SMMT recommends use of winter tyres
Drivers are being urged to use tyres designed for winter conditions in order to improve road safety.
The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) has echoed the government’s recommendations for winter tyres, pointing out that motorists must be prepared for adverse weather conditions.
A review of how England‘s transport network copes over the winter months revealed that winter tyres significantly improve grip and reduce stopping distances when temperatures fall below 7 degrees C.
This is because they do not harden and so the rubber maintains good traction on snow, slush and ice.
Furthermore, driving with suitable tyres for the weather, inflated to the recommended pressure, will help to save fuel.
Last winter was the harshest on record for 30 years and the snow, ice and fog brought thousands of motorists to a stand-still on roads up and down the country. The conditions caused many accidents and put pressure on highway services and firms reliant on transport and logistics, highlighting the importance of taking preventative action this year.
“Winter tyres ensure that the driver gets maximum traction on and off road, thereby ensuring that safety and stability are optimised,” said SMMT chief executive Paul Everitt.
RoadSafe director Adrian Walsh added that many European drivers routinely switch to winter tyres when the cold weather arrived and urged Brits to do the same.
“Winter tyres improve safety and help keep traffic moving in difficult wet and icy conditions,” he commented.
