To my surprise, Winter tyres were still very popular in the field of retailing tyres. Of course this type of tyres were more expensive, but would wear better.So, and their casing quality was second to none. The casing is the tyre that has used all of the tread and then can be used for remoulding. The remoulding option would give the original purchase a second and third life. This is the reason that these tyres are very cost effective in the long run.
Winter tyres are imperative, if you are to travel up the mountains to the ski resorts.
WITH the first of the winter snows seeing ski stations opening for the November 11 holiday weekend, drivers are also having to think about winter tyres and whether to use snow chains. There is a mind-boggling variety of options – winter/snow tyres, ice tyres, studded tyres or the choice […]
Winter tyres-General
This looks at winter tyres from the French angle. hence, this is most applicable to the Britains that will taking their annual winter vacation to the snow resort in the French Alps.
Millions take the pilgrimage, year after year. Winter tyres are imperative, if you are to travel up the mountains to the ski resorts.
WITH the first of the winter snows seeing ski stations opening for the November 11 holiday weekend, drivers are also having to think about winter tyres and whether to use snow chains.
There is a mind-boggling variety of options – winter/snow tyres, ice tyres, studded tyres or the choice between chains or snow socks – but the basic decision depends on where you live.
Of course you will require more than winter tyres. In all cases, drivers should stock up on de-icing accessories and take warm clothes, gloves, blankets, water and food in case they break down. A fluorescent vest and a warning triangle are already compulsory.
Brrrr! Winter Car Care; Here it comes again, winter and all the horrors that go with it, from black ice to carol singers. It’s a tough time, not just for the car but for the driver too. It makes sense to check the car now and take some precautions before you find […]
This is a thorough and extensive article. Hence, about the correct way to winterise your car. Because the better prepared your car is then the safer you will be when driving in the harsh winter conditions. Here in Halifax Yorkshire, UK we have already seen possible signs of a hard winter.
Of course, we have already witnessed a snowfall in early November. It was enough give a five inch covering of snow .Consequently we were inundated with motorists wanting to buy winter tyres. Our winter tyre hotel soon emptied of snow tyres as our customers flocked in the change into their winter tyres from summer tyres.
Check the tyres and if they’re even near the limit replace them – you’ll be glad you did when you have to brake hard on an icy road. It might be worth considering a set of winter tyres, something that is much more common on the Continent but which can make all the difference in the harsher months. If not, then a set of snow chains can be very effective if you’re in a rural area.
Before the start of the winter. Hence, you should consider a set of winter tyres. As a result, the best way to keep your vehicle moving and safe. Of course, on the roads during bad weather times. Especially in areas where it is difficult to get around in a vehicle fitted with regular summer tyres. Hence, once you leave the city into open country or a hilly area. Then your need for winter tyres will increase.
Many of our customers are looking at all-season tyres. Because they are a mix of summer and winter tyres. As a result, I am not so sure if all-season tyres are beneficial where snow may be imminent. It has been proven that in dry cold weather with the temperature at 5C. Then the winter tyres outperform the all-weather tyres by a mile.
As a result, a study put out by the Quebec Ministry of Transport. Showed that proper winter tyres can improve braking by up to 25%. Compared to the all-season tyres and can consequently improve accident avoidance by about 38 percent.
Winter tyres generally have deeper tread with specifically designed patterns that allows snow and slush to be cleared as the car drives through the snow. Winters are made with a specific rubber compound that includes a silica compound. Hence, that stays softer and more flexible in the cold weather. As a result, that provides more contact to the road surface and thus more control.
Subsequently, winter tyres are absolutely essential for winter driving safety. If you are lucky enough to be going to the local mountains to ski. In fact some countries snow tyres are often mandatory. Consequently, winters have to be fitted from March to November.
Winter Tyres-Rental Cars
This advice is also applicable to rental cars. Consider renting one with snow tyres in any mountain area. Including vans. Sometimes it will cost a little extra, but it is well worth paying.
When getting out of the city in any higher elevation it is likely you will encounter winter conditions and therefore will require snow tires to get you to where you have to go safely.
Our terrain here in Halifax is very hilly and rugged in places. Thus many of our customers do fit winter tyres. Especially, with the rise of the SUV vehicle. SUV’s are notoriously bad at gripping in inclement weather conditions. As a result, these Nokian Winter SUV tyres are the most popular tyres that we fit.
Of course, this top ten is compiled in the USA. Thus, we do have similar products here in the UK. Hence, some of the tyre types are the same.Especially, tyres from the European tyre manufacturers. Therefore, this video gives a guide and an insight into what goes on when testing winter tyres.
Therefore, Top Ten Best Winter Tyres, give the consumer. Naturally, some of who are our customers here at Pellon Tyres in Halifax UK.
