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Driving On Winter Tyres

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Driving On Winter Tyres

Driving On Winter Tyres

Driving On Winter Tyres

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:

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:

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.

Pirelli Winter Tyres 2

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Pirelli Winter Tyres 2

Pirelli Winter Tyres 2
Pirelli Winter Tyres 2

Pirelli Winter Tyres 2

Pirelli Winter Tyres 2 – Best Choice for Yorkshire Winters

With snow forecast across Yorkshire this weekend, it’s a timely reminder that winter driving in Halifax and Calderdale can change very quickly.

One minute the roads look clear. The next, temperatures drop, surfaces freeze and braking distances double. That’s when tyre choice makes a real difference.

At Pellon Tyres in Halifax, we always advise drivers to think ahead when winter weather approaches. And one of the strongest options for cold, icy conditions is the winter range from Pirelli.

Let’s explain why.

Why Winter Tyres Matter in Yorkshire: Pirelli Winter Tyres 2

Many drivers assume winter tyres are only for extreme snow.

That’s not quite true.

Winter tyres are designed to perform better in temperatures below 7°C — and in Yorkshire, we drop below that regularly from late autumn through early spring.

On cold roads, summer tyres harden.
When rubber hardens, grip reduces.

Winter tyres use special cold-weather compounds that stay flexible in low temperatures, maintaining traction when you need it most.

Pirelli Winter Tyres 2
Winter tyres developed from rallying experience

The Challenge of Halifax and Calderdale Roads

Our local roads present specific winter challenges:

  • Steep hills
  • Shaded areas that stay icy
  • Rural lanes
  • Sudden frost in valleys
  • Gritted but still slippery main roads

Descending from Savile Park or climbing up towards Ogden in icy conditions can be particularly tricky.

Winter tyres provide:

✔ Shorter braking distances
✔ Improved traction on snow
✔ Better control on slush
✔ Increased stability in cold, wet conditions

That added grip can prevent minor slips from turning into major incidents.

Pirelli Winter Technology: Pirelli Winter Tyres 2

One of Pirelli’s leading winter ranges is the Pirelli Winter Sottozero.

This tyre is designed for:

  • Cold temperatures
  • Wet winter roads
  • Ice and snow conditions
  • Performance and executive vehicles

Its tread design features:

  • High-density sipes (small cuts in the tread) to grip snow
  • Wide channels to clear slush
  • Advanced compound to remain flexible in low temperatures

For everyday family cars, Pirelli also offers winter options within the Cinturato range.

The Real Difference: Braking Distance: Pirelli Winter Tyres 2

This is where winter tyres really prove their worth.

In cold, icy conditions, winter tyres can stop significantly shorter than summer tyres.

Imagine driving down one of Halifax’s hills on a frosty morning.

You brake.
The car ahead slows suddenly.

Those few extra metres of stopping distance can be crucial.

It’s not about driving faster—it’s about stopping sooner.

Are Winter Tyres Only for Snow?

No.

Even on cold, damp winter days with no visible snow, winter tyres often perform better than summer tyres.

That’s because:

  • The rubber compound remains softer
  • Grip on cold tarmac improves
  • Braking performance remains consistent

In Yorkshire, where temperatures fluctuate and roads can stay damp for days, winter tyres are about cold-weather performance — not just deep snow.

Do You Need a Full Set?

Ideally, yes.

For maximum stability and balance, winter tyres should be fitted as a full set of four. Mixing winter and summer tyres can affect handling and braking balance.

At Pellon Tyres, we can advise on the best setup for your vehicle and driving needs.

Is It Worth It in Halifax?

That depends on:

  • How often you drive in winter
  • Whether you commute early mornings
  • Whether you travel on untreated rural roads
  • How confident you feel in icy conditions

For drivers regularly travelling across Calderdale in winter months, the added security is often worth the investment.

Yorkshire Common Sense: Pirelli Winter Tyres 2

We don’t get Alpine snow levels every week — but when winter weather hits, it hits hard and quickly.

A set of winter tyres can:

  • Improve safety
  • Increase confidence
  • Reduce stress
  • Help prevent accidents

Especially on our hills.

Final Thoughts

With snow forecast this weekend, now is the time to think ahead.

Pirelli winter tyres offer:

  • Cold-weather grip
  • Strong braking performance
  • Stability on icy hills
  • Reliable wet winter handling

If you’re concerned about driving in the coming conditions, give Pellon Tyres in Halifax a call for advice.

Better prepared than stranded.

🔑

Skoda Fabia for GT Winter Tyres

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Skoda Fabia for GT Winter Tyres

Skoda Fabia for GT Winter Tyres
Skoda Fabia for GT Winter Tyres

Skoda Fabia for GT Winter Tyres

Yesterday at Pellon Tyres, the next car through the workshop was a Škoda Fabia – and that’ll come as no surprise to anyone who drives around Halifax or the wider Calderdale area. You see Fabias everywhere around here, from town-centre errands to daily commutes out towards Sowerby Bridge and Brighouse and up over the tops, where the weather can turn sharp very quickly.

