Tyre Safety Month Provides Conti an Opportunity to ‘Talk Winter’

Continental Tyres is showing its support for October’s Tyre Safety month in October with a call for UK motorists to be aware of the safety benefits winter tyres offer. Traditionally the British climate has been viewed as too temperate to warrant winter tyres, yet last year’s ‘big freeze’ saw many drivers unprepared and left stranded or involved in accidents that might have been avoided had winter tyres been fitted.

A Continental Tyres survey carried out after the cold snap in January revealed more than three million motorists had experienced a run-in with another vehicle. One in ten drivers had crashed into other road users during the snowy and icy weather and 45 per cent of those questioned admitted to having had two or more near misses. Yet while motorists across Europe will be changing to winter tyres this month to ensure their vehicles are best equipped for the coming season, the UK market for winter tyres remains very small in comparison.

“We look on with envy at European countries that manage to keep business going as usual when a few flakes of snow bring our roads to a standstill,” commented Continental brand manager, Tracey Hyem. “Those countries have a history of fitting the right tyres for the right season. Winter tyres are available to purchase in the UK from all good retailers. Our advice to drivers is to think about winter tyres early now. There’s no point in being stuck on your driveway when the snow starts falling.”

As evidence of winter tyres’ advantage in the colder months, Continental points to tests comparing winter and standard tyres which show braking distances on snow from a speed of 30mph can vary as much as eight metres. In general, winter tyres provide shorter braking distances and better grip when the temperature drops below 7°C – where average temperatures last winter lay.