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Canada Weather Tough Tyres-Learn How to Drive for the Conditions

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Canada Weather Tough Tyres

driving on ice 1

Canada Weather Tough Tyres

In my opinion this is advice from a country that has one of the toughest winter weathers in the world. For this reason, if the Canadians can’t cope with winter then nobody can. So we can all see the terrible driving conditions when watching “Ice road Truckers” on TV.  All things considered, the Canadians sure know how to drive in the ice and snow. Of course they have to be fitted with winter tyres by law!

many European countries are the same but not yet here in the UK. In the long we do have mild winters in recent years. With brief spells of cold and snowy weather.

As a tyre retailer in Halifax Yorkshire, UK. I sometimes envy the amount of snow that Canada can get in most winters. However, the same principles apply. As a result, do you know how to drive your vehicle the correct way in winter conditions? The following words of advice  could actually save you many problems when you are out on the road. Especially in sub zero winter snowy weather.

Of course for perhaps the toughest winter tyres on the UK market we recommend Nokian winter tyres.

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Winter Tyres History-Safer now for winter driving.

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Winter Tyres History

Winter Tyres a Brief History
This Goodyear winter tyres shows the complex tread pattern

Winter Tyres History

Of course, there is no doubt about the fact that in recent times, we have had to use winter tyres (as we know them today). Indeed, they have taken off big style. Especially with many motorists in the United Kingdom.

I recall another window in my tyre fitters mind set, from a long time ago. I worked for one of the national tyre companies in a small town called Dewsbury, in Yorkshire, UK. Subsequently, from what I can remember, we must have been going through a spell of cold winters.

I recall that we were installing a lot of winter tyres at the time. I suppose that I was indeed part of the Winter Tyres History. Hence picking up knowledge with every year in the tyre business.

The tyres were mainly remould tyres

Because of the deep tread patterns! So, the drivers did not want to run these tyres in the summer months. Surprisingly, tread compounds did not differ between summer and winter tyres. So, the winter tyres then were really summer tyres. As a result, a very heavy tread pattern is applied to the tyre carcass.

The tread patterns were usually derived from the old tread patterns as used by the new tyre manufacturers. The old Firestone and Goodyear tread patterns were very popular. So as a major part of winter tyres history, these companies would sell their old tyre moulds to tyre remoulding companies. They are being used to remould their tyres onto old casings.

The remoulded winter tyres were very noisy

Winter tyres history reminds me of the big tread patterns, they would also overheat. The overheating was caused by sheer friction between the tyre and the road surface, and the sound they made was a constant drumming noise inside the car.

The friction also caused the remould tyres to separate; this is when the tread parts separate from the casing part of the tyre. This happens frequently on our highways, when a large chunk of tyre tread comes off and is left by the side of the road or on the grass verge.

Winter Tyres History


The first so-called winter tyre was invented as long ago as 1908. of course, when Frank Seiberling cut an extra-deep groove in an early tyre to discover that the tyre gave a better grip on a wintry road surface.
Nothing much happened after that until the first modern type of winter tyre.

So, was introduced by Nokian Tyres of Finland, which was a range of winter truck tyres named the “kelirengas,” which is translated as “weather tyre.” This was in 1934, and in 1936, the Finns launched a winter tyre for cars that was known as the “Lumi-Hakkapelitta.”

Other winter tyres companies

Tyre companies were slow to follow and did not really start to develop winter tyres until the early 1950s. These included Goodyear tyres in America, who brought out the “Suburbanite” whose excellent early TV, advert can be seen on this blog post.
Also at the same time Continental tyres were bringing out a winter tyre known as the M14. These types of tyres were very heavy on tread rubber, but they are the beginning of the modern-day winter tyres that we see today.

The main difference is that the tyre design has had to change to meet the demands of the modern car, and more fundamentally, the tyres now have added ingredients in their tread compounds that were not known about in the early days, primarily silica-based compounds that now help the tyre to continue flexing in cold temperatures.

My days at Goodyear Tyres-Was rallying connected to winter tyre development?

Did Goodyear Rally Tyres Influence the Development of Winter Tyres?

Goodyear, a well-known tyre manufacturer, has long been a pioneer in innovative tyre technology, making it a major player in Winter Tyres History. This article investigates the potential impact of Goodyear’s rally tyres on the development of winter tyres.

Goodyear’s Rally Legacy:

Goodyear has a long history in rally racing, providing high-performance tyres for a variety of rally events. Their expertise in developing tyres for extreme conditions has resulted in significant advances in tyre technology.