This particular Fabia was being prepared for bad winter weather, with the owner choosing to fit two GT Radial WinterPro tyres, size 195/55 R15 85H. It’s a very common tyre size on smaller cars, and for good reason – it offers a sensible balance of comfort, grip, and affordability. For Calderdale drivers who don’t want to be caught out by ice, frost, or the first proper snowfall, it’s a smart and practical decision.

Skoda Fabia for GT Winter Tyres
Skoda Fabia for GT Winter Tyres

The Skoda Fabia – A Quiet UK Success Story

The Fabia first arrived in the UK back in 1999, and from the start it proved popular with British drivers. Built by Škoda, the Fabia helped change public perception of the brand almost overnight. Older drivers might remember the jokes that once followed Skoda around, but the Fabia put an end to all that.

Under the skin, the Fabia benefited from Volkswagen Group engineering, sharing components with the VW Polo and SEAT Ibiza. That meant solid build quality, dependable engines, and sensible running costs – exactly what many Yorkshire motorists value.

Around Halifax and Calderdale, the Fabia fits local life perfectly:

  • Compact enough for tight parking in town
  • Comfortable on longer runs out towards Huddersfield or Leeds
  • Economical for everyday use
  • Tough enough to handle rougher road surfaces

Over the years, the Fabia has become a favourite with first-time drivers, retirees, small families, and delivery drivers alike. It’s not flashy, but it’s honest motoring – and that goes down well round here.

Skoda Fabia for GT Winter Tyres
GT Winter tyre

Why Winter Tyres Make Sense in Calderdale: Skoda Fabia for GT Winter Tyres

We might not get Alpine snow every year, but Calderdale winters bring their own challenges. Cold temperatures, damp roads, shaded valleys, and early morning frost can make driving tricky, especially on hills and side streets.

Winter tyres aren’t just about snow. They’re designed to:

  • Stay flexible in cold temperatures
  • Offer better grip on wet and icy roads
  • Shorten braking distances below 7°C

On a lighter car like a Fabia, that extra grip can make a real difference, particularly when pulling away on a slope or braking on a greasy road.

Skoda Fabia for GT Winter Tyres
GT Tyre label

GT Radial – Sensible Tyres with a Solid Reputation

The tyres chosen were GT Radial WinterPro, made by GT Radial, which is part of the Giti Tire group. GT Radial has built a strong reputation in the UK for offering good-quality tyres at sensible prices, without cutting corners on safety.

GT Radial tyres are developed and tested for European conditions, including cold, wet winters like we experience in Yorkshire. The WinterPro range is designed specifically for smaller and mid-sized cars, making it ideal for vehicles like the Fabia.

Key benefits of the WinterPro include:

  • A winter-specific rubber compound that stays soft in cold weather
  • Deep tread patterns to clear water and slush
  • Improved traction on snow and ice compared to summer tyres
  • Predictable handling and braking

For drivers who don’t want to spend premium-brand money but still want confidence when the weather turns, GT Radial is a very sensible option.

Skoda Fabia for GT Winter Tyres
New tyre fitted to Skoda wheel

The Importance of the Tyre Size – 195/55 R15 85H: Skoda Fabia for GT Winter Tyres

The 195/55 R15 size is extremely common on smaller cars, and that availability helps keep costs reasonable. It’s wide enough to give good road contact, but not so wide that it struggles in winter conditions.

On a Fabia, this size works well because:

  • It suits the car’s weight and suspension
  • It offers a comfortable ride on rough roads
  • It performs predictably in poor weather

The 85H load and speed rating is more than adequate for everyday driving, whether that’s nipping into Halifax or heading further afield.

Local Driving, Local Advice: Skoda Fabia for GT Winter Tyres

Around Calderdale, winter tyres aren’t about showing off – they’re about getting from A to B safely. Steep roads, shaded valleys, and sudden weather changes catch people out every year. Preparing early, like this Fabia owner has done, is always better than waiting until the first snowfall.

At Pellon Tyres, we see plenty of drivers who wish they’d thought ahead once the temperature drops. A set of winter tyres can make the difference between getting home safely and being stuck at the bottom of a hill spinning wheels.

Final Thoughts from Pellon Tyres

The Skoda Fabia remains one of the most sensible small cars on UK roads, and pairing it with GT Radial WinterPro tyres is a practical choice for Calderdale winters. It’s not about extravagance – it’s about confidence, safety, and peace of mind.

For drivers around Halifax and beyond, winter preparation doesn’t have to be expensive or complicated. The right tyres, fitted properly, can make all the difference when the weather turns against us – and in Yorkshire, that’s never far away.

Vito Van for Falken Winter Tyres

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Vito Van for Falken Winter Tyres

Vito Van for Falken Winter Tyres
Vito Van for Falken Winter Tyres

Vito Van for Falken Winter Tyres

A Grubby Vito Van, a Free Tyre Check, and a Smart Choice of Falken Winter Tyres

(Approx. 1,000 words)

Yesterday turned out to be one of those classic workshop days at Pellon Tyre & Autocentre here in Halifax. If you know our place, you’ll know it never stays quiet for long, especially in winter when folk start worrying about the roads freezing over Mixenden Moor or black ice creeping along the tops above Sowerby Bridge.

