Winter Tyres
"Summer Tyres"The standard tyre supplied to motorists in the UK and Ireland is known as a summer tyre; it is designed to operate at its best in moderate temperatures above 7 degrees. Summer tyres are suitable for average moderate Irish weather conditions. Branded summer tyres are specifically designed to take into account wet road conditions and many now contain compounds such as "silica" to improve their wet performance capability.
What are "Winter Tyres"?
"Winter Tyres" are tyres with a different compound and construction to "Summer Tyres" which allows them to give superior performance in cold weather below 7 degrees. In Northern European countries where they annually experience severe winter conditions there are laws insisting that motorists change their summer tyres over to winter tyres for 3 to 5 months depending on the country climate. Winter tyres are a good option for Irish and UK motorists who live in rural or highland areas and motorists who provide essential services. They can be beneficial to the handling of rear wheel drive vehicles when driving on snow and ice. We would recommend driver training for motorists who intend to drive in severe winter conditions.
At what temperature do winter tyres work best?
It is generally agreed by tyre manufacturers that winter tyres are beneficial when temperatures fall below 7 degrees. Depending on the particular tyre specification these can operate as low as minus 30 degrees, temperatures seldom seen in Ireland.
What are snow socks and are they an alternative to Winter Tyres?
Snow socks are a very good "get you home" emergency device but they are not an alternative to winter tyres. We advise that when they are used by motorists that they are fitted to all wheels for best stability. Snow socks wrap around the tread of the tyre like a cover and provide additional grip on slippery snow and ice surfaces. The manufacturers specify that they are not for long term use.
What is an "All Weather" or "All Season" tyre?
An all-weather tyre has a special compound which enables it to work in the kind of temperatures found in more moderate climates like Ireland and the UK. They do not need to be changed over when the temperature goes up or down. They work above 7 degrees like a summer tyre down to approximately minus 15 degrees. They provide the same dry weather performance as a summer tyre and wear at the same rate as a summer tyre.
How many winter or all weather tyres should you fit to your car?
We recommend that four tyres are fitted as anything less could unbalance the car and not provide full control in snow and ice particularly when cornering, changing lanes or on roundabouts.
What are the disadvantages of winter tyres?
Winter tyres need to be changed over between winter and summer when temperatures rise and fall and there are costs involved in this. They need to be stored when not in use. They can wear out more quickly when operated outside their temperature range. Our daily winter temperatures can be very changeable with temperatures fluctuating from minus figures to above 7 degrees meaning a winter tyre can go outside its operating zone in the course of a day. Winter tyres are primarily designed for countries where temperatures fall below 7 degrees for months on end.
Does fitting winter tyres or snow socks affect my insurance?
You should always check with your insurance company when modifying your vehicle in any way. Your insurer may rely on a vehicle manufacturer to give approval for a particular fitment.
Has the climate changed in Ireland and the UK?
According to the national met offices in both Ireland and the UK, there is no significant change to the climate in this part of the world. Recent cold weather scenarios were weather events and are not guaranteed to be repeated annually. Based on the weather experienced over the last 30 years prolonged periods of snow and ice is unlikely in Ireland and the UK.
How can I make sure my tyres are safe for winter driving?
The most important thing is to check that your tyres have a minimum of 1.6mm of tread; this is the legal minimum and we believe tyres should be changed before reaching this level. Check your pressures regularly, normally you will find your tyre pressures listed inside the driver's door or alternatively in the owner's manual. Remove any foreign objects from the tread and fit dust caps to the valves. If you are in any doubt about your tyres call to your nearest tyre specialist to have them checked.
3mm Tread | Winter Tyres | Part-worn Tyres | Nitrogen
