WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN STANDARD TYRES AND WINTER TYRES? - ABOUT 11 METRES
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN
STANDARD TYRES AND WINTER TYRES?
ABOUT 11 METRES
BE PREPARED THIS winter STANDARD TYRES
WINTER TYRES
Plummeting temperatures, difficult driving conditions and images of
vehicles losing control and motorists being stranded are hard to forget.
The heavy snow and icy roads are just part of the story – for five months Find out more about winter tyres
temperatures can drop below 7°C on average and this is when the for your SEAT at www.seat.co.uk
performance of standard tyres drops too.
Met Office statistics show 2010 was the coldest winter for over 30 years, with
December being one of the coldest Decembers across the UK since 1910.
And, last winter the Met Office recorded 147 separate days between
October and March 2012 when temperatures dropped below 7°C during
prime commuting hours in 10 major cities (measured from 7am till 9am
and 4pm to 6pm).*
Respected meteorologists predict that winter 2012/13
will be very cold and exceptionally snowy
Meteorologist James Madden, UK long range forecaster at Exacta Weather,
correctly predicted the harsh conditions experienced in recent years.
He believes the UK will see progressively worsening winters and forecasts
well-below average temperatures – and this includes the upcoming winter
of 2012/2013. Madden predicts the period December 2012 to January 2013
may experience some of the coldest and snowiest conditions in at least a
century at times.
*Source: www.fleetnews.co.uk Image courtesy of NEODAAS/University of Dundee.
KEY facts Sipes
A high number of sipes create a
multitude of biting edges that
7°C is the point at which you should With the UK experiencing temperatures below What’s different about winter tyres? interlock with the wintry surface,
consider switching to winter tyres 7°C for nearly six months of the year there is Winter tyres are made with a higher natural rubber enhancing traction, improving
The temperature is crucial to the performance of growing recognition that drivers here should content that keeps tyres soft and flexible even in braking performance and reducing
your tyres. When the temperature drops below wheelspin.
seriously consider fitting winter tyres from the colder weather conditions. They have a
7°C the tread compound in standard tyres begins October to March – for increased safety and different tread pattern which maintains their highly Tread pattern and grooves
to harden and gives you less grip, compromising improved vehicle performance. effective contact with the road for greater traction. The tread pattern on a winter tyre
the performance of your vehicle. is particularly effective on snow,
A squarer shoulder profile with defined shoulder- ice and slush. Snow sticks to itself
In many European countries more accustomed to better than rubber – narrow channels
blocks helps winter tyres pull through tough
between the blocks trap snow in the
colder temperatures, it’s compulsory to fit winter conditions like ice and snow. The addition of sipes tread, where it can ‘stick’ to the snow
tyres and fines may be issued if they’re not fitted. gives winter tyres extra ‘edges’ to grip, even on on the road.
the most slippery surfaces.
Tread compound
At 7°C and below the tread compound
Average daily temperatures UK 1971-2000 in winter tyres remains flexible and
The World Meteorological Organization grippy thanks to a higher natural
12.5
(WMO) requires the calculation of rubber content.
DEGREES CELCIUS
averages for consecutive periods
9.3
of 30 years, with the latest covering STANDARD TYRE SUITABILITY WINTER TYRE SUITABILITY
8.8 the 1961–1990 period. However, above 7° below 7°C below 7°C
many WMO members, including the
6.0 6.9 UK, update their averages at the Dry roads ✔ ✔ ✔
6.1 6.3
completion of each decade. 30 years Wet roads ✔ ✔ ✔
was chosen as a period long enough to
eliminate year-to-year variations. Optimum comfort/low noise ✔ ✘ ✔
2.4
3.0 Optimum wear/mileage ✔ ✘ ✔
1.5 Maximum temperature The latest set of 30-year averages
0.7 0.6 Minimum temperature on the Met Office website covers the Snow ✘ ✔
0
OCT NOV DEC JAN FEB MAR period 1971-2000. Ice ✘ ✔
Source: MET Office. http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/climate/uk/averages/19712000/areal/uk.html
KEY facts
Why are winter tyres safer below 7°C? Research undertaken by TyreSafe has clearly In snow, the difference between a winter tyre Don’t be put off by the additional Plus, if your tyres aren’t right for the conditions, Use the right tyres for the conditions
Winter tyres significantly improve grip and reduce shown that stopping distances from 50mph on and a standard tyre is even more evident with COST of a second set of tyres your stopping distances are increased and We advise against changing to winter tyres
stopping distances in temperatures below 7°C a cold, wet road are up to six metres shorter for a stopping distances, braking and cornering The initial outlay is offset by the saving on you’re more likely to have an accident. If you permanently as in warmer weather they’ll give
because, unlike standard tyres, they don’t car using winter tyres compared with standard performance all dramatically enhanced with wear to your standard tyres. Winter tyres wear claim on your insurance you could lose your no you less grip, wear more quickly and lead to
harden. This enables them to maintain better tyres – which is about the same length winter tyres fitted. Stopping from just 20mph up to 20% less than standard tyres during cold claims bonus – and the excess could be as increased fuel costs.
