Michelin survey shows UK resistance still strong against winter tyres

With temperatures sinking well below freezing and roads around the country dusted with snow, Michelin has found that many UK motorists are still resistant to fitting cold weather tyres to their vehicles. In a survey of motorists, the manufacturer found that 13 per cent of drivers claim not to know of winter tyres’ existence, while even those who may consider fitting cold weather tyres to their vehicle are put off by the cost and inconvenience of having to change their tyres.

In the survey Michelin says price is seen as the biggest barrier to fitting winter tyres, cited by 42 per cent of drivers. A further 37 per cent don’t see the point in changing their tyres.

Michelin’s UK managing director, Eric Le Corre, comments: “Just as you would not normally wear summer clothes in winter, a vehicle should be appropriately equipped to face winter driving conditions. A common misconception is that the UK is too warm for cold weather tyres. As a general rule, winter tyres should be fitted when the mercury drops below 7°C. Perhaps the nation is overly optimistic about our weather, but in fact the average temperature between the months of November and April is lower than seven degrees. Added to that, most people drive on their daily commute in the morning and evening when temperatures are at their lowest point in the day.

“Furthermore, ensuring that your vehicle is fitted with the correct tyres is not only safer, but will mean you don’t have to replace your ‘summer’ tyres so soon as they are only used for six months each year.”