The UK is renowned for its lengthy stretches of dry weather and mild to moderate temperatures, but the past several years have seen exceptionally unusual driving conditions and weather circumstances.

 

Our usually predictable weather has been disrupted by fires, floods, and unseasonal snowfall, leaving many drivers unsure of how to ensure their car Tyres Corby is ready for the road ahead.

 

Adapt your tyres to the weather

 

The good thing is that regardless of how harsh the UK weather becomes where you live - from misty and muggy in London to wet and windy in Glasgow - there is always a tyre made to withstand it.

 

Summer tyres, winter tyres, and all-season tyres are the three main categories into which tyre manufacturers typically divide their product line. The tread pattern and the rubber compound utilized are the two primary areas where the three diverge.

 

To help you select the best tyres for your needs, let us take a closer look at each.

 

Summer tyres: Optimal for warm weather

 

Summer tyres are designed for temperatures over 7 °C. Put another way, the road surface absorbs heat when the temperature is warm or hot. In the past 20 years, compound technology has advanced significantly, and summer tyres of today use innovative rubber formulas that smoothly transition between dry and wet conditions and soften more readily in milder temperatures.

 

In order to leave a bigger footprint on the road, contemporary summer tyres also frequently include a larger tread block with fewer grooves, a lower tread depth, and fewer “sipes” than winter tyres. This is done to increase grip both laterally and longitudinally at higher running temperatures.

 

The combination significantly reduces the braking distance and guarantees superb handling. Finally, summer tyres often produce less friction and consume less fuel than other types of tyres since they are made to withstand greater temperatures without becoming mushy.

 

Because of this, summer tyres are often the original equipment manufacturer's (OEM) choice for the majority of regular passenger cars offered for sale in the UK.

 

Winter tyres: Essential for cold conditions

 

Winter tyres include a “Snowflake on a Mountain” insignia on their side wall, signifying that they meet the safety requirements for winter circumstances. They also contain a rubber compound and design feature that allows them to operate at an average running temperature below 7 °C.

 

In order to do this, winter tyres employ a formula that contains more natural rubber than summer tyres. As a result, they remain flexible in the winter and are better able to “interlock” with the pavement.

 

In addition, they usually have thicker, deeper grooves to act as a snow cavity, as well as narrow cuts in the tread called “siping” that give the tyre additional sharp edges to bite into slush and snow.

 

A winter tyre's tread pattern is designed to accommodate more grooves than typical in order to better handle the accumulation of water and debris on the road during inclement weather.

 

On the other hand, visit any nearby tyre store to outfit your car for the long weekend you are spending at the ski resorts. Please be aware that snow chains are still required and should always be installed whenever and wherever local authorities instruct. Winter tyres are not a suitable replacement for snow chains.

 

All-season tyres: Versatile for all-year use

 

All-season tyres mix the technology and characteristics of summer and winter tyres into an all-season tyre made to adapt to both spells and cold snaps. As we have already discussed, a summer tyre rubber compound performs at its optimum above 7 °C and above, and a winter tyre’s is at 7 °C and below.

 

However, all-season tyres are made with an intermediate rubber compound that enables them to stay firm, maintain structure, perform well on warm summer roads, and not harden up, skid, or slip on cold winter roads as well.

 

They are made to maintain stability and make sure to drive confidently in all conditions, except the most extreme. By the way, it is not just all about temperature.

 

The design of all-season tyres brings together different sipes in the tread, which enables them to perform well at times of heavy rainfall, with medium groove depth to make sure they can withstand some snow and ice on the roads too.

 

They do not have the special characteristics of their summer and winter counterparts; however, all-season tyres must not be known as a compromise.

 

Their versatility makes them an ideal choice for a range of conditions; they ensure you do not need to change tyres between seasons; they enjoy a good tread life every day; and they are available throughout the country.

 

Conclusion: Choosing the best tyres for your needs

 

Now you must know why choosing the right tyres for your car is important. You can either choose summer tyres, winter tyres, or all-season tyres from Bridgestone Tyres Corby which are suitable for your driving conditions. Keep in mind tyre safety and tyre performance while selecting the tyres.