Summer, Winter & All Season Tyres
As summer tyres stiffen when the temperature drops, it is advisable that cold weather/tyres on winter/all-season tyres are used at certain times of the year.
At below 7 degrees, the tyres’ rubber compound gives much higher safety margins, giving better braking and handling performance on damp, cold, icy and snow-covered roads. All-terrain tyres that are marked 3 peak mountain snow flake (3pmsf), classing them as cold weather/winter/all season tyres. This lets you fit one set that can be used all year round, rather than having two sets – a cost effective alternative!
PEAKS MOUNTAIN SNOW FLAKE (3PMSF)
This symbol is for tyres that guarantee real winter performance: they have been conceived for snow usage and they have met all the requirements defined during the testing phase.
ICE GRIP SYMBOL
The new “Ice Grip” pictogram is made for tyres with the shorter braking distance on ice. These tyres have been designed for road surfaces covered with compact snow and ice. They must only be used in severe weather conditions (such as in Nordic countries). They should not be used in less severe weather conditions (warmer temperatures or wet conditions) as their performance can be sub- optimal (especially for handling, wear and wet grip)
Winter tyres are specifically designed for optimum performance when the temperatures drop below 7 °C. They are typically used across European countries with some countries making it mandatory for winter tyres to be fitted during their winter months.
Although winter tyres are not mandatory for the UK market, winter tyres do have a place in our portfolio of tyres for the cold winter months. They improve the safety of cars on the road during the winter months and there is a lack of knowledge and awareness of the benefits of winter tyres in the UK.
In contrast to summer tyres, winter tyres work better in cold temperatures as they are made by a specific form of rubber which triggers in colder weather – better handling and braking.
Summer tyres vs winter tyres – stopping distance
If you’re driving at 60mph with summer tyres on your car it will take you approximately 70.5 metres to stop on a wet, cold road.
If you’re driving at 60mph with winter tyres on your car you will come to a standstill stop at 65.7 meters.
That’s roughly the length of a large family vehicle – the difference between a collision.
Winter tyres are marked with a ‘snowflake or mountain’ symbol to clearly identify it as a winter tyre.
Benefits of Winter tyres
Improve tyre performance in the winter – wide tread pattern blocks and extra sipes help to grip to make it safer (some winter tyres are even studded for extra safety).
Better grip in colder climates – the rubber grips to the road in cold climates.
Superior control in cold, icy and wet conditions.
Increased safety on the roads in adverse weather conditions – winter tyre treads are made for traction on icy roads and better stopping distances on wet and icy surfaces.
It’s advised to start thinking about ordering winter tyres in September/October time as we come into autumn.
Please give us a call on 01276 856846 and we can advise on the benefit of fitting winter tyres to your car...
All Season Tyres
All-season tyres are designed to perform in countries that have moderate weather conditions (low chance of snow) all year round. Where winters are less severe, like in the UK, with cold and wet weather characteristics, all-weather tyres come into their own. Suitable through the four seasons of the UK, all-season tyres are manufactured to cope with the less extreme climates.
What are all-season tyres?
All-season tyres are a combination of a summer and winter tyre which results in the tyre having the benefit of both tyre types. They have a mixture of the strengths from both summer and winter tyres to give you peace of mind whatever the weather. It’s an all-year-round suitable tyre.
Benefits of all-season tyres
All Season tyres aren’t suitable for all vehicles or drivers if you require speed, precision and responsiveness, high-performance tyres could be the right tyre choice for you.
Things to consider when buying All Season tyres:
- Safe all year round – you don’t have to worry about changing your tyres to improve performance in the winter months when the temperature drops below 7C.
- Saves time and money – you don’t need to purchase two sets of tyres and have them changed over every year.
- Best of both worlds – it has better performance than a summer tyre in winter and has better winter performance than a summer tyre.
All-season tyres are perfect for the UK market as severe snow and ice are unlikely. Although winter tyres are not mandatory in the UK like it is in Germany, it’s a good alternative to perform in all-weather eventualities.
MARTINS TYRES stocks a comprehensive range of mid-range all-season tyres.
Unsure on the right all-season tyre for your vehicle? Please call us on 01276 856846 and we will be happy to help.
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