Switching to winter tyres
| Monday 15th October 2018 8:00pm

As a result of experiencing one of the hottest summers on record, the change in temperature as autumn arrives is even more noticeable. Ensuring that your car is prepared for the winter isn’t at the forefront of many motorists' minds. However, the change in weather conditions has a significant influence on the performance of your car. Your tyres play a crucial role in keeping your vehicle safe on the road.

What is the difference between summer and winter tyres
Summer and winter tyres are made from different combinations of compounds engineered specifically for their respective seasons. Winter tyres are designed to be flexible at colder temperatures therefore they can grip the road better at 7°C and below. Premium tyre manufacturers invest a large amount of time on research and development to improve their tyre designs and compounds. This benefits drivers as it improves vehicle safety by ensuring that technological innovations are consistently being made.Tyres, such as Continental’s WinterContact™ TS 860, which has been chosen by Auto Express as their Winter Tyre Test Winner 2018 for the third year running, are designed for optimum performance in cold weather conditions.
Should I make the switch?
The British weather is notoriously unpredictable so choosing when to switch to winter tyres can be difficult. Fitting winter tyres too early can lead to premature tyre wear and a higher spend on petrol. The other option to consider is all season tyres which combine the characteristics of summer and winter tyres. For British drivers, these can be a sensible choice given the generally mild weather conditions as they offer good performance throughout the year.
Talk To Kwik Fit
If you’re looking for new tyres for your car, get in touch with your local Kwik Fit to find the best option for your vehicle.
Any facts, figures and prices shown in our blog articles are correct at time of publication.
Featured Articles
Wet Weather Driving Tips – Staying Safe in the Rain
Thursday 27th October 2022
Driving in the rain isn’t only a pain but can be surprisingly hazardous – here are our top tips for staying safe in wet & icy weather this winter.
What Do The New EU Tyre Labels Mean?
Friday 30th April 2021
The EU is changing the labels that come with new tyres in order to be more informative and transparent. But what do the new labels mean? Find out here.