In countries such as Germany, Sweden and Austria, winter tyres are compulsory. In the UK, however, winter tyres are not a legal requirement and many of us question if it's worth investing in a new set of tyres. Generally speaking, if you live in a remote area where conditions are likely to be worse for longer or there's a greater risk of bad weather, winter tyres should be considered. Your confidence driving in these conditions and how much you have to drive in snow and ice will also help to determine whether winter tyres are necessary.
Sunrise Service & MOT Centre are experienced car mechanics offering expert services in Blandford. Contact us on 01258 459 798 to find out if our mechanics would recommend winter tyres for your vehicle.
There are two main differences between winter and regular tyres: tread depth and material. Regular tyres have a 7 and 8mm thread depth and as the temperature drops, the material of regular tyres stiffens which reduces their grip. Winter tyres, on the other hand, have a tread depth of between 8 and 9mm, wider grooves and narrow slits at the edges of the tread area. The rubber material of winter tyres stays soft and maintains a grip on snow and ice.
As well as enhancing road grip, winter tyres improve a car's stopping distance. Compared to regular tyres, braking distance can be reduced by as much as the length of two cars when driving at 30mph on a snow-covered road.
In addition, winter tyres provide a much better grip in both wet and dry weather conditions where temperatures are below 7°C. As temperatures are low in the UK typically from October through to March, winter tyres offer extra safety on the road.
Preparing your car for the harsh winter weather not only decreases the chance of your car breaking down, but ensures your safety in difficult driving conditions.
Sunrise Service & MOT Centre are experienced car mechanics offering expert services in Blandford. Contact us on 01258 459 798 to find out more about preparing your car this winter!
Get your car serviced
If your car is due a service, get it done before the winter really takes hold. Many car problems can be prevented by regular car servicing and repairs, making it much easier to keep up with regular maintenance tasks.
Check your battery
A weak battery will fail in colder temperatures, so your battery should be the first thing you check. Batteries are put under a lot of strain from cold temperatures, increased use of lights, heaters and fans. If your car is having problems starting, get your battery checked by an experienced car mechanic and replace it if necessary.
Refill engine coolant
Your engine coolant should be 50/50 water and antifreeze. Antifreeze can become diluted over time, especially if you top your engine coolant up with water during the year. In very cold temperatures, engine coolant can freeze, this can lead to your engine over-heating and result in expensive repairs.
Switch to winter tyres
If you drive frequently in winter, switching your standard car tyres to winter tyres not only increases your car's performance, but increases your safety. Winter tyres offer exceptional grip in icy conditions, as well as performing better than summer tyres when wet. If you choose to replace your tyres, book in to have your winter tyres correctly fitted by a local expert such as ourselves.
Check your lights
As it gets progressively darker during the winter months, it’s important to check that your lights are clean and that they’re working efficiently. If you notice any blown or cracked lights, get them replaced and check that your full beam headlights and fog lights are working properly.
Check your windscreen
Chips in your car's windscreen can get worse during cold weather; getting them fixed before winter arrives will prevent this. Clean your windscreen and check for any nicks and tears in the wiper blades that could cause impaired visibility during wet weather.
For more information about diagnosing your car's problems ready for the winter, contact our team today on 01258 459 798.
When the time comes for new car tyres, choosing the cheapest option can be tempting. Although this may be the best option for your bank account, when you’re regularly driving at high speeds in extreme weather conditions such as rain or snow it’s best to feel reassured that you’ve got the best tyre option for the job!
Paying for more expensive car tyres might not be what you had hoped for, but in the long run it will save you valuable time and money due to their increased longevity. Sunrise Service & MOT Centre are experts in recommending the best new tyres in Blandford, trust our mechanics' extensive knowledge and qualifications in knowing what is best for your vehicle.
For more information about new tyres available at our car garage in Blandford, contact us on 01258 459 798.
Standard new tyres
Most cars are fitted with standard new tyres that can withstand various different weather conditions such as heavy rain. Standard car tyres do not perform their best in colder weather temperatures as the tyres harden and their grip is reduced. This increases the risk of skidding, meaning the driver would need to increase their braking distance between surrounding cars. We recommend to many drivers that during the winter they consider new tyres that can withstand colder temperatures.
All-season new tyres
All-season new tyres combine the characteristics of both standard and winter tyres. The most cost-effective tyre solution available on the market, all-season tyres are quite self-explanatory. They do not need to be changed throughout the seasons as they can last throughout extreme temperatures and snowy conditions.
Directional new tyres
Directional new car tyres provide exceptional performance in both rain control and overall stability. They perform particularly well in snow and ice due to their directional tread patterns, making them perfect for drivers that live in areas prone to severe weather conditions. If you’re interested in directional new tyres contact our team today, they’ll be able to help you make the right decision for your vehicle.
We offer an affordable MOT testing service for vehicles of all makes and models.
We have an experienced team of qualified technicians who offer a range of car and garage services.
When your tyres need replacing, we're on hand to get you back on the road within no time at all!