction,
- and improve braking performance.
The tread patterns are also completely different from ordinary tyres.
Winter tyres contain:
- deeper grooves,
- extra water channels,
- and thousands of tiny cuts called
- sipes.
These features help the tyres:
- bite into snow,
- clear slush,
- disperse water,
- and reduce aquaplaning risks.
The Difference Can Be Remarkable: Driving On Winter Tyres
Many motorists who fit winter tyres for the first time are genuinely amazed by the improvement.
Instead of:
- wheelspin,
- sliding,
- or struggling uphill,
The car suddenly feels the following:
- controlled,
- stable,
- and predictable.
Even braking distances improve dramatically.
This can make a huge difference during emergency situations.
A car travelling downhill on icy roads with ordinary summer tyres may continue sliding long after the brakes are applied. Winter tyres greatly improve the chances of stopping safely.
Yorkshire Winters Can Be Unpredictable
Around Halifax, Bradford and Calderdale, we regularly experience the following:
- steep roads,
- untreated side streets,
- heavy rain,
- and sudden snowfalls.
The Pennine weather can change incredibly quickly.
Drivers travelling between:
- Halifax,
- Hebden Bridge,
- Todmorden,
- Huddersfield,
- or the Yorkshire Dales
often encounter completely different weather conditions within only a few miles.
This is where winter tyres really prove their value.
Winter Tyres Are Not Just for Snow: Driving On Winter Tyres
One of the biggest myths is that winter tyres only help in deep snow.
Actually, they are often most effective during:
- cold wet weather,
- frosty mornings,
- sleet,
- icy junctions,
- and slushy roads.
Even on ordinary wet roads during cold temperatures, winter tyres can:
- brake better,
- grip better,
- and improve handling stability.
That makes them extremely useful in Britain’s damp winter climate.
Better Safety for Families
At Pellon Tyres, many customers who fit winter tyres do so for one simple reason:
- family safety.
Parents driving children to school during icy mornings often appreciate the added confidence winter tyres provide.
The same applies to:
- NHS workers,
- delivery drivers,
- carers,
- and business users
who cannot simply stay at home whenever snow arrives.
Skiing Holidays and Winter Travel: Driving On Winter Tyres
Of course, winter tyres are especially important for motorists travelling abroad during winter months.
Many European countries legally require winter tyres during certain periods of the year.
Countries including:
- Germany,
- Austria,
- Sweden,
- and parts of France
may require:
- winter tyres,
- snow chains,
- or special winter equipment by law.
Drivers travelling to ski resorts without suitable tyres can sometimes
- receive fines,
- invalidate insurance,
- or even be refused access to mountain roads.
Winter Tyres and UK Law
At present, winter tyres are not compulsory in the UK.
However, tyres must still meet all normal UK legal requirements, including:
- minimum tread depth of 1.6mm,
- roadworthy condition,
- and safe operation.
Importantly, insurance companies and police may still take a dim view of obviously unsafe tyres during severe winter conditions.
In some cases following accidents, poor tyre condition can become an important factor.
Are Winter Tyres Expensive?
Many motorists initially worry about the cost of winter tyres.
However, there are several important points to remember.
If you use:
- winter tyres during winter,
and - summer tyres during warmer months,
Both sets of tyres actually last longer because the wear is spread across two sets.
So the long-term costs are often less than people expect.
Many drivers also choose the following:
- winter wheel packages,
allowing easy seasonal changeovers.
Modern All-Season Tyres: Driving On Winter Tyres
In recent years, all-season tyres have also become increasingly popular.
Brands such as:
now produce advanced all-season tyres suitable for many UK drivers.
These offer a compromise between the following:
- summer performance,
- and winter capability.
However, during severe snow and ice, dedicated winter tyres still usually perform best.
Winter Tyres for SUVs and Electric Cars
Modern SUVs and electric vehicles are often the following:
- heavier,
- more powerful,
- and fitted with larger wheels.
These vehicles can benefit enormously from winter tyres, especially during icy conditions.
Electric cars in particular produce instant torque, which can easily overwhelm ordinary tyres on slippery roads.
The Difference Between Confidence and Fear
One thing we hear repeatedly from customers is how winter tyres completely change the driving experience.
Instead of:
- dreading icy mornings,
- struggling up hills,
- or avoiding journeys,
drivers often feel:
- calmer,
- safer,
- and far more confident.
That peace of mind alone can be worth the investment.
Final Thoughts
British winters may not always bring deep snow, but they certainly bring:
- freezing temperatures,
- heavy rain,
- ice,
- sleet,
- and dangerous road conditions.
Winter tyres are not simply a luxury for wealthy motorists or Alpine skiers. They are a genuine safety improvement for many ordinary UK drivers.
At Pellon Tyres Halifax, we continue helping local motorists choose the right tyres for Yorkshire roads and unpredictable British weather.
Because when winter arrives, having the correct tyres fitted can make all the difference between the following:
- staying in control,
or - ending up stuck at the roadside.
