Snow tyres, also known as Winter Tyres Preston, have been an essential component of safe driving in icy and snowy conditions for decades. They have come a long way since their inception and have evolved to become much more than just tires with deep treads. In this article, we will explore the evolution of snow tyres and provide a comprehensive guide to choosing the best snow tyres for your vehicle.
The Evolution Of Snow Tyres
The evolution of snow tyres began in the 1930s when the first winter tyres got introduced in Germany. These tyres had deeper treads and were of a softer rubber compound that remained flexible in cold temperatures. The deeper treads allowed the tyres to grip the snow and ice better, while the softer rubber provided better traction in low temperatures. However, these tyres had one major drawback: they wore out quickly on dry pavement.
In the 1950s, snow tyres underwent a significant change. A Finnish company, Nokian Tyres, developed a new type of tyre that had metal studs embedded in the rubber. These studs provided superior traction on ice and snow, but they were also loud and caused damage to roads. As a result, many countries banned the use of studded tyres on public roads.
In the 1970s, snow tyres continued to evolve. Manufacturers began experimenting with different types of rubber compounds. They developed tyres that were specifically designed to remain soft and pliable in cold temperatures. Though, that also had a longer lifespan on dry pavement. These tyres were of a compound called “silica-infused rubber. This allowed the tyre to remain flexible in low temperatures while still providing good traction on dry pavement.
In the 1990s, snow tyres underwent another major change. Manufacturers began developing tyres that had asymmetrical tread patterns. This allowed the tyres to provide better grip on both wet and dry surfaces. These tyres also had larger tread blocks, which provided better traction on snow and ice.
Today, snow tyres have evolved to become much more than just tyres with deep treads. They now come with advanced technologies such as microchannels, 3D sipes. Also, other unique features improve traction and handling in all winter conditions.
How to Choose the Best Snow Tyres?
Now, let’s move on to the guide on how to choose the best snow tyres for your vehicle.
Check Your Owner’s Manual
The first step in choosing the best snow tyres for your vehicle is to check your owner’s manual. The manual will provide you with information on the size and type of tyre that gets recommended for your vehicle. It is essential to choose a tyre that is the correct size for your vehicle to ensure that it fits properly and provides optimal performance.
Look for the “Mountain/Snowflake” Symbol
The next step in choosing the best snow tyres for your vehicle is to look for the “Mountain/Snowflake” symbol on the tyre. This symbol indicates that the tyre has got tested and certified to provide good traction in severe snow conditions.
Decide Between Studless and Studded Tyres
The third step in choosing the best snow tyres for your vehicle is to decide between studless and studded tyres. Studless tyres are of a softer rubber compound and have deeper treads than regular tyres. They provide excellent traction on snow and ice, but they are not as effective on packed snow or ice. Studded tyres, on the other hand, have metal studs embedded in the rubber, providing superior traction on ice and hard-packed snow. However, studded tyres are not suitable for use on dry pavement, and they can be loud and cause damage to roads.
Consider the Tread Pattern
The fourth step in choosing the best snow tyres for your vehicle is to consider the tread pattern. Winter tyres come in various tread patterns, including directional, asymmetric, and symmetrical. Directional tyres have a V-shaped tread.
Drawbacks of Snow Tyres
Let’s look at the drawbacks of Snow Tyres:
Additional Cost
One of the biggest drawbacks of snow tyres is the additional cost. Snow tyres can cost up to 50% more than regular tyres, which can be a significant investment. However, the cost may be worth it if you frequently drive in snowy or icy conditions.
Limited Use
Snow tyres get designed for use in winter conditions and are not suitable for use in other seasons. This means you will need to switch back to regular tyres once the winter season is over, which can be an additional expense.
Noise
Some snow tyres can be noisy on dry roads, which can be annoying for some drivers. However, many newer models of snow tyres get designed to be quieter than older models.
Road Damage
Studded snow tyres, which have metal studs embedded in the tread, can cause damage to roads. As a result, many countries have banned the use of studded snow tyres on public roads.
So, Are Snow Tyres Worth the Investment?
The answer to this question ultimately depends on your individual needs and driving habits. If you live in an area that receives frequent snowfall and you frequently drive in snowy or icy conditions, snow Tyres Preston may be worth the investment. They can provide enhanced safety and improve your vehicle’s performance in winter conditions.
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