Get a grip this winter and stay safe on our roads

WITH snow and icy conditions already hitting parts of the country, TyreSafe urges drivers to warm to the idea of winter tyres. Many motorists have been lulled by one of the warmest autumns on record, but that has gone and winter is well and truly up on us.
As temperatures plummet, normal tyres lose their grip as the compounds they are made of begin to harden below seven degrees Celsius.
Winter tyres have more natural rubber in their make-up and more advanced compounds so they perform better at colder temperatures, improving safety by giving extra grip for shorter stopping and better handling.
Tests by the British Tyre Manufacturers’ Association showed that on a wet road at five deg C a car braking at 60mph stopped five metres shorter on winter tyres… that is a typical car length. But as temperatures fall further, this advantage increases dramatically. At just 30mph on snowy roads that safety advantage rose to eight metres and on ice-bound roads and a speed of a lowly 20mph the vehicle stopped nine metres earlier.
According to the Meteorological Office, for three months of the winter the maximum temperature stays below the seven-degree threshold and for a surprising eight months of the year can dip that low.
“We all remember the particularly harsh winters we’ve had in last two years, but it’s not just these extreme wintry conditions that present dangers for drivers. Cold, damp roads can be just as hazardous and should be treated with the upmost respect. Fitting winter tyres is the safest option as they provide extra grip in these types of conditions, making driving much safer,” said Stuart Jackson, chairman of TyreSafe.
“Although winter tyres can be used all year round, they should be especially considered for fitment from October through to March when they come into their own and help reduce the risk of an accident. Normally, the temperature barely creeps above seven degrees during this entire period, especially in the morning and evening rush hours when the roads are at their busiest,” he added.
Further information about the benefits of fitting winter tyres can be found by visiting the TyreSafe website at www.tyresafe.org. Included on the site is a video demonstration which clearly shows the added safety benefits of winter tyres.
For more winter driving advice