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Most drivers know that snow and ice make roads more dangerous — reducing grip and making steering, acceleration, and braking much harder. But what many don’t realise is that you don’t need extreme winter conditions for tyre performance to drop. Even cold, damp roads can significantly impact how well your tyres grip the surface, increasing your risk of an accident.
That’s why tyre manufacturers have created winter‑weather tyres, specially designed to deliver improved safety and better control throughout the colder months.
The Hidden Hazard: Cold, Damp Roads
While drivers often adapt their driving style when facing obvious hazards like snow and ice, cold and damp road surfaces look deceptively normal. As a result, motorists rarely adjust their speed or braking distance — even though tyre performance drops noticeably in these conditions.
This makes cold, damp roads one of the biggest winter safety risks.
Free Tyre Health Check
Not sure about the condition of your tyres?
We offer a FREE tyre health check to keep you safe on the road. Simply call us to book an appointment.
Your free check includes:
✅ A full visual inspection for cuts, cracks, and bulges
✅ Identification of issues that may lead to punctures or blowouts
✅ Honest advice on repairs or replacements
✅ Safe disposal of old tyres
We stock a huge range of premium, mid‑range, and budget tyres — with over 200,000 options available online — so we’re sure to have something that suits your vehicle and your budget.
For ongoing safety, check your tyre pressures every two weeks and before long journeys, following your manufacturer’s recommendations.
Why Winter Tyres Perform Better
Air temperature has a big effect on how tyres behave. Below 7°C, the rubber compounds in standard tyres begin to harden, reducing grip and increasing stopping distances.
Winter‑weather tyres use a special tread compound with more natural rubber and advanced silica, helping them stay flexible in the cold. This means:
✅ Better grip
✅ Shorter stopping distances
✅ Improved safety on cold, damp, wet, icy, or snowy roads
Tests by the British Tyre Manufacturers’ Association found that a car braking at 60mph on a wet road at 5°C stopped five metres shorter when fitted with winter tyres — more than a full car length.
When Temperatures Drop, Safety Matters More
Cold weather brings a higher risk of skidding, aquaplaning, and longer braking distances. Making sure your tyres are in top condition — or considering winter tyres — is one of the simplest ways to stay safer on the road.