54. WINTER TYRES: Should I use different tyres for the winter?

Advice from the Michelin Man on driving safely in winter

Michelin's cold weather tyres are actually designed for driving in all winter conditions, not just snow and ice. As soon as the temperature drops below 7°C it makes good sense to fit cold weather tyres on your vehicle.

It is important to use tyres adapted to winter driving conditions when roads are slippery and temperatures are low. Cold weather tyres are designed for driving on cold winter roads and in rain or standing water, whenever the temperature is regularly below 70C.

A cold weather tyre gives much better grip and traction than a summer tyre in these conditions, because it has deeper tread grooves and many more sipes. It is also made of special silica rubber compounds, which are designed to
perform in the cold and offer superior braking and handling.

Cold weather tyres should be fitted on all four wheels

With cold weather tyres only fitted on the drive axle, traction is improved, but this is not enough to ensure good performance and optimal safety. With cold weather tyres only on the front axle, you risk losing grip on the rear tyres and going into a spin. With cold weather tyres only on the rear axle, you could lose grip on the front tyres and understeer instead of taking the corner.

Storing tyres

Before taking your wheels and tyres off, note their positions on your car so that you can swap your front tyres to the back and vice-versa to balance their wear. Clean your wheels and tyres with water and dry them to limit corrosion. Remove stones and other objects trapped in the tyres' grooves. If your tyres are mounted on rims, store them hanging up or lying down. If they are off rims, store them standing up or flat. Store your tyres away from light, ideally in a cool, dry area and above all, do not store them near solvents (fuel, oils, etc.).

When should you use chains?

Mandatory in some ski resorts, chains can be useful in very thick snow. Make sure you buy a type that is suitable for the bodywork of your vehicle and the size of your tyres. Choose chains that have the maximum number of links in the
contact patch, with a diamond or straight pattern, having at least twelve bars for an average tyre.

More at www.michelin.co.uk