traction in low temperatures, as well as in the wet as a large family car. on an icy road can be improved by 11 metres – weather driving. much as the cost of a set of winter tyres.
and on snow, slush and ice, reducing the risk of around the length of a bus. (Source: www.tyresafe.org) In some cases, the speed rating of the winter
aquaplaning and improving braking distance. tyres fitted may be less than that of the standard
tyres originally fitted.
Swapping to winter tyres
Braking distances on icy roads from 20mph (30km/h) to rest* Winter tyre sidewall markings
11m between October and March
11m
57m will increase the lifespan of
WINTER TYRES 57m
68m
your standard tyres – saving
WINTER TYRES Severe snow
STANDARD TYRES 68m you money in the long term. conditions
STANDARD TYRES
*Source: www.tyresafe.org
Mud and snow
8m
Braking distances on snowy roads from 30mph (50km/h) to rest* 8m
35m
WINTER TYRES 35m
43m STANDARD TYRES
WINTER TYRES
STANDARD TYRES 43m WINTER TYRES
STANDARD TYRES
*Source: www.tyresafe.org
INDEPENDENT KEY facts Talk to your SEAT dealer about winter tyres
Drivers are six times more likely to have an SEAT is a member of TyreSafe, the leading tyre Winter weather tyres can be used all year round. So you’ve read the facts and understand the FREE Winter SAFETY Check Getting your winter tyres fitted
accident during the winter months, when there’s safety organisation, dedicated to raising However, in warmer conditions you may safety and cost benefits that winter tyres offer with winter tyres from SEAT When you bring your SEAT to your local
a sharp increase in insurance claims. With awareness about the dangers associated with experience less grip and more rapid wear. you when temperatures drop below 7°C. Now your When you purchase winter tyres from SEAT and dealership we’ll remove your standard tyres
temperatures dipping below 7°C from October defective or illegal tyres. TyreSafe’s activities The safest option is to switch to winter tyres in dealer can advise you on the right winter tyres for arrive at your local dealership to have them fitted, and put them in clear plastic bags. Once they’re
through to March, waiting for the first snowfall have helped reduce the number of people killed October and then back to standard tyres in the your SEAT and how you can make the most of the we’ll give your car a free Winter Safety Check bagged up we’ll discuss the best option to get
before switching to winter tyres may be too late. or seriously injured each year in a tyre-related spring or March. SEAT Winter Tyre Programme. (visit www.seat.co.uk). This inspection will be these back to your home. Early in 2013 we’ll
Using winter tyres throughout autumn and accident by 30 per cent. This October, TyreSafe completed by our highly trained technicians and contact you to arrange replacing your winter tyres
winter could help you avoid becoming another is launching Tyre Safety Month with important Watch a car fitted with winter A wideR range of leading tyre brands includes checking your wiper blades, antifreeze with your original standard tyres for when
accident statistic. safety tips and winter driving advice: tyres in action to see the The SEAT Winter Tyre Programme offers you an and screen wash levels and strength, light bulbs temperatures rise above 7°C.
www.tyresafe.org/wintertyres/ difference they could extensive choice of winter tyres from brands and tyre wear, and topping up your tyre pressures
make to your SEAT including Goodyear, Dunlop, Firestone, and vital fluids. It will help reduce the likelihood Ask your dealer about our tyre storage facility.
8,934 this winter at
www.seat.co.uk
Bridgestone and Continental. of an incident or breakdown during the cold
conditions that are forecast for this winter, as well
Operated by our tyre programme supplier, it costs
just £120 (inc VAT) for a 12-month period, including
as highlighting any minor faults. two periods of storage and two collections.
