Cold Weather vs All Season tyres
Winter tyres are designed to increase safety and control in cold weather that’s below 7 degrees Celsius – which in the UK happens in November, December, January and February. In some cases, we might get the odd cold night before these months too.
Driving with your normal, everyday tyres that you’ve used in summer, in winter, can cause your set of tyres to harden and crack when exposed to chilling temperatures. When they harden, your risk of aquaplaning increases and your stopping distance too. That is why winter tyres are advisable because they’re made from a rubber compound that does not stiffen in low temperatures below 7 degrees Celsius. With cold weather tyres, the grip of the road is improved, control is enhanced and stopping distances are reduced – vital should you need to perform an emergency stop.
If the thought of buying 2 sets of tyres and having to swap them twice a year is putting you off, a great compromise is the all-season tyre. Sometimes called an all-weather tyre it’s a happy medium that gives you the best of both worlds.
They drive well on both warm and colds roads, developed to carry the “M+S” marking (mud and snow the same as winter tyres) with tread and grooves that are suitable for wet and slushy conditions but also agile enough to grip on warm summer roads that are wet or dry!
Summer tyres will out perform all weather in the summer and the same can be said in the winter for the cold weather but as compromise they are a fantastic solution and perform well, allowing the best handling and braking on both cold and warm roads.
Take a look at this video where car expert Jonny Smith tests the handling abilities of the Continental AllSeasonContact https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_dVIDWrFep4
Whether you decide on summer, winter or all-season tyres, remember they must be fitted in sets of 4 and never mixed as the vehicle may become unstable.
We have experts available to discuss which tyres would best fulfil your driving needs in at our branches in Sudbury, Haverhill, Diss, Saffron Walden , Bury st Edmunds and Stowmarket.
