There are certain aspects of a car that we take more seriously than others, for obvious reasons. The engine is always going to be an important factor because, without it, the engine won’t start. Simply put, the engine is one of the most important parts of any vehicle. However, in our bid to keep the most important accessories in good shape, we forget others that can be just as vital.
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While most people don’t take their tyres seriously, they can be the difference between life and death. In fact, as the cold weather is starting to approach, tyres become even more important. If you know very little about winter tyres, you are about to start your crash course!
Why Do I Need Them In The First Place?
Conventional tyres, or summer tyres, work in a specific way. The rubber they use is designed to perform best at moderate to high temperatures. For example, they create more friction when the road is warm and dry. When the conditions are conducive, they work perfectly. But, when they roads get colder and slippery, they cannot create friction as well. Winter tyres are made from a rubber compound that is flexible at low temperatures. Consequently, they work more effectively than normal tyres when the temperatures start to drop.
What Difference Do They Make?
Because they are more effective in bad weather, they have numerous effects on you and your car. The most important benefit is the safety aspect. Fundamentally, they improve your safety by a huge amount, and that is integral when you are behind the wheel. So, in the long run, they could make all the difference.
When Should I Fit Them?
Although it seems a little daft, it is a good question. Due to global warming, you cannot predict the weather as successfully as before. Just because it is the middle of September and winter is on the way doesn’t mean that the cold weather will set in anytime soon. In fact, it could be another month before you fully need to install them on your car. Go off the conditions of the road instead of the time of year. If ice and rain are constantly on the road, it is a perfect time to consider winter tyres.
Which Tyres Are Right For Me This Winter?
Winter tyres don’t just come in one option because the weather is varied and diverse. Some scenarios may need a different winter tyre option than another. That puts you in a difficult place because you now have to figure out which option is best. ‘M&S’ tyres, or mud and snow tyres, are the most popular because they deal with moderate weather conditions. You can get tyres for more extreme conditions. But, these are not needed unless you live in an area that is affected by extreme weather.
Where Can I Buy Them?
Most respected breakdown companies will sell and fit a whole range of tyres depending on your requirements. For example, TYRES is a part of the AA website that allows you to find the type of tyres you want for specific car models.
All that’s left is to make the switch. Good luck!