Winter tyres

Why it is strongly recommended to install winter tyres for passenger car

Winter passenger vehicle tires are used if the air temperature is lower than +7 °C. They demonstrate excellent performance grip with snow and ice-covered road.

• They are frost and temperature drops resistant. They keep flexibility at a low temperature thanks to elastic rubber, softening oils and resins in their structure.
• They promote improvement of vehicle steering. Deep sipes of tread provide grip with the road covered with dirt and snow.
• They differ in shorter braking distance. Average length of braking distance of winter tires is 30% lower than at summer tyres.

How to choose winter passenger vehicle tyres

Here are 8 hints about choosing winter passenger vehicle tyres:

1. Pay attention to the operating conditions. There are 2 types of winter car tires:
   • The European type. It is suitable for the countries with soft winter climate and a small amount of snow. It is characterized by tread pattern with frequent diagonal grooves and voids for protection against hydroplaning. Tread edges are equipped with a large number of sipes and ground grousers.
   • Scandinavian type. It is developed for severe winter climate and provides high grip performance on the snow-covered and ice-covered road. The tread pattern differs in a large number of diamond-shaped and rectangular elements.
2. Decide whether you need studded auto tyres:
   • Studded tire. It is completed with special pins from titanium, niobium, tungsten carbide or other high-strength materials. Studs increase grip performance with the slippery road. It is recommended to use this type of tires in the countries with frost climate. Their shortcomings are:
     • on dry and wet asphalt the braking distance is enlarged and roadability of the car worsens;
     • high noise level;
     • fuel consumption increases.
   • Spiked tire. It is equipped with special sipes on which it is possible to set studs. It is possible to spike the tire partially or fully. It is possible to set studs of different types and producers on tyres for car of front and rear axle. It has its shortcomings also:
     • studs need to be installed prior to operation of the tire;
     • studs demand test run in the first 150–200 kilometers — during this period it is necessary to avoid sharp accelerating and braking.
   • Studless. It isn't intended for studs installation. It differs in special rubber compound and tread with frequent sipes and ground grousers. Its shortcoming is poor grip with the ice-covered road.
3. Install 4 winter tyres. Winter tyres installed on one axle only considerably reduce its stability on the road, increase drift risk and length of braking distance. Use of winter tires with a different type of tread has the same shortcomings as operation of incomplete set.
4. Remember the average life of vehicle tyres and replace them in time. The service life is from 2 to 4 seasons.
5. Study the manual of the car. Here the optimal parameters of tires for your vehicle are specified.
6. Choose winter tires of the known brands. Their production meets the European or American quality standards.
7. Buy in buycarparts.co.uk online store. We provide a wide choice and the best prices of winter passenger vehicle tyres.
8. Ask for the help of professional experts. Consultants of www.buycarparts.co.uk online store will help to choose the tires, most suitable for your car.

Helpful tips on operation, causes of faults, troubleshooting, and service intervals

• All-season tyres or winter tyres - Which ones should I choose?
• What is the difference between summer and winter tyres?