I’m a motors expert… here are the signs your car needs winter tyres
A MOTORS expert has revealed the crucial warning signs your car needs winter tyres.
Drivers have been told what to look out for as weather worsens, in the aftermath of Storm Ciarán which has caused chaos and with the chilly festive season looming.
Car gurus say that while summer tyres tend to be the default for vehicles, it does pay to look into alternative options for winter.
Stiff summer tyres, with shallow treads, work well in climates ranging from seven to 40 degrees – giving good grip in both dry and wet conditions.
They are also praised for their durability, typically lasting for about 20,000 miles while demanding less work of the engine which can keep down fuel costs.
But people living in colder parts of the UK such as the Scottish Highlands are being urged towards specialist winter versions instead.
They often have deeper treads and wider grooves to better channel and “slush away” chilly water on the roads, This Is Money suggested.
This helps them provide better grip when temperatures go below seven degrees.
AA president Edmund King said: “Winter tyres make perfect sense in the UK if you live in a remote or more mountainous area of the country where more extreme weather conditions tend to last longer.
“They work incredibly well to give you far better grip on snow or icy roads.”
He did advise, however, not to take on the extra cost if you lives somewhere with temperatures only rarely dropping so low.
He added: “Many drivers choose not to use the car when snow or ice are around.”
Other motoring tips offered as winter approaches include a B&M “essential” costing just £1.99 and how to tackle frozen windshields.
Tips on demisting windscreens have also been offered, as well as advice on heating up your car in half the time.
And the AA has issued an urgent warning to drivers after being called to rescue many stricken by flooding.
Meanwhile, a woman shared shocking footage of what happened to her car when she was living in it one winter.
And a car insurance expert raised an alert about a rule which could cost flood victims thousands.
Families have also been given advice on how to keep energy bills to a minimum when tempted to heat up homes this winter.