In several places around the world, particularly in the UK, the climatic conditions keep on changing. Therefore, it is necessary to have two sets of useful tyres, one for the winters, when temperatures tend to drop and roads are often snowy and slippery, and another for the summer season, when you need a more specialized rubber that does not wear out on hot and dry surfaces. Still, many drivers are uninformed of the central differences between summer and winter tyres.
In order to understand what type of Tyres Sheffield your vehicle needs; you first need to recognize what makes them so different. Each person needs different types of tyres depending on the road, the driving style, weather conditions, and also the make and model of the vehicle. Summer and winter tyres have three main differences: rubber, structure, and tread.
Does the weather affect your tyres?
Summer tyres, all you need!
It has been demonstrated that summer tyres provide better traction and performance in moderate climates, as well as in some cold temperature levels. They use a harder compound and rubber that softens at higher temperatures to fit and perform on both dry and wet roads. They have relatively fewer grooves than winter tyres and use special tread bars that help decrease hydroplaning and deliver better control and power laterally and longitudinally during the summer.
They are able to adjust to hot temperatures without becoming too mushy. Nevertheless, while summer tyres can endure all types of weather and have less friction, it is not suggested to use them in climates below seven degrees Celsius. Due to its tougher rubber and sometimes a lack of natural silica and rubber, you will end up losing traction or even sliding or slipping.
Summer tyres are famous, all thanks to its distinctive block tread that offers a larger footprint. Keep in mind that they should be replaced once the depth of the thread exceeds four millimetres. This will maintain perfect handling, grasp, and stopping distance.
Be aware that using summer tyres during the winter can be dangerous and unsafe and can really damage your tyres as well as your vehicle. They have lower rolling resistance and acceleration compared to winter tyres, so the best idea is to use summer tyres as long as there are no signs of snow or ice. Winter tyres will always outperform summer ones on wet, icy, and snowy surfaces as their compound is softer and less vulnerable to low temperatures.
Are winter tyres for you?
You can recognize these types of tyres because they carry the logo of a snowflake inside a mountain on the sidewalls of the tyre, which means that they comply with all the national safety regulations. They use natural rubber which makes them more flexible and adaptable, especially during cold seasons. This smoothness allows them to connect and come in contact with the road, improving control and grip. Winter tyres perform best in temperatures around seven degrees or less, as opposed to summer ones, which harden faster at lower temperatures.
Winter tyres have many small grooves that disperse the water and prevent aquaplaning. These grooves are like little teeth that bite into snow, debris, and ice, offering exceptional grip. They also have a deeper tread pattern for all the extra water and snow. They should be changed once the tread depth reaches five millimetres. Once it is less than this, most of the benefits of winter tyres will have no effect.
Climatic conditions and road hazards play an important role in choosing the best tyres for you and your vehicle. If you still have questions or wish to buy tyres online, ask your local mechanic, and get the right set of tyres for your next trip.