Do You Need to Fit Winter Tyres on Your Car?
Although Australia is renowned for its balmy weather, some parts of the country can experience frigid conditions in the winter. If you live or intend to visit those areas, you may need to ensure that your car is ready for the task. So, in this case, do you need to fit winter tyres to be safe?
Understanding Your Obligations
Firstly, there is a difference between "need to" and "should." Some jurisdictions may expect you to have tyres that are designed for the conditions, while others may also ask you to fit snow chains. Nevertheless, it may be a good idea to buy winter tyres, as they are designed for the worst of those conditions.
Defining All-Season Tyres
Tyre categories can sometimes be confusing. For example, "all-season" tyres are not really designed for every season but are just meant for most occasions. They may not perform particularly well in standing snow, and this is due to the way that the manufacturers build them.
Designing Winter Tyres
Winter tyres are effective in these conditions because they are narrower and have carefully-crafted tread blocks. If you look closely at the winter tyre, you will see tiny cuts within those tread blocks, called "sipes." Each tyre will have a large number of these sipes, and engineers are confident that they will provide more grip and stability on snow and ice.
In addition, the tread pattern is designed so that the gaps can fill up with snow. This means that traction is enhanced when the tyre comes into contact with additional snow on the road. After all, snow can blend with snow quite readily, which is the principle behind that tyre design.
Working with Softer Composition
Further, tyres designed for snow conditions are much softer due to a higher silica content than their counterparts. Accordingly, they'll be more pliable at much lower temperatures and remain softer. These tyres will offer you a better grip in very wintry conditions than all-season rubber, which may not be as pliable when temperatures plummet.
Identifying the Tyres
By looking at the sidewall, you can tell whether a particular tyre is designed for use in snow and ice conditions. You need to look for a symbol containing the image of a snowflake and three mountain peaks, which is an internationally approved indicator of performance in these conditions.
Asking the Expert
If you're not sure whether you should buy winter tyres for your visit or to make you ready for the upcoming season, talk with a tyre supplier today. They will explain the pros and cons associated and ensure you get the correct tyres for your needs.