Are Winter Tyres Set To Become The Norm?

Tuesday, 18. May 2010

Considering the particularly bad winter that we suffered there are suggestions that we should follow other European countries and introduce winter tyres. Whilst not wishing to go the compulsory route it has been suggested that we should adopt the Dutch system of making winter tyres widely available. After making the tyres available about 10 years ago it is understood that about 50% of drivers switch each winter. Holland has a similar average temperature to the UK so it makes sense to adopt their approach. For those that are unsure about the difference between summer and winter tyres, or cold weather tyres, the difference isn’t in the tread pattern, which many would think are like the old 4WD style tyres with big chunky tread. The tread pattern is similar to summer tyres. However, the compound is different, reacting differently to large drops in, and prolonged periods of low, temperature. In Holland it is believed that by introducing winter tyres average damage claims were down by £100 with a reduction of 40% of cars slipping off the road and a reduction of almost 20% of rear end collisions. You may well ask how this works? In fact the changing of tyres in Holland was led by leasing companies who included it as part of their maintenance package. Tyre fitters Euromaster leads the way, who’s flagship operation is near Utrecht and deals only with lease cars. They can switch 4 tyres in just 15 minutes (20 mins if run-flats). Customers make an appointment, turn up to the 8 lane centre, have the tyres switched and if the old tyres are less than 4mm (the minimum depth in cold weather) the leasing company is advised and the old tyres replaced. If the tyres have more than 4mm they are marked with the car registration and tread depth and stored in their 30,000 tyre storage facility ready to be changed back in the spring. They charge 10 – 15 Euros per month to store the 4 tyres. Will we revert to this system in the UK? I think the answer to that question will follow the ravages of next winter. By Graham Hill