Specialist winter tyres 'can offer reassurance'

Date: 12/9/2011

Winter tyres can allow motorists to enjoy a sense of reassurance when the cold makes driving conditions treacherous, according to one group.

The Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM) notes that the UK has seen two consecutive years of harsh weather between December and February, with snow and ice causing problems for people using the roads.

It explains that in other countries around the world where severe winters are guaranteed it is the norm to switch to tyres with a different tread pattern - which provides a better grip.

A further key feature of these items is that the rubber they are made from has the ability to remain flexible even when temperatures drop below freezing, while on a regular tyre the material would harden in the cold.

IAM chief examiner Peter Rodger says: "The weather we experience in the UK is nowhere near as severe as many other countries, but with the past two winters having been particularly bad, motorists in the hardest-hit areas may feel reassured to have the extra grip winter tyres afford."

However, he adds that when the cold makes driving conditions really treacherous, people should simply consider postponing their journey.

Autumn appears to now be well on the way in the UK, with the Met Office issuing severe weather warnings to large areas of Scotland, Northern Ireland and the north of England today (September 12th) as a result of high winds.

Posted by Sarah Bailey