Top Gear star: Winter car tyres in Europe 'work better'

Car tyres in Europe are better equipped to deal with the effects of wintry weather, according to one Top Gear presenter.

Writing in his blog for the Mirror, Richard Hammond outlined some of the differences between UK motoring and its European equivalent.

He stated: "Our continental cousins automatically fit winter tyres to their cars when it gets chilly (the Swiss have to by law)."

Hammond said that such tyres "make a massive difference to stopping distances as well as enhancing grip".

The presenter also observed that winter tyres use a different mix of rubber and tread patterns to normal ones.

He observed that Mercedes now stock winter tyres at its dealerships, which could interest drivers who are eager to take all the necessary safety precautions before heading out on the road.

According to Michelin, it is advisable to fit winter tyres on all four wheels, rather than simply the drive axle.