Top tips for driving in the snow
Driving in icy and wintery conditions can be daunting; our experts have devised these top tips for driving in snow, to give you some reassurance on the road this winter.
Check your car and tyres
Before you start your drive in the snow, the best thing you could do is to check that your car and tyres are safe. You should check the condition of all four of your tyres to make sure that that there are no cracks, bulges or cuts. Also, check the tread of your tyres, the minimum legal tyre tread depth is 1.6mm in the centre three-quarters of the tread around the whole circumference of the tyre but experts recommend at least 3mm to avoid compromising handling.
Did you know?
Protyre offer free tyre checks at all of our garages. Why not book your vehicle in and let our expert technicians check the tread, condition and pressure of your tyres.
A low tyre tread can compromise driving in normal weather conditions without adding snow into the equation. If you’re unsure as to your tyre tread depth, why not ask our tyre professionals to check over your tyres. You can book a free check here on the site.
Choose the appropriate tyres
Do you need to change your tyres for driving in the snow? In our experience, we would suggest that ahead of wintery conditions you may wish to consider changing your tyres to suit the seasonal weather if you live in an isolated area or one which is subject to particularly harsh conditions.
Winter tyres are designed to perform better in lower temperatures and offer increased grip on the road. Summer tyres are made to suit higher temperatures, and so they perform better in conditions above 7°C. Brands, such as; Pirelli and Falken offer winter tyres that are suitable for UK winter weather, not just for snow but for temperatures below 7°C.
Alternatively, all-season tyres may be a suitable choice, these are a hybrid tyre that are suitable for lower and higher temperatures. Brands, such as; Bridgestone can offer all-year-round security and performance with their Weather Control tyres. Both of these tyre types can be bought online and fitted by qualified fitters at your local Protyre garage.
Be prepared for snow
If snow is forecast and you have a journey planned, ensure that you are prepared, with the essentials you might need in your car. Check you have a spare tyre or tyre inflation kit in your vehicle and anything you might need in freezing temperatures, such as de-icer and an ice scraper. You should also be prepared for the unexpected; pack food supplies, a blanket and a shovel. Grit, salt or even cat litter would also come in handy if you find yourself stuck in the snow.
Driving in the snow
Finally, once you’re organised and prepared, you can set off on your journey. When the roads are icy or covered in snow it’s important to drive safely. Keep your speed low and ensure that you are a safe distance away from the car in front. According to research by safety charity Brake, your stopping distance in these conditions will have increased by ten-fold. Remember, if the journey isn’t necessary, stay off the roads when snow falls.
To make sure your car is ready for driving in the snow, why not book a free vehicle check online or get in touch with Protyre for expert advice.
Choosing the Right Tyre Made Easy
When it comes to your car's safety and performance, tyres can play a huge role. That's why we've put together a collection of helpful articles to guide you through the process of selecting the perfect tyres for your ride and maintaining your vehicle in general.
If you're looking for a smoother, more luxurious driving experience, premium car tyres might be the way to go. Or, if you want added security against flats, run flat car tyres could be your best bet. Trying to decide between summer car tyres and winter car tyres? We've got you covered there, too.
We also dive into the world of tyre brands, comparing top manufacturers like BF Goodrich tyres, Bridgestone tyres, Continental tyres, Dunlop tyres, Falken tyres, General tyres, Goodyear tyres, GT Radial tyres , Hankook tyres, Michelin tyres, Pirelli tyres, Runway tyres, Sumitomo tyres, and Toyo tyres.
But we don't just stop at helping you choose the right tyres – we also share tips on how to keep them in tip-top shape. From checking your tread depth and keeping your tyres properly inflated to extending their life through regular rotation and balancing, our articles have got you covered.
So, whether you're a car enthusiast or just looking to keep your vehicle safe and reliable, our car help and advice articles are here to help you make informed decisions about your tyres. Check them out and feel confident in your tyre choices!
