Good tyres 'can make the difference' in bad weather

Having good winter tyres with a tread depth of at least four millimetres will help drivers stay safe during cold and wet conditions, Delticom has suggested.

As the temperature drops and heavy rain becomes more likely during the winter months, drivers have to take care to avoid aquaplaning.

Also known as hydroplaning, this is when tyres lose contact with the road, rendering the vehicle uncontrollable. However, by ensuring tyres have sufficient treads and by slowing down in wet weather - particularly in low spots on the road - drivers can stay safe in the cooler months.

"Don't fall into the water trap - replace your winter tires promptly when the tread gets down to four millimetres," said Delticom in a statement.

Furthermore it advised taking extra care on roads with S curves where the risk of aquaplaning is higher.

Tyres are one item that credit-crunched consumers should not compromise on, according to consumer group Which?.

Last week, it asserted that people should think twice before purchasing part-worn or retread tyres to save money, as they are not covered under the same regulations as new tyres and are not likely to come with a guarantee.