Are we too tight-fisted for winter tyres?

Roadside service provider Mondial Assistance shares that cost is a major factor putting UK motorists off purchasing winter tyres. In a recent 200-person survey it conducted, just under two thirds of respondents said they do not intend to fit winter tyres to their vehicles; from this group, 46 per cent said they won’t fit winter tyres as they cost too much money.

“Over the last two winters, the UK has suffered from severe weather and more is expected to come early in 2012.  Yet despite the fact that 64 per cent of motorists in our survey said driving was more difficult in the snow last year,  many people are reluctant to invest in winter tyres or alternatives such as snow socks,” commented Lee Taylor, automotive director for Mondial Assistance UK.  “However it was only just over a year ago when motorists got caught out by the unusually early snowfall, demand outstripped supply for winter tyres, so it makes sense to buy them now and be prepared.”

Wheel socks were an alternative considered by 27 per cent of respondents, while only 4 per cent of those surveyed were considering snow chains. One third of all female repsondents said they intend taking the “I refuse to drive in the snow” approach to winter safety, a route only 10 per cent of men said they’ll take.

“Many respondents see cost as a deterrent to fitting winter tyres, but some motor manufacturers are responding to this with cost effective winter tyre packages, helping drivers prepare for bad weather,” Taylor continued. “Indeed, some manufacturers are offering winter tyre programmes which include storage for summer tyres, providing motorists with an affordable and convenient service, designed to get them ready for wet and wintry weather.

“The latest government figures clearly show that snow and ice are very real issues when it comes to road safety, so you can’t afford to be too careful,” he concluded. “ But UK drivers appear to be dismissing the idea of winter tyres, putting cost above safety.  In some regions across the UK we are seeing snowfall like we saw last year, and many motorists will be risking the increased chance of an accident or at the very least, getting stuck. Winter tyres are an investment if swapped half way through the year with summer tyres as both sets will wear half as much.  But fundamentally, winter tyres offer increased performance and safety, helping to keep you on the road and reduce the risk of an accident for several winters to come.”