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We all sit and wonder why, at the first sight of some ice or a dusting of snow on the roads, everything seems to grind to a sudden halt. We look to snowier and colder countries and ask ourselves, if they can keep going in such conditions, how come we can’t do the same here in the UK?
The answer is actually quite simple though: they’re prepared for it. And by prepared, we mean that drivers and people responsible for transport in other countries that experience more snowfall will plan ahead, adapting to winter tyres instead of trying to drive on regular ones.
But what are winter tyres, how do they work and why are they so important that UK drivers should invest in them? That’s what we’re going to explore this month at Milner Off Road, where we know a thing or two about how different tyres can impact your performance over different terrains!
What are winter tyres and how do they work?
Winter tyres are specifically designed tyres that allow you to get better grip, and therefore more control, when the temperature drops. Often, winter tyres will be identified with a small snowflake symbol on the tyre wall.
But how do they combat the winter conditions exactly?
Well, they are manufactured with a softer compound, making them more flexible and supple in temperatures below 7°C. They also have a different tread pattern with additional grooves or sipes, allowing for better grip. On top of that, winter tyre blocks will also allow for some vibration to help shake compacted snow loose from the treads, allowing for a better grip as you continue to drive.
All this makes them far superior to your ordinary tyres, with these changes making all the difference when it comes to navigating winter conditions. As with any change in terrain, you should always think about how your tyres - particularly the tread and the build - can impact your drive and make things safer.
Are winter tyres a legal requirement in the UK?
As things stand, there is no legal requirement in the UK to have winter tyres fitted, which is why so few people get them. However, you will certainly hear the same call from within the industry - organisations such as the RAC and AA, usually - recommending them whenever snow and ice are in the forecast — it’s still completely up to you whether you make the switch though! One potential obstacle for some is how much winter tyres might cost, but when it comes to safety there is no better peace of mind when you’re out on the road than having the right tyres to match the challenge.
In stark contrast to us, there are many countries in mainland Europe that have changing to winter tyres for specified months as a legal requirement. Sweden and Austria both have this implemented, so it’s important to check any local guidelines if you do plan to go abroad with your 4x4 during winter.
You can find more tips on travelling to Europe with your 4x4 in our recent post.
Can I use winter tyres in summer?
Just as there is no law requiring them, there is also nothing stopping you from having your winter tyres on during summer months. However, you’ll no doubt find that your winter tyres wear down quicker in warmer weather because of that softer material. That means it’s not something we’d recommend, not least because of the cost involved for you personally, but also for the environment due to the turnover in waste material.
You should always adapt to the changing weather conditions and terrain type with different tyres for your 4x4. You can find alternatives to winter tyres, such as snow chains and snow socks, but they may not be quite as good. Check out more winter essentials for your 4x4 in our post on the topic.
At Milner Off Road, we have a range of tyres - including the Radar Renegade RT+ and the Patriot RT tyre - and we offer worldwide shipping with speedy despatch times on all our rugged and all-terrain tyres. Since 1981, we’ve been making sure that 4x4 owners have everything they need to get peak performance from their vehicle and stay safe both on and off-road.
Order online today or call our team of specialist advisors if you have a specific query you need answering.