As the component that keeps us connected to the trail, tyres are pretty important! As winter arrives, the integrity of those tyres becomes even more crucial, with poor performance showing itself almost immediately when taking on snow and ice.
While, we don’t supply tyres here at 4×4 Works, we are as discerning about this component as we are about any other. So, should you switch your usual all-terrain tyres for specialist winter tyres?
What are winter tyres?
Winter tyres are exactly that, tyres that have been specifically designed and developed to perform well even in the face of challenging winter weather conditions.
As a result, they differ in design to your average tyre, with the material itself made to withstand the rigours of lower temperatures. The best winter tyres provide great performance and optimal flexibility even when used at temperatures of -30°C.
How do they compare with all-terrain tyres?
Despite being manufactured to perform at much lower temperatures, winter tyres are actually made using softer rubber. The softer material ensures better grip in cooler weather conditions.
When compared with the material used to craft all-terrain or all-season tyres, the softness of the rubber makes winter tyres suitable for use during the coldest months only. The rubber is so soft it simply cannot cope with the higher temperatures summer brings, with premature failure almost a given if winter tyres are used in warmer weather. All-terrain tyres offer a happy medium, making them suitable for use during summer, winter or all year round.
The tread pattern of winter tyres is also designed to be different from the all-terrain tyres most 4×4 and pickup owners use from season to season as Tire Hungry explains:
“Next up is the tread pattern, which is a key area that enables snow tires to be very good on snow. In most cases, they feature a zig-zag pattern, allowing them to bite into snow and deliver traction. Keep in mind that even though we call them snow tires, they’ll have absolutely no problems delivering performance on dry or wet roads.”
Do I really need to switch?
Winter tyres are recommended for use in temperatures that are at or below 7°C. With the promise of better flexibility, improved traction and enhanced braking distance, winter tyres offer their advantages when taking on cooler temperatures. They can however be expensive to run, and during summer present more cons than pros.
By law, you don’t need to switch your tyres with the seasons, with the vast majority of the UK and Europe enjoying shorter, milder winters and having minimal need for specialist winter tyres as a result. Those living on the coast or in particularly rural locations may benefit from switching to winter tyres as the weather gets colder.
Which winter tyres should I choose?
If you’ve decided winter tyres aren’t right for you and your circumstances, it is important to remember that not all were created equal when picking an all-terrain tyre that’ll serve you well all year round. We’d recommend the following brands for the best results when selecting all-terrain tyres:
- BF Goodrich KO2
- Cooper Discoverer
- Yokohama Geolandar
Discover more 4×4 upgrades and parts for winter driving right here at 4×4 Works.
