Winter Tyres in Keswick

As the temperature stays low across the UK, many people wonder if their tyres will be up to the job of keeping them safe. Colder temperatures, increased rain and snow resulting in icy roads will make driving conditions even more difficult and could cause an accident if we're not prepared.

A good way to prepare for this is to fit winter tyres to your vehicle. Winter tyres are designed to operate at temperatures below 7°C and offer enhanced grip over summer tyres in the colder temperatures. Many people assume that they are "snow" tyres, but they're more of a "cold weather" tyre, so whether it's dry, wet, icy or snowy, a winter tyre is the ideal choice for winter driving!

Winter tyres are becoming an increasingly popular choice in Keswick, Cockermouth and Penrith. With winters becoming harsher and wetter, maybe it's now time to make the switch!

Why Should I Buy a Set of Winter Tyres?

Winter tyres are made from a different compound to summer tyres. Tyres will harden and become stiff as it cools down, causing reduced surface area in contact with the road, reducing grip. Winter tyres are made from a softer compound which retains its flexibility in freezing temperatures, giving you the maximum amount of grip and improving traction with road.

Furthermore, winter tyres will usually have a directional tread pattern which looks like chevrons all pointing in the same direction. This is to disperse snow and rain by pushing away from the tyre, allowing the tyre to grip the actual road and reduce the risk of aquaplaning.

The biggest safety aspect in winter tyres is stopping distances. Summer tyres in freezing weather can take twice as long as winter tyres to stop, and in snow and ice that can rise to somewhere between 8 and 10 times longer!

Hometyre can supply winter tyres from a variety of brands, from budget to premium, which you can check out here! OR call 0333 444 5454 to speak to a member of our sales team for advice!

What About All-Season Tyres?

All-Season tyres offer a compromised middle ground between winter and summer tyres. They offer a balanced array of benefits compared to both winters and summer tyres, with the main benefit coming from not having to change your tyres out per season!

In terms of stopping distances, all-seasons perform somewhere in the middle between winter and summer tyres, as you would expect. 

However, while they do offer improved performance in the winter compared to summer tyres, all-season tyres do not perform as well as winter tyres in the winter months. Winter tyres offer 100% of the benefits, so if you live in a particularly snowy area prone to sub-zero temperatures, winter tyres are still your best bet.

If you have any questions about winter tyres, all-season tyres, or are looking to fit some to your own vehicle, you make either make an online booking with us or call our helpful sales team!

0333 444 5454