For those who live in the UK, winter Kumho tyres Witham have become an excellent replacement since they assist drivers better handle the icy and snowy conditions that are common throughout the winter months.
Winter tyres aren’t only for travelling on ice and snow, according to a prevalent myth. When the temperature drops below 7°C, winter tyres are intended to provide enhanced traction, grip, and security. Even if it doesn’t ice, they may still be a smart buy for the winter months since they give improved traction in the rain and over wet grass on the road. We’ll go through what winter tyres are, how they’re classified legally in the UK, and when or not you should get them for your vehicle or van in the sections below.
WHAT ARE WINTER TYRES?
It’s common in the UK for new cars to come both with the summer or all-season tyres installed. Warmer weather and gentler conditions are the ideal places to grow these plants. In addition, they may lose their grip and traction as the temperature begins to fall.
In comparison to summer tyres, winter tyres are crafted to perform superior in cold and wet weather, and have a variety of additional characteristics to aid in water dispersion from the tread.
Summer tyres vary from winter tyres in the following ways:
Rubber compositions in winter tyres are softer in order to better grip the road when temperatures drop.
The swales in the tread of winter tyres enhance the tyre contact area, which aids in traction.
When driving in snow, the deeper tread of winter tyres helps to evacuate water and provide better traction.
THE FITTING OF WINTER TYRES
When the mean temperature is consistently below 7°C, it is best to use winter tyres. Between Oct and March in the United Kingdom, this is the most frequent.
Winter tyres are a legal necessity in Germany from October and April, which is unusual. Winter tyres are not required by legislation in the United Kingdom. For those who reside on higher terrain, winter tyres may make life a lot simpler in the winter months.
Due to the prevalence of inclines such as those seen in UK housing developments and the like, winter tyres may reduce the likelihood of becoming stranded in slippery conditions.
WINTER TYRES BENEFITS
The benefits of winter tyres are:
GOOD STOPPAGE
When driving in rainy weather settings, your braking distances might quadruple. This is why it’s so hazardous to even softly slam on the brakes in ice or snowy weather conditions. However, it has been shown that installing winter tyres might lower your braking distance by as much as 11 metres. Because ice or water on the road will make it considerably more difficult to maintain traction. The average motorist, on the other hand, is blissfully unaware of the impact that ambient temperature has on their stopping distance. That means that in addition to preventing an accident, this might save your life as well!
Braking in the Winter is Trickier than You Think- It may seem simple, but driving a little slower during the hot months can make it much easier to operate your vehicle. You must slow down by at least 10 miles per hour if you see a sheet of ice on the journey ahead while driving. As a result, you’ll need to slow down more slowly than you would in excellent weather.
TREADS FOR WINTER TYRES
Summer tyres and winter tyres vary primarily in tread depth. If you’re looking for summer tyres, expect a tread depth of 7 to 8 millimetres, while those for winter tyres will range from 8 to 9 millimetres. Winter tyres have a deeper tread pattern than summer tyres. Deeper treads help spread water on the road surface, reducing the likelihood of an accident.
Inside the tread blocks, in addition to the tread moulds, there are tiny grooves and sipes. Improve traction by grabbing onto the snow and ice on the road. During these circumstances, summer tyres grow harder and less ‘elastic’, making them less able to handle the icy/wet surface.
SAFETY
Even in dry circumstances below 7°C, winter tyres are more secure than summer tyres because of the lower operating temperatures. In cold weather, the tread mixture warms up, enhancing traction.
Winter is six times more dangerous for drivers than summer, according to research. As the climate things take a turn into something worse, so it is. It has been scientifically shown that winter tyres may increase your car’s traction and handling in any weather situations below 7 degrees Celsius. As a result, installing winter tyres will greatly lower your danger.
COST OF WINTER TYRES
Various variables influence the cost of winter tyres, just as they do for ordinary ones. Winter tyres for less than £50 per may be found from bargain manufacturers. The most expensive winter tyres, such as those made by Michelin, Ducati, and Continental, can cost upwards of $100 per set.
If you’re looking to get the most performance out of your winter tyres, you’ll want to spend more money. Improved traction and braking performance, as well as increased durability. As a result, it’s always a good idea to acquire the greatest winter tyres you can buy.
CAN WE USE WINTER TYRES IN SUMMER?
Temperatures exceeding 7°C will have a negative impact on winter tyres’ performance. Because they are made of breathable mesh, they will degrade much more quickly. Increased braking times and improved cornering grip may be achieved with winter tyres.
Winter tyres and wheels should be kept on hand and rotated with summer or all-season tyres whenever the weather gets better. This will not only help you get the most out of your tyres, but it will also help them last longer. Most drivers can extend the life of their winter and summer tyres by changing them on a regular basis to ensure peak results and wear.
DO I NEED WINTER TYRES IN UK?
The use of winter tyres is not mandatory in the UK, but it is in many other nations, notably those in Europe, where the winters may be very harsh.
Nevertheless, they may prove to be a wise financial decision. This is especially true if you reside in a more isolated place. When the climate becomes nasty, you might be in strand without a working car.
If you’re going to get winter tyres, you should do it as soon as feasible. Not only will you save money by purchasing them in advance, but you’ll also increase your chances of getting the perfect size for your car.
CONCLUSION
Originally, insurers were hesitant to use cheap tyres Witham in the UK because they were unfamiliar with their use. Winter tyre-equipped vehicles may also face higher insurance prices.
Many insurance firms, on the other hand, now consider them sensible investments in enhancing safety. And they won’t raise your insurance prices if you install them on your car. Double-checking with your insurance company, however, to see if the change would effect your rate, is always advisable.