In my opinion it is always handy to have a look at the market plce. So that you can see what is on offer. Therefore, this is no different when looking for winter tyres.
I like the video format now. because it shows real life performance attributes. Accordingly, the tyre buyer can look out for a tyre product that suits his or hers pocket.
I can also add to the tyre tested, Vredestein winter tyres and an economy winter tyre, the Jinhu winter tyres. These would be behind the leading makes, in tyre tests. Because they are a budget winter tyre. For this reason, the Jinhu winter tyres are sold by my tyre company, Pellon Tyres, Halifax, UK.
Over the years they have proved to be a good reliable product and at a winter price that is affordable. This is very important. Because most drivers cant afford to buy winter tyres. The ones that can afford to buy winter tyres do go for the makes that are test winners.
This also includes the excellent Apollo-Vredestein winters. In the list bellow the Hercules Avalanche RG2, is not available in the UK. Also, the Michelin X ice Xi3 is the same as the Michelin Agilis X-Ice North.
Our opinion of the Top 5 Best winter tyres
The Bridgestone Blizzak WS80 can be replaced by the Bridgestone Blizzak LM32, here in the UK. As expected, the Yokohama ICeguard IG52c, is available in the UK.
Evaluation of the 5 best car winter tires 2015-2016. The PMCtire.com team evaluated the Michelin X Ice Xi3, the Hercules Avalanche RG2, the Bridgestone Blizzak WS80, the Dunlop Winter Maxx and the Yokohama ICeguard IG52c. All detailed evaluations of winter tires are available here : https://winter-tires.pmctire.com/enw/tire-info/evaluations-winter-tires.tire
* Please note that Nokian tires are not evaluated because the manufacturer refuse any online sales of Nokian’s products.
We all have an opinion but when winter and snow arrive can we compromise safety
I will be the first person to admit. Hence, that everybody is entitled to their own opinion and this article. Slightly turned my blood. I think that it may have been written to do a bit of stirring. But even so I would like to defend the drivers. Who are sensible enough to go for the safe option. Hence, and fit winter tyres in November, before the onset of winter and the dreaded snow.
When the wet and winter weather arrives. Then the accident rate increase dramatically. In fact it rises 267%. By fitting winter tyres you can avoid many of these accidents that are caused by other drivers.
Cars are been build heavier now and this ads to the inertia, when trying to change direction or slowing down, which gives your tyres much more work to do, especially on slippery or on wet roads.
This combined with wider tyres and a bigger footprint can make the job of stopping your car, much more difficult in adverse weather conditions. I am sure that we have all been in the situation where we have lost control of our cars on black ice, well a set of winter tyres will drastically reduce the risk of this happening.
You can see the many small slits(sipes) in this winter tyre, these will dissipate the slush water and snow to give the tyres a better grip in winter weather.
The guy who wrote the article. Of course, states that the British public panic when we get a bit of snow. But the majority of sensible drivers fit their winter tyres. Before the snow arrives. This must contribute to less schools and businesses closing now when the snow arrives.
Snow in the Weather Forecast;Winter tyres are not only for snow?
Another myth that needs dispelling. Is that winter tyres are only for dealing with winter conditions . In fact conditions are only a small part of the safety aspect. Also the protection that special tyres will give the driver.Thus, over the winter period, which ever country you live in.
The compound in the winter tyres is partly made up from silica. Which keeps your tyres (and therefore gives a better grip) flexible in temperatures below 7c.
The freezing of the rubber gives your car more grip and when the snow does arrive they make for a much safer controlled drive, as any driver who has had winter tyres fitted will tell you.
To finalise my reply to this guy, then I think that he giving irresponsible advice about winter tyres, they of great benefit in most parts of the UK and are much safer to use in any bad weather situation including just heavy rain and flooded roads.
Of course General Tyres are a large part of the future of the Continental tyres future. Subsequently, General were bought out primarily for their AT brand. Including the general grabber at 3 off road range of 4 x 4 and SUV tyres. Therefore, these tyres fulfilled a product brand in the Continental portfolio.
As expected, since that time, then General tyres have excelled in all parts of the tyre industry. Including the normal Altimax One Ssummer tyre range and the Altimax Winter 3 winter tyre range.
Altimax Winter 3
The new non-studded winter tyre designed for passenger vehicles provides a powerful grip on snow and ice with improved tread technologies. Let this true winter expert be your reliable partner in winter.
Enhanced grip on snow and ice
The Altimax Winter 3 comes with an improved pattern concept armed with plenty of gripping edges that support a powerful grip on snow and ice.
Excellent handling on snow covered roads
The pattern features gripping edges that are positioned at various angles to provide exceptional traction in all driving directions. The specific tread structure interlocks efficiently with the snow for better grip and cornering stability.
Improved handling characteristics on dry roads
Engineered to achieve a better transmission of forces. So, the tread design significantly improves the tyre’s handling characteristics! Especially on dry roads.
