Strathclyde Tyres Blog

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.

UK motorists are ignoring the safety and performance benefits of winter tyres, despite forecasts that the weather is to get colder, according to Mondial Assistance. In a survey by the roadside assistance expert, 66% of motorists said they would not be fitting winter tyres - 46% because the tyres cost too much money.

Mondial Assistance warns motorists to consider the safety risks they expose themselves, passengers and pedestrians to, by failing to prepare their vehicles for driving on snow and ice. It urges them to follow the example set across much of Europe, where winter tyres are standard practice even in countries with similar climates to the UK.

The Association of British Insurers (ABI) has clarified the position with regard to insurance and winter tyres.

Until now there has been some uncertainty as to the implications for insurance purposes of fitting winter tyres to a car. Each insurer has had its own take on the matter.