COLD weather tyres have become a new phenomenon in the cold snap. What are they? What are the benefits?
Tyre safety organisation TyreSafe says drivers who took the sensible precaution of fitting cold weather tyres to their business cars last autumn will continue to benefit from safer driving long after the current snow melts away. If they had known about them.
Mercedes launches cold weather tyre programme
So what are cold weather tyres? TyreSafe says they are specifically designed to deliver the best possible performance and maximum safety when temperatures fall below seven degrees Celsius. With more natural rubber in the tyre tread compound than standard ‘summer tyres’, they provide significantly shorter stopping distances in cold, wet and icy conditions making driving in the entire winter much safer.
“There is a misconception that cold weather tyres are not appropriate for drivers in the UK,” commented Stuart Jackson, chairman, TyreSafe.
“However, this couldn’t be further from the truth. Cold weather tyres provide much better grip in both wet and dry conditions when the temperature falls below seven degrees, so they offer extra safety typically from October through to March. These tyres also have different tread patterns from ‘summer’ tyres making them more able to cope with snowy conditions. Those drivers who have chosen cold weather tyres will continue to benefit long after the current snow falls melt away.”
And it looks like Mercedes-Benz drivers will be some of the first to benefit from extra grip in the snow.
Mercedes has launched a cold weather tyre programme at all its Mercedes-Benz retailers and official workshops for all models in the current Mercedes-Benz and urban car smart range, as well as older models.
Mike Belk, managing director of customer service at Mercedes explained: “Mercedes-Benz is committed to safety, and the safety benefits of using the correct tyre in adverse conditions are obvious, with years of evidence available in mainland Europe.
“In the UK we have had two prolonged periods of severe cold weather in the past 12 months alone, but cold weather tyres don’t only work on snow. As their name implies, they give enhanced performance whatever the cold road conditions. The costs of running cold weather tyres are offset with the additional life given to regular tyres, and indeed can be entirely recouped by if they enable the driver to avoid even one minor icy accident.”
Mr Belk says there are some 650 different tyre, and wheel and tyre combinations – and Mercedes-Benz retailers can advise on the options available. Tyres can be fitted to existing wheels, or complete wheel and tyre packages can be ordered – “a narrower tread with higher sidewall option on a bespoke wheel is a popular choice in northern Europe,” Mr Belk added.
Prices start from £75 plus VAT and fitting for an A-Class; and £120 plus VAT and fitting for a C-Class.
Further information on cold weather tyres
Read more on cold weather tyres here: What are cold weather tyres?
