Wintertime in Ireland means many different things to many different people. When it comes to your car, though, one thing holds constant: you’re going to need to replace your summer tyres with your winter ones.
Why? Winter driving in Ireland, after all, doesn’t expose you to too much snow. Yes, it’s cold and rainy, but do you really need a new pair of tyres to deal with that change in weather?
Take a gander at some of the benefits of changing your tyres below. You may find that having a little bit of extra help on your side makes driving in Ireland’s winter months a little easier.
The benefits of changing your tyres
Summer tyres are perfect for taking road trips when the days are balmy and the weather is mostly clear. When it comes to winter, though, precipitation can be unpredictable. Tyre manufacturers have released their lines of winter car tyres with that in mind. As such, changing your car tyres in the winter time can come with benefits including:
#Improving your tread
Winter tyres have all different types of tread. These different patterns include chevrons, criss-crossing arrows, and score marks. Some tyres even sport asymmetrical tread. Why bother with the differences, though, especially on winter tyres? According to different manufacturers, unique treads increase you tyres’ surface area. As a result, you’ll be able to grip the road more effectively. That extra traction comes in handy when you need to make a quick stop or take a tight turn, especially when the roads are wet.
#Better reaction time
Winter tyres will do more than provide you extra grip while driving in the rain. Your winter tyres will also help you improve your reaction time while driving. There are external factors, of course, that impact a driver’s reaction time – the amount of sleep, the number of passengers in the car, and so on. With winter tyres in place, though, you will be able to respond more quickly to potholes, turns, or any other obstacles that may appear in the winter road.
#Keeping your car’s interior workings safer
If your tyres are underinflated, your car is more likely to jostle about as you make your way down the street. The more jostling your car does, the more likely it is that you’re accidentally going to damage an intricate and necessary interior part. This is where winter tyres once again come in handy.
In the wintertime, you’re going to notice your tyres losing some of your bulk. This happens because air molecules move closer together in colder weather. Winter tyres, however, can be kept at a higher pressure level than summer tyres. As a result, they’ll be able to retain their shape and firmness, no matter how cold the days and nights get. That extra safety will help you preserve the rest of your car as winter carries on.
#Lowering petrol costs
A set of well-rounded tyres will help you save money at the garage. When you replace your summer tyres with winter tyres, you’ll be able to shave off a few pounds at the garage the next time you want to go fill up. If you don’t make the change, you’ll find that your MPH decreases with the temperature.
All season tyres and winter tyres
There are benefits to the use of all season tyres. These tyres, after all, are made to deal with Ireland’s wonky precipitation all year round. That said, as these tyres strive for balance, they won’t be able to provide you with the comprehensive protection that winter tyres will. They’ll be a mark better than summer tyres, without a doubt, but if you’re heading north for the holidays, you’re going to want the deeper tread of a winter tyre keeping you safe on the roadways.
If you’re travelling with the kids and pets this winter, make sure you have the right kinds of tyres on your car. Winter tyres may be a hassle to put on, but once they’re in place, you’ll be able to make your way confidently through the countryside in lower temperatures.