How do winter tyres work?

[Andrew Sherman]

Winter tires have a higher natural rubber content which gives them a softer structure. The interaction between the tires' rubber compound and the road changes as temperatures rise. This affects the tires' grip. Summer tires harden below +7 degrees C while winter tires' specially developed compound guarantees flexibility, even below +7 degrees C.

 

[Roxanne Emmerich]

Winter tyres are excellent at gripping cold roads, whether they’re wet, dry, snowy or icy. Nothing grips snow like snow. So, in the case of compact snow, winter tyres fill their tread grooves with snow and this grips the snow on the road. Their extra deep treads are capable of dispersing more water, helping to reduce aquaplaning and improve handling. Because they offer greater safety in the cold, and maintain their flexibility, they are harder wearing than summer tyres and are therefore more cost effective.

 

[Wayne Maillet]

Their name suggests that they’re snow tyres whereas actually they’re cold weather tyres, capable of performing optimally on rain, ice, snow and dry, but cold, roads. Their softer compound makes it easier for them to grip roads at colder temperatures than summer and all-season tyres which are made of a harder compound. Their tiny grooves bite into snow, ice and sludge, dispersing water at a fast rate and ensuring better breaking and more traction. Meanwhile, deeper tread grooves gather and hold snow, to help with grip on packed snow, and help the tyres disperse water to reduce the risk of aquaplaning. Check this link right here now: pneu de camion lourd