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With a few sensible precautions, you can stay prepared for any eventuality.
Before any long journey, take a few minutes to check the tread and pressure of your tyres (the legal minimum tread depth in the EU is 1.6mm).
It’s also sensible to keep an emergency kit in your car just in case. These often contain things like a high-visibility vest, jump leads and basic first-aid supplies. Everyday items like water, a blanket, phone charger and paper towels are also useful.
Some countries ask you to carry certain items by law – like first-aid kits and warning triangles – so check before you set off.
When it comes to choosing a tyre that can perform across most weather conditions, many people are now selecting an All Season tyre that combines the performance characteristics of both a summer and winter tyre. The benefit of an All Season tyre is the additional mobility it is able to provide during spells of wintery snow showers, whilst also capable of performing during summer and wet weather - perfect for the UK climate.
If you use winter tyres, it’s time to change back to summer ones when the temperature starts regularly going over 7°c. You’ll find your vehicle will perform better on wet and dry roads with good summer tyres.
It’s easy to forget but keeping all your fluids topped up is vital. Check your oil regularly, make sure you have enough windscreen washer fluid and don’t forget your brake fluid or coolant.
Summer tyres are designed, as a rule of thumb, for conditions above 7°c because their soft rubber compound provides optimum performance in warmer weather. In the UK to avoid changing to a winter tyre when the temperature occasionally falls below 7°c, it would be advisable to consider an all-season pattern which provides the performance of both summer and winter patterns, all year round.
If you’re looking to find summer tyres for your vehicle, don’t just take our word for it. We have a wide range of award-winning summer tyres to choose from. Learn more here.
Little known fact: your tyres lose twice as much pressure in summer as they do in winter, so make sure you check your tyre pressure regularly. Underinflated tyres reduce your fuel economy.
Your battery works harder in the summer months, so if it’s a few years old consider having it tested by a professional.
The biggest difference between a summer and winter tyre pattern is the type of rubber compounds they are made from which allows the tyre to provide different performance characteristics depending on the weather. Generally, a summer tyre is designed to perform in temperatures above 7°c and has a soft compound to provide responsive handling, traction and performance for both wet and dry weather. A winter tyre is designed with a compound created to perform in temperatures below 7°c, as well as providing traction and grip in snow and wet weather.
Winter conditions are unpredictable, so if you get more than a light dusting of snow during the winter months, or if the temperatures regularly drop below 7°c, you should switch to winter tyres. They help provide better traction, grip and handling on snow, slush, ice and on frosty roads.
It’s worth remembering that because the ground temperature is often colder than the air temperature - especially at night and first thing in the morning - there are real benefits to winter tyres even when the air is milder.
Make sure your brakes are performing the way they should. Check your heater and defroster before the winter comes so that you’re ready for those cold mornings.
Check your coolant – it should contain a 50/50 ratio of water to antifreeze. You should also make sure that your wiper fluid is right for winter and won’t freeze. Lastly, you might also want to think about replacing your wiper blades ahead of the snowy and icy weather.
It is possible to use winter tyres during the summer months, however, it is not recommended as best practice for performance and handling. A summer tyre is designed to perform in warmer weather and is able to more responsive in terms of overall performance as well as braking and handling.
As a general rule, when the temperature falls below 7°c, a winter tyre is recommended over a summer tyre. It’s also important to note that although not the law in the UK, some European countries require drivers to have winter tyres on their car by law, which is worth bearing in mind if you plan to drive abroad over the winter months.
You can buy special winter grade oil that will make it easier to start your car on cold mornings. It’s a good idea to have the oil changed before the cold sets in, especially if you’ve switched to thicker oil during the summer months.
The salt and chemicals that keep roads safe in winter can corrode your vehicle over time. While you’re at it, remember to keep your windows and windscreen clean so you can see as well as possible when driving.
Driving in wintry conditions can test the most skilful of drivers. So slow down, leave extra space between your vehicle and the one in front of you, and learn how to handle skids, snow, and ice.
Find winter tyres that are the best fit for your vehicle by browsing our wide range of tyres designed to perform in cooler conditions here.