Altimax One S
Sportingly, General Tyre‘s new Passenger Summer line. Provides a reliable performance for everyday driving. Of course, with outstanding grip in dry and wet conditions and significantly improved tread life.
ALTIMAX ONE S designed for higher performance sizes (with 4-groove pattern).
Technical Details
Adventurous on dry roads
This new tyre is designed in a whole new way.Importantly, its connected shoulder blocks with added stiffness. Provide precise steering response, powerful grip and safe. So, including reliable braking performance for everyday driving.
Reliable in wet condition
Optimised siping and a large number of gripping edges effectively displace water for responsive handling and enhanced control on wet and slippery roads.
Because of this, we at Pellon Tyres, became General tyre dealers. Of course the tyres are made from the same expertise and materials as the Continental range. Therefore this gives the product a first class base. Combined with very competitive price range! So,in which to compete in the very competitive world tyre market.
Conti rounds out General-brand winter tire lineup – Tire Business
More and more of the larger tyre companies are trying to achieve this goal a double A standard well done Goodyear Dunlop
Goodyear Dunlop joined forces in 1999
I have had the pleasure of working for both these giant tyre companies.Of course, before I opened my first tyre retail operation, here in Yorkshire UK.
Dunlop-owned a retail organisation known as “National Tyres”. I had my first job at was to become their Dewsbury branch.
Because we were owned by Dunlop. Therefore, we had to sell mainly Dunlop products. I can honestly say it was the first step onto the ladder of a lifelong love for the tyre trade.
It was with Dunlop that I first learned about tyres and how they were made. I had many friends in the company, and it was there where I started to gain much confidence in my ability and was promoted to an office position.
To cut a long story short. I had the urge to move on. Therefore, I left national tyres for a better job at a Goodyear subsidiary. In Leeds Called K Nield tyres.
Nields were truck and earthmover specialists, and this took my tyre knowledge to a new higher level, I Loved every minute of working there, but that’s another story.
Goodyear Dunlop
After a very short spell out of the tyre industry. I was offered the job of depot manager with Goodyear tyres. As expected, this was at one of their retail outlets in Huddersfield, Yorkshire UK. Once again I just loved working for this great tyre company.Therefore, after a few successful years as manager. I decided that I could make a go at running my own tyre business. I opened up in Birstall with a good friend and I never looked back; the rest is history.
Goodyear EfficientGrip Performance Tyres
were massive influences in my tyre life. I cannot think more highly of the two giant tyre companies.Accordingly, who also went on to support me and my new business adventure. At one time or another. Both played a huge part in supplying me helping to promote my tyre business.Thus, I made some lifelong friends as a bonus.
Over the coming years the tyre business became very competitive and in my opinion there were too many brands in the marketplace, many were owned by the bigger tyre companies.
Rumours were rife about takeovers and buyouts.One of them was the acquisition of Dunlop by Sumitomo Rubber Industries. Of course, from Japan. Who sold tyres for road vehicles with the Dunlop brand from 1985 to 1999.
Then in 1999 Sumitomo RI and Goodyear Tyre and Rubber Company.Naturally, of the USA formed a joint venture and merged. Goodyear tyres obtained the Dunlop tyre assets in Europe and the USA. Sumitomo RI continued to sell Dunlop tyres in other countries.Naturally, some of the different names but used the Dunlop tread patterns.For this reason, such as Regal tyres in South Africa, I can remember these tyres being imported into the UK under the name of Dunlop, using an old Dunlop tread pattern.
Goodyear Dunlop
Dunlop Tyres Europe is now part of the Goodyear Group; which is one of the world’s largest and most prestigious tyre makers, and is now based in Akron, Ohio. They work out of 22 countries and produce annual net sales of $21 billion dollars, working out of 52 tyre making factories.
To my knowledge, Goodyear Dunlop shares the same research and development facilities. Including the development of Goodyear EfficientGrip Performance tyres. Therefore, making excellent variations of both product names. naturally, this includes this latest Goodyear Dunlop product, which comes under the Goodyear Efficient Grip series and is an excellent double A-rated tyre.
Tyre manufacturers are now fighting to produce the best winter tyres
So the article on the link reminded me that not long ago. Then the major tyre companies. Were not all that concerned about the winter tyre trade.
Especially here in the UK. I know that I have written about this before ! But at one time the only people to buy winter tyres were the lets say “better off” drivers . Consequently, who could afford to go skiing for their winter holidays.
Farmers and other country folk would also buy winter tyres. Especially near the hills of Yorkshire and Derbyshire.
One of the reasons ! In my opinion was that the tyre manufacturers were then mostly based in the UK. Producing the tyres here for the UK market . So, would have concentrated on the home market only
All the leading and some smaller tyre manufacturers had tyre factories here in the UK.
