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When to put on your Winter Tyres

Why wait until you get stuck in the snow to put on your winter tyres?
Just remember this simple rule:

“At road temperatures below 7°C, it’s time to switch to your winter tyres!”

When should I change my tyres for winter?

Weather is becoming increasingly unpredictable and winters are hugely variable from one year to the next. Why take the risk of getting caught out on the road without the right tyres for the weather?

To avoid ending up in a dangerous situation, remember this simple rule: “When the temperature drops below 7°C, it’s time to switch to your winter tyres!”

Why should I change my tyres between October and April?

You can also switch to your winter tyres when you set your clocks back each autumn. Remember, once the temperatures hit less than 7°C, your summer tyres will be less effective.

It’s important to opt for tyres that are certified for winter driving, as they are made with materials adapted for use in low temperatures (the rubber stays flexible, rather than hardening). The siping on winter tyres guarantees optimal performance in winter conditions. If you have all season tyres with the 3PMSF marking on them, you can keep them year-round instead of replacing them with winter tyres.

When should I remove my winter tyres?

Experts don’t recommend keeping your snow tyres on all year, because on hot road surfaces winter tyres are actually less effective and their softer rubber is worn down more quickly. Winter tyres designed for low temperatures should be replaced by summer tyres as soon as the temperatures climb back above 7°C. You can generally wait until late March or the switch to Daylight Saving Time to change out your winter tyres.

What are Winter Tyres, exactly?

Essential for driving in cold weather, winter tyres are specially designed to optimise adhesion on cold roads, whether they be wet, snowy or covered in ice.

Winter tyres are identified by M+S and/or 3PMSF markings on the sidewall of the tyre.

The Benefits of driving with Winter Tyres

In winter driving conditions winter tyres provide better grip. Their rubber, which is more effective at temperatures below 7°C, their shape, and the depth and design of their treads provide optimal adhesion. This is reflected in better grip and handling on wet, snowy and icy roads.

The most important things to know about how to drive in WINTER

  • Remember the golden rule: “At temperatures below 7°C, it’s time to switch to your winter tyres!”

  • It isn’t a good idea to keep you winter tyres all year round, though.

  • Once you have put your winter tyres into place, remember to check the air pressure of all 4 tyres once per month. In colder weather, tyre pressure tends to decrease (underinflation), and when temperatures rise the pressure in the tyre tends to increase (over-inflation).

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