Winter Tyre FAQs
24 questions
Are winter tyres only effective in snowy / icy conditions?
Winter tyres uses aren't just limited to snowy and icey conditions but can also be useful in wet conditons with the larger tread blocks helping to reduce the occurrence of aquaplaning, caused by a la...
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Does it matter if I use winter tyres throughout the year?
Winter tyres perfom at their best during the winter and under colder conditions. Summer tyres are therefore advise for the summer and spring months when they will perform better. However, it is not a...
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What are winter tyres?
Winter tyres are designed to provide improved performance over a traditional summer or all year tyre, specifically when temperatures fall below seven Degrees. The specialised compound used in a w...
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When is the best time to buy winter tyres?
The general advice is that when the average temperature falls below seven degrees winter tyres really begin to show their benefits, whilst summer tyres performance drops dramatically. Most motori...
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Does fitting winter tyres affect my insurance?
The fitting of winter tyres is usually seen as a positive aspect by your insurers and therefore most don't require that you inform them. However, some do and the Association of British Insurers have...
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Why should I fit winter tyres?
Winter tyres use a softer tyre compound which allows them to perform better than other standard tyres, particularly when temperatures drop below 7 degrees, usually fitted between Ocober and March/Apr...
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How do winter tyres work?
Winter tyres are designed to significantly improve traction and control on icy or snow covered road surfaces with optimum performance below 7c. The rubber compound that is used to manufacture winter...
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Is it a legal requirement to fit winter tyres in the UK?
Unlike in some countries on the continent there are presently no laws in the UK that require you to fit winter tyres. However, they will certainly be of use to people in the UK and the increased cont...
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What's the difference between summer and winter tyres?
Summer tyres oftern are designed in such a way that means the tread becomes clogged with snow, ice or slush, reducing grip and control. Winter tyres are designed with snow and ice in mind and the...
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Do the speed ratings differ between winter and summer tyres?
Yes. In general winter tyres have a lower speed rating than summer tyres. This is because of the softer nature of winter tyres, the benefit of which is increased grip in icy or snowy conditions. ...
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Why are there only H rated winter tyres?
Due to the compound used to manufacture winter tyres, they typically have a lower speed rating than summer tyres. This should however have no impact on your driving, with the maximum, H rated tyre st...
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What are the maximum speeds for winter tyres?
Winter tyres maximum speed ratings are as follows: Q rated tyres: 99mph T rated tyres: 130mph H rated tyres: 149mph V rated tyres: 149mph ZR rated tyres: 150mph and over If your vehicle i...
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Are snow chains only available for winter tyres?
No. Snow chains can really be fitted to any tyre, provided that you have purchased the correct size. Winter tyres are specifically engineered with advanced rubber compounds that remain flexible in co...
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Will driving slower in winter be enough to prevent an accident?
Below 7c you can stop up to 11 metres sooner with winter tyres, when braking from just 20mph compared with summer tyres. Michelin highlight that on their cold weather tyres (winter tyres) it is possi...
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Do you have to drive slower on winter tyres?
Winter tyres generally have lower speed ratings compared to summer tyres, but given that a H rated winter tyre can still travel up to 131mph, this should have very little if any impact on the speed a...
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Are winter tyres more susceptible to wear than summer tyres?
Winter tyres last just as long as summer tyes, and will usually be good for getting you through two, sometimes three winters, (mileage dependent) allowing you to wait longer between replacing your su...
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How should I store my summer/winter tyres during winter/summer?
If storing tyres, they should be flat on the ground, on their side so that the tread is not face down, stacked on top of eachother. Some companies and garages within our network will store your winte...
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Do I need more tread on my tyres in winter?
Whatever tyres you fit they must have enough tread to be safe – at least 3mm is recommended for winter, and no less than 2mm. To find out more about the law surrounding tyres, check out the tyres.o...
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Is it ok to fit less than four winter tyres to my vehicle?
No, winter tyres must be fitted as a set of four to prevent balance and stability problems with your vehicle. Winter tyres are specifically engineered with advanced rubber compounds that remain flexi...
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Is there a difference between summer and winter tyres?
When it comes to selecting a winter or summer tyre, it’s important to understand the different affects that the conditions will play a part in. Driving your car in different temperature zones can aff...
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What are the key benefits of winter tyres?
As the conditions deteriorate, so to do the chances of your safety on the roads as they can become a battlefield for motorists on their daily commute. Snowfall and black ice are the two main dangers...
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Where can I get affordable winter tyres?
Winter tyres, or cold weather tyres as they are also known as, are the best tool at your vehicle’s disposal in the winter months, because thanks to their specialist design they are able to provide dr...
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Is there a big difference between winter and regular tyres?
Driving your car in different temperatures and environments can have a massive impact on your ability drive and so when of the best methods of handling this is by selecting a tyre that can handle the...
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Are winter car tyres worth the investment?
Over the last three years the UK has experienced some of the harshest winters since records began, with snowfall and ice even being documented up until late April – something that is usually unheard...
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