Turkish tyre manufacturer Lassa has issued some advice on winter tyres and driving in winter.

On snowy surfaces, while the braking distance of a car travelling at a speed of 50 kph on summer tyres is 44 metres, the distance fall downs to 36 metres on winter tyres, it explains.

What sets winter tyres apart from standard tyres?

* With its special compound, it maintains its softness and adhesion in winter conditions.
* With its special pattern, it delivers additional traction.
* With its high silica ration in its content, handling on wet surfaces is higher.
* Winter tyres have wide blocks to maximize handling. The studded structure of shoulder blocks provides extra traction on snowy surfaces and adhesion with capillary channels creating a claw effect.
* The treads depth in winter tyres is generally higher than standard tyres. So, a better traction is delivered on slushy and muddy surfaces.

Is it enough to use only two winter tyres?

No, says Lassa. Because the adhesive performance of summer and winter tyres is different, it is not recommended to use them at the same time.

Should 4x4 vehicles use winter tyres?

4x4’s are good at travelling on snowy surfaces, but it is recommended you put winter tyres on those vehicles too because they do not outperform one-wheel drives in braking and turns on icy surfaces.