Winter driving in the UK can be unpredictable to say the least! From icy mornings and heavy rainfall to snow and slush – not to mention the appalling state of the UK roads – the colder months place extra demands on your vehicle and you as a driver. Your tyres are one of the most important components of your vehicle so it’s well worth taking a little time to check and maintain your tyres as it can make a big difference to your safety and your fuel efficiency.

Here are a few tips to help you get the most out of your tyres and improve your confidence on the road this winter:-

1. Check Your Tread Depth Regularly

The legal minimum tread depth in the UK is 1.6mm, but in winter conditions, although still legal, it is barely adequate. Motoring experts recommend at least 3mm of tread to maintain good grip on wet, icy or snowy roads.

You can check tread depth easily using a tread gauge or by doing the simple ’20p coin test’: insert a 20p coin on it’s edge into the tread grooves (ideally, do this across the centre and edge grooves to get an overall picture) – if you can see any of the outer ‘raised’ rim on the fascia of the coin that is sat in the groove, it’s time to consider replacing your tyres.

2. Maintain The Correct Tyre Pressure

Cold weather causes tyre pressure to drop because the air inside the tyre contracts as it cools down, usually without being visibly noticeable. Under-inflated tyres reduce grip, increase stopping distances and can lead to uneven tyre wear or even, in the worst case scenario, complete failure.

Get into the habit of checking your tyre pressures at least once a month (particularly during the winter) and always before long distance journeys. Make sure you’re inflating the tyres in line with the manufacturer’s recommended pressures, which can usually be found inside the driver’s door or in the vehicle handbook. It’s also worth noting that, if you have aftermarket wheels or different sized tyres fitted, you should observe the recommended pressure indicated on the tyre sidewall rather than referring to the vehicle’s specifications.

Also, don’t forget to fit a good quality set of valve caps that will help to keep your tyre valves in good condition and prevent air from escaping, thus causing a further loss of tyre pressure… it just so happens we know where you can purchase some!  

3. Consider Winter or All-Season Tyres

If you regularly drive in cold or inclement weather conditions or within rural areas, winter tyres or all-season tyres can provide significantly better traction than standard summer tyres when temperatures fall below 7°C.

Winter tyres are made using a softer rubber compound with deeper tread patterns to improve grip on snow, icy and wet roads.

All-season tyres offer a good compromise for UK drivers, delivering improved winter performance without the need to change tyres throughout the year.

4. Inspect for Damage and Wear & Tear

Winter roads often hide potholes (and let’s face it, there are a lot of them!) and debris that can damage tyres. Check your tyres regularly for:-

Cracks, bulges or damage to the sidewall

Uneven wear patterns – this can indicate incorrect tyre pressures or alignment / suspension issues.

Embedded stones or objects in the tread

If you do notice anything unusual, it’s well worth having your tyres checked by a professional as soon as possible and replaced or repaired if necessary.

5. And Don’t Forget Your Spare Tyre

Many drivers completely neglect their spare tyre – until they need it! Make sure it is properly inflated and in good condition like your other tyres. This is especially important during the winter months as a roadside breakdown can be a lot more stressful for the motorist due to the cold and challenging environmental conditions.

6. Adjust Your Driving Style

Even with well-maintained tyres, winter conditions require extra caution. Always try to anticipate potential hazards, not least other motorists, in good time and adjust your driving style accordingly. Try to be smoother with the gears (if driving a manual vehicle), allow greater stopping distances, and avoid harsh braking or sudden steering inputs to reduce the risk of skidding, or worse, completely loosing control due to the inclement conditions.

So please stay safe and remember, your tyres are your vehicle’s only contact with the road – and it’s a comparatively small contact patch compared with the size and weight of your vehicle – so in winter your tyres are more important than ever. Regular checks, correct pressures and choosing the right type of tyre can help keep you safe, improve handling and give you peace of mind throughout the colder months.

If you’re unsure about your tyres or need expert advice, speak to a tyre specialist who can help ensure your vehicle is winter-ready… all you need to worry about then is the heated seats!