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Salesmen want to sell: this much is a truth universally acknowledged. However, sometimes the products, extras and add-ons that salesmen urge you to opt in to are actually a good idea. Winter tyres can fall into this category, being highly useful under the right conditions. Read on for more about the types of tyres Basingstoke roads will treat well in winter:
Winter tyres are designed to work well in cold temperatures, not just in snowy conditions. This may seem like a small distinction, but when you think about how often you have seen snow over the last few winters, compared to how often it has felt cold, you will see that winter tyres might actually be more useful to you than you previously believed.
The magic number for winter tyres is around 7°C. When the temperature drops below this threshold, is when winter tyres come into their own, far exceeding the performance of most regular and even many all-weather tyres.
The reasons winter tyres perform so well is two-fold. First of all, the tyres are made from a different mix of compounds which means that they do not freeze or harden, becoming stiff and slippery, in the same way that summer tyres do. This means that the tyres continue to work well in cold conditions, flexing as required to retain a good grip on the road.
The second reason is because winter tyres have very different patterning on them. Tread patterns are rarely just a matter of whim: and with winter tyres the designs scored into the tyres are specifically designed for very wet roads and snow, the designs and widths of the patterns squeeze moisture out and actively grip down onto the road surface, even working with a snowy layer between the tyre and the road surface.
However, do not be tempted into thinking that winter tyres will make a good substitute for all-weather tyres: the composition does mean that they struggle on hot dry roads, being too soft to grip firmly and easily overheating in summer conditions.
But in cold winters, winter tyres can literally be life-savers. Make the change in around November, as soon as the temperature reliably falls below 7°C and keep them on until March – even longer if snowy spells are forecast! There is no reason for having both winter tyres and summer tyres to cost you any more than just opting for one set of all-weather tyres: having the tyres on for only half the year means that they should twice as long, giving you exactly the same value for money as you would have otherwise had with the added benefit of greater road safety.
If you are looking for winter tyres Basingstoke has the answer you need. Get your car tyres Basingstoke checked, fixed or replaced at Headley Tyres. You can also call today for a quote and more advice about fitting your winter tyres.