If you live in a place like the UK where the weather varies throughout the year, then you might ask yourself whether it is worth having two different sets of tyres for your car or only one set that can manage all kinds of conditions. Summer and winter tyres are the most popular tyres all over the world, especially in Europe where you can find hot and cold temperatures.
Each tyre is intended to perform well in certain weather, that is why drivers should invest in decent Tyres Stranraer for their cars. Some experts recommend switching to summer tyres, once the climate turns sunny, warm and bright. On the contrary, winter tyres are ideal for driving in snowy, cold and wet conditions. However, it is necessary to understand how summer tyres differ from winter ones. Once it is completely clear, you can make the best decision based on real facts.
Winter tyres vs summer tyres, are they the same?
Perhaps they look alike at first sight, but several aspects make them unique. The crucial characteristic that differentiates them is their rubber compound. They use a completely different kind of rubber, each of them designed to function in different conditions.
Professionals and tyre sellers will highlight the differences in tread design, specifically the grooves which are intended to perform either in the winter or summer.
Another major factor is something known as glass transition temperature; this term refers to the temperature at which the molecules within the tyre can no longer move around, so your tyres become harder. In summer tyres, the transition occurs in warmer temperatures compared to winter tyres. When this happens, the rubber compound of summer tyres becomes hard, while winter tyres get softer and more prone to wear out and wash out.
Summer tyres
Summer tyres offer more safety during hot weather; they use special compounds designed to withstand temperatures above seven degrees Celsius. This type of tyres benefits from warmer environments and are perfect for braking both in dry and wet roads. If the temperature does not go below seven degrees, they will perform as intended.
Winter tyres
Summer tyres have some limitations as they are not designed to provide enough traction when the temperature drops below seven degrees. They will not provide proper control on snowy and wet surfaces. Winter tyres offer better safety and grip when it is cold or snowy.
One thing to remember is that winter tyres are not engineered to use only in the winter when it is snowing, they are meant to use in all type of cold weather.
You may be thinking to use winter tyres throughout the year, but they tend to heat up and fail when the temperatures rise above 7-degrees. Also, they are not as good at braking in dry roads as summer tyres.
If you are unsure, you can contact an expert in your area who will advise you on good and cheap tyres.
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