The same would be so in the other European countries. Michelin produced most of their winter tyres for the French and German ski industry. Therefor began to develop some excellent winter tyre products. Include a winter version of the Michelin “X” tyre the “X” M+S 89 tyres.
Also producing the “XM S100 S winter and rally tyres.
The French tyre manufacturers are to this day one of the most innovative tyre designers and winter tyre producers in the world, making excellent products such as the excellent Michelin Alpin 4 range of winter tyres.
Avon tyres here in the UK had a good range of winter tyres just as they have today. I can remember that one of the most popular cars was of course the Mini and the Mini Coopers. These cars were good in snowy conditions. But the tyre Manufacturers started to bring out winter tyres for these little cars. Naturally, something to do with the fact that these cars were doing very well in rallying.
Avon tyres brought out a tyre that was going to become popular with mini owners
Consequently, known as the “Arctic winter range” . These came out originally in the 145×10 tyre size, but as the wheels were becoming wider there was a version on a 165/70×10 tyre size. Avon also make a modern day winter tyre range known as the “Avon Ice Touring ST” range of tyres, which come out on many sizes.
Dunlop tyres were also starting to take an interest in motorsport and rallying and they brought out a rally tyre/winter tyre called the Dunlop “Weathermaster” tyres which were a cross ply construction, which was then followed by the SP44 Weathermaster in a radial ply construction. Dunlop at that time were becoming one of the country’s leading tyre manufacturers and have continued to grow their winter tyre range right up to now with their “Winters-port and Winter response” tyre ranges.
Other early pioneers of winter tyres were Goodyear with their “Ultragrip”
Which came out in a X ply size and then was used for rallying with a radial version. Kelly Springfield brought out their “Explorer” winter tyre and later became part of Goodyear tyres, followed by India tyres with their “Super Multi-grip” tyres. Of course, soon to be bought out by Dunlop tyres.
All these tyre manufacturers and many more have gone on to make excellent winter tyres to serve the whole of Europe, only Avon still make tyres here in the UK and also Pirelli have a tyre manufacturing plant in Carlisle Cumbria.
Pellon Tyre and Auto-centre offer car and van servicing and repairs to all makes of vehicles. We are members of Unipart Car Care centres and give a nationwide guarantee for all our work and parts. We also sell Avon Winter Tyres online from our website .
It makes me proud to think of all the safety conscious drivers who have fitted winters to their cars. I call it winters now because it shortens (winter tyres) the subject of which I write a lot.
This article from Scotland proves to me, (not that I need any proof) that winters are one of the best things that a driver can spend on his car.
Winters have been developed and improved over the recent years.
Tyre manufacturers have had to keep up with the demand for greener and more fuel efficient cars, and this includes winter tyres.
This is one of the reasons that winters are now made of different materials that was used to make their predecessors. The main breakthrough was the use of “silica” to blend with the rubber compounds that makes up the bulk of tyres materials. Silica helps keep a winter tyre flexible in lower winter temperatures. This along with the modern tread patterns that are computer designed, helps make winters what they are today, a tyre that is ready and capable of coping with extreme winter weather.
Winters were originally designed for the drivers of Europe who take a winter break to go skiing. Most prominent were the Germans, who would shoot down their Autobahns, (without a speed limit) to enable them to do a weekends skinning up the Austrian and Swiss mountains. For this they would need a special tyre that would perform well in all the conditions, including high speed and then having to drive through snow and ice.
This is why the winters of today were developed and we now all take advantage of these wonderful things. Because of them drivers will be driving much safer than the ones still using summer tyres. One of my customers had a set fitted to his car just before we had our first snow and was so impressed with their performance in the snow that we had them fitted to his fleet of vans.
I could tell you many similar stories; we now have whole families that have fitted winters, just because of word of mouth from a relation who has had these wonderful products fitted and has told them how good they are and how much safer they have felt, being able to keep control of their vehicles when cars around them were skidding all over the place.
This winter is turning out to be a bad one with more snow and ice forecast for the next few weeks, so you still have time to enhance your winter driving experience and buy a set of winter tyres.
Pellon Tyre and Auto-centre offer car and van servicing and repairs to all makes of vehicles. We are members of Unipart Car Care centres and give a nationwide guarantee for all our work and parts. We also sell Winter Tyres online from our website www.pellontyres.co.uk by using the tyre selector and choosing your tyre size. We offer courtesy cars to local motorists who need to go to work and leave their car with us for work doing. We are also an official MOT testing station and are members of Motor-codes, who carry out checks for high standard of equipment and workmanship.
Brrrr! Winter Car Care; Here it comes again, winter and all the horrors that go with it, from black ice to carol singers. It’s a tough time, not just for the car but for the driver too. It makes sense to check the car now and take some precautions before you find […]