The following are extracts from Auto Express
magazine’s winter tyre test in November 2010:
2,434 “ Last winter was the worst for 30 years as record snowfalls and weeks of frozen roads brought
the UK to a standstill – but it doesn’t have to be that way.”
“ It’s difficult to believe how much more grip [winter tyres] offer over summer-spec tyres – turning a
“Whether roads are wet, frosty, icy or just dry and
white knuckle ride on the edge of control to a regular journey, as if the snow or ice wasn’t there.”
cold, winter tyres improve safety, reduce driver
Number of accidents increases by Auto Express concluded: “The clear winners here are cold weather tyres, which
stress and help to protect no-claims bonuses, too.
267% during the winter months.
At 45°F (7°C) or less, winter tyres help to increase have a big advantage over the summer patterns used almost exclusively by UK
(Source: http://conti-central.co.uk/winter-tyres/) traction and reduce stopping distances. On average, drivers in the winter. In the snow, they offer a huge step up in grip and safety, and
most of Britain is this cold or colder for much of in the cold they outperform summer tyres.”
winter, according to the Met Office.” See the complete test at www.autoexpress.co.uk/products/total_tyre_guide/
The Telegraph
Get ready with winter accessories
It’s worth thinking ahead to make sure you’re prepared with all the winter accessories and
safety kit you’ll need for driving in the harsh conditions that are forecast this winter.
Windscreen
Visit www.seat.co.uk for full SPARE BULB Engine Windscreen Washer De-icer AND
AND FUSE kit Care Concentrate Ice Scraper
details of accessories available
for the SEAT range. WINTER CARE PACK (£15 RRP)
Be prepared if you’re driving A handy 1-litre Check-it Kit, containing This is a concentrate with cleaning Concentrated de-icer with a fast
Contains winter screenwash, windscreen abroad this winter – spare bulbs everything you need to top up your oil additives for windscreen washers. acting formula, which quickly clears
de-icer, cockpit care, ice scraper and are compulsory in some European between scheduled dealer visits, is frost from your windscreen.
cleaning cloth – to help get you on the road countries. This kit contains a available from your local SEAT dealer.
selection of bulbs and fuses. A great value ice scraper – ideal for
safely with those cold morning starts. those cold and frosty mornings.
Perfect
Complete Winter WAX Polishing
Mudflaps Safety Kit Travel Mug Umbrella Screen Wash Shampoo Car Polish Cloths (8-pk)
SEAT has a range of mudflaps In some European countries it’s a This practical mug is the perfect Don’t get caught without an umbrella This screen wash cleans and Cleans and preserves in one go. Ideal for the winter, this car polish One of the secrets of obtaining a
designed to protect your SEAT’s legal requirement to carry a safety solution for a warming drink on the to keep off the worst of the winter protects against renewed frosting For manual washing of paint with a has a full paint care agent that’s perfect shine is to use the correct
bodywork against mud, salt, kit, which includes a first aid kit, move this winter. rain and snow – an essential item for over, guaranteeing you a clear, drip-off effect. Cleans free of stripes resistant to weather and shampoo. cloth. Autoglym Perfect Polishing
stones and silt. warning triangle, torch and high- every car boot. smear-free screen throughout and leaves behind a temporary gloss It refurbishes dull paint surfaces, Cloth has been specially developed
visibility vest. The kit comes in a the winter months and beyond. effect. Protects paint with high-grade preserves and has a gloss-deepening with the correct density and absorbency
SEAT branded bag which secures regreasing components. and colour-freshening effect. for polishing fine surfaces. Cloths are
in the boot of your car. hand washable and reusable.We are Spanish and German. We are passionate perfectionists. We are emotional technologists.
Everything we know is everything you feel. We give design purpose. We bring technology to life.
We call it enjoyneering. We are SEAT.
Your SEAT SERVICE Authorised Repairer
SEAT SERVICE SEAT recommends Castrol EDGE Professional
SEAT is committed to a policy of continuous product development and reserves the right to make changes to specifications,
offers, products and prices without notice. The information in this brochure can therefore be given as guidance only. While
SEAT makes every effort to ensure that information and prices are accurate at the time of publication (October 2012),
you should always check with your SEAT SERVICE Authorised Repairer for the latest information. Available at participating
repairers until 28 February 2013.You can also read