Anyway, just after dinner, a rather grubby-looking Mercedes-Benz Vito CDi rolled in for one of our free tyre checks. The van looked like it had spent the morning tackling every muddy track in Calderdale — the sort of motor that’s clearly out grafting every single day. You can almost tell a van’s story just by how the muck sticks to it.

Adam, sharp as ever, got stuck in straightaway. He didn’t need long to spot that the Vito’s front tyres were well past their best. Worn, cracked and badly lacking tread — exactly the sort of thing that can ruin your day when you hit a frosty bend on the way up to Queensbury.

The van’s owner didn’t mess about. Once Adam explained the situation, he made a cracking decision: a pair of Falken winter tyres. And to be honest, he probably saved himself a lot of grief over the coming months.

Vito Van for Falken Winter Tyres
Vito Van for Falken Winter Tyres

A Halifax Winter Is No Joke: Vito Van for Falken Winter Tyres

Those of us who live here in the Calder Valley know exactly how fast the weather can turn. One minute you’re driving through drizzle, the next you’re dealing with snow blowing sideways across the A629. Anyone who’s been caught out on Blackstone Edge or even the climb through Wheatley knows that standard summer tyres just don’t cut it once temperatures dip.

That’s why we always encourage drivers to think ahead. A good set of winter tyres can be the difference between getting home safely — or ending up stuck on a cold verge waiting for recovery.

A Bit of History: The Mercedes-Benz Vito

The Mercedes-Benz Vito has become a firm favourite among tradespeople, delivery drivers, and anyone who needs a van that works as hard as they do. First introduced in the mid-1990s, it filled the gap between the smaller Mercedes Citan and the big, beefy Sprinter. The idea was simple: build a tough, reliable mid-sized van that could handle Europe’s most demanding roads.

Over the years, we’ve seen plenty of Vitos through our doors — plumbers, sparkies, couriers, caterers, builders — the lot. The CDi diesel engines especially earned a reputation for strong pulling power, good fuel economy and impressive durability. Perfect for hauling gear up and down Halifax’s steep hills, from King Cross Bank to the climbs above Northowram.

What makes the Vito popular?

  • Solid build quality
  • Loads of room in the back
  • Comfortable cab for long days
  • Engines that seem to last forever
  • Great handling even when fully loaded

It’s no surprise they’re dotted all over Calderdale. They’re one of those vans that quietly get the job done — no fuss, no nonsense, no drama.

Vito Van for Falken Winter Tyres
Vito Van for Falken Winter Tyres

Where Falken Tyres Began: Vito Van for Falken Winter Tyres

Now, the Vito driver choosing Falken winter tyres was a wise move, and the brand’s history explains why.

Falken started life in Japan in 1983, originally created by Sumitomo Rubber Industries as a performance tyre brand aimed at motorsport enthusiasts. Before long, Falken tyres were appearing in racing events around the world — drifting competitions, endurance races and track days. If a tyre can survive that lot, it’ll more than cope with a frosty Halifax morning.

By the early 1990s, Falken had made their way to Europe. Drivers quickly appreciated their blend of quality, innovation and good value for money. Unlike some premium brands, Falken focuses heavily on research and development – especially when it comes to winter tyres.

Their tread designs, rubber compounds and sipes are engineered to grip snow, slush and wet winter roads. That’s exactly what you want when you’re navigating icy corners in places like Mytholmroyd or Ripponden.

Here at Pellon Tyres, we’ve fitted loads of Falken winters over the years, and the feedback is always the same:

“They grip better, they feel safer, and they last.”

Vito Van for Falken Winter Tyres
Vito Van for Falken Winter Tyres

Falken Winter Tyres: Ideal for Calderdale Roads

The Falken Eurowinter range is particularly suited to our area. Halifax sits high up on the Pennine ridge, surrounded by valleys, moorland and exposed roads that freeze earlier and stay icy longer than many other regions.

Benefits of Falken winter tyres include:

  • Better grip in cold, wet and snowy weather
  • Shorter braking distances on icy roads
  • Improved stability going uphill
  • Better traction pulling away in slush
  • A more confident feel when cornering
  • Excellent value compared to premium brands

They’re exactly the kind of tyre you want when you’re setting off early from Illingworth, heading through Shelf or braving the road over to Littleborough.

A Happier, Safer Vito Driver: Vito Van for Falken Winter Tyres

Once the tyres were fitted, balanced and checked, the Vito left our yard much safer than it arrived. And I reckon the driver will thank himself the first time he comes down a frosty hill and the van actually stops where it’s supposed to.

We always say — the only part of your vehicle that touches the road is the tyres. They’re not something you want to gamble on, especially in a place like Calderdale, where winter can turn nasty at a moment’s notice.

If you’re unsure about your tyres, just pop in for a free tyre check. No pressure, no hard sell — just honest advice. You can read more about winter tyre options on our website here:
https://www.pellontyres.co.uk

And if you fancy a cosy winter escape once the snow melts, have a look at our Lucky Paws Holiday Home near Flamborough Head — perfect for spring and summer breaks when the Yorkshire coast comes alive.