Should I Buy Winter Tyres?
It can be a good idea to have summer and winter tyres; in fact, it is a legal requirement to have two sets of tyres and wheels in some areas of Europe.
This is largely because average summer tyres get stiffer as the temperature falls, whereas winter versions are made of a kind of rubber that has a high content of silica and a special tread pattern designed to stay flexible even when the mercury drops below 7°C. This ensures better handling and braking on ice and snow and can be very helpful on wet surfaces during cold spells.
Winter tyres are marked with a snowflake or a snow-topped mountain symbol and are specially made to perform in cold conditions. This means that snow/winter tyres are not best-suited to being used all year round, with tyres designed for summer use offering better performance on dry roads and in warmer temperatures. If you want winter tyres, you will also need summer versions.
You may need winter tyres in particular if you live in or have to travel around more remote areas where wintry conditions are likely to linger for longer. Before deciding whether to buy snow/winter tyres, you should think about the level of bad weather risk you face, your driving confidence, and the amount of driving you will need to do when there is ice and snow around.
Not sure whether you need Winter Tyres?
Book yourself in for a Free Tyre Check at your local Protyre garage and let our professional and experienced technicians advise you on the ideal tyres for your vehicle.
If you decide on summer and winter tyres, you don’t necessarily need two sets of wheels; instead, you can keep one set and just get a professional tyre fitter to change over your tyres in autumn and spring. You will need to have four of each tyre, however, as changing a single pair will disturb your car’s stability. You should also check whether you need to change the type of bolt or wheel nut you use depending on the tyres you choose.
Another option is to opt for all-season tyres, which are made of a similar rubber compound to that used for snow/winter tyres but use a tread pattern that is a compromise between winter tyres and summer versions. This means they should offer better performance on ice and snow than standard summer tyres and do not need to be changed between seasons.
One more possibility is to stick to summer tyres and carry snow chains if there is a risk that you will need to travel in bad weather conditions; however, there are factors to consider if you decide to go down this route. Remember that chains can only be used if there is a snow or ice layer that has been compacted to protect the road surface, and you will need to consider the practicalities of removing and fitting the chains. This can be tricky, especially when your wheel arches are full of snow and your hands are gloved and cold.
We Can Help You Choose The Right Tyre
Tyres are essential for keeping your car safe and performing at its best, but with so many options out there, it can be tough to know where to start. That's where our informative articles come in – we're here to help you navigate the world of tyres and make the best choice for your specific needs.
Whether you're considering upgrading to Premium car tyres for enhanced driving dynamics, run flat car tyres for added peace of mind, or trying to decide between summer car tyres and winter car tyres, Protyre can help. Our articles have got you covered with a wide range of tyre-related topics to help you make informed decisions.
The brand you choose matters too. We offer recommendations for trusted names such as 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 our articles don't just focus on choosing the right tyres – we also offer practical advice for maintaining them. From simple tips like checking your tread depth and keeping your tyres inflated to the proper pressure, to more advanced topics like extending tyre life through regular rotation and balancing - we've got you covered!
Dive in and discover everything you need to know to keep your car running smoothly and safely with Protyre.
If you decide you need them, your local Protyre garage is the perfect place to have your snow/winter tyres fitted. Simply use our online search function to find the right options for your car.