Rally Tyres vs. Winter Tyres:

Rally tyres are similar to winter tyres in that they are specifically designed for grip and performance on gravel, mud, and snow. In harsh conditions, both types prioritise traction, stability, and control, but they serve different purposes. Rally tyres are designed for professional racing, whereas winter tyres are designed for everyday driving in cold weather.

The Link:

Goodyear’s development of rally tyres has undoubtedly contributed to the evolution of winter tyres. Winter tyres were designed using the company’s extensive experience in creating tyres for extreme conditions. Elements from rally tyres, such as advanced rubber compounds, tread patterns, and siping techniques, have been adapted to improve winter tyre performance.

Conclusion:

Goodyear rally tyres contributed to the development of winter tyres. Goodyear has contributed to the development of winter tyres that provide improved grip, stability, and control in adverse weather conditions by leveraging their rally racing experience and knowledge. This advancement has made winter driving safer and more accessible to motorists worldwide.

General also make an excellent winter tyres the W drive winter as seen on this video.

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Advantages of Winter Tyres: Winter 2023

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Advantages of Winter Tyres

Advantages of Winter Tyres

Winter has well and truly arrived in the UK, hasn’t it?

The heavy snowfall in many places can really throw a spanner in the works for us motorists. It’s like Mother Nature decided to give us a bit of a challenge, but fear not, because I’ve got a little piece of advice that can make all the difference during these chilly months:

fitting winter tyres. Now, before you roll your eyes and think, “Oh, not another car-related thing to worry about,” let me break it down for you in a way that’s as straightforward as a cup of tea.

 Winter tyres are not just another expense;

They’re your best buddy when it comes to staying safe on those icy and snowy roads. Picture this: you’re all snug in your car, ready to head out on a frosty morning, and you hit the road with your regular tyres. But guess what? They’re not cut out for the winter wonderland out there. You’ll find yourself slipping and sliding like a penguin on a dance floor. Trust me, it’s not a great feeling.

 So, why winter tyres, you ask? Advantages of Winter Tyres

Well, these specialised wonders are designed to tackle the cold season head-on. They’ve got a unique rubber compound that stays flexible in low temperatures, ensuring you get proper grip on icy and snowy roads.

That means fewer heart-pounding moments when you hit the brakes. But that’s not all, folks. Winter tyres also have a deeper tread pattern, which helps them bite into the snow and slush, giving you better traction. It’s like they’ve got mini crampons on the soles—perfect for our frosty British roads.

Now, I know what you’re thinking

“Do I really need winter tyres in the UK? It’s not like we’re in the Alps.” True, we might not have Alpine peaks, but our lovely British weather can throw some curveballs, can’t it? And when it does, having winter tyres can be a game-changer. Let’s talk about safety for a minute.

Winter tyres aren’t just about convenience;

 They’re about keeping you and your loved ones safe. When the roads get slippery, your regular tyres might as well be roller skates on an ice rink. Winter tyres significantly reduce the risk of accidents, and isn’t that what we all want? Plus, think about it this way:

 Investing in winter tyres is like having an insurance policy for your car’s safety.

They might cost a bit upfront, but they can save you from costly repairs or, worse, a nasty accident. Now, I can almost hear the grumbling about expenses, but here’s the thing: winter tyres aren’t just for one season.

If you switch back to your regular tyres in the warmer months, your winter tyres will last longer, giving you more bang for your buck. It’s like having a pair of well-worn boots for the snow and swapping them out for comfy sneakers in the summer.

So, my friends, Advantages of Winter Tyres

if you’re looking to stay safe and sound on the UK’s winter roads, consider fitting those trusty winter tyres. They’re not just a luxury; they’re a necessity. And remember, it’s all about keeping things cool, just like a snowman in your driveway. Stay safe out there!

When winter arrives, the cold temperatures, slushy roads, and snowfall can make driving more dangerous. To be safe on the roads in winter weather, it is important to have the right kind of tyres.

Advantages of Winter Tyres, are specifically designed for cold and wet weather conditions and offer better grip and handling than all-weather tyres. Winter tyres are made of a special rubber compound that stays flexible even in sub-zero temperatures, allowing them to maintain their grip on slick surfaces like ice and snow.

They also have wide grooves, which allow them to channel away water and slush more effectively, reducing the risk of hydroplaning. Furthermore, winter tyres feature small, jagged slits in their tread that help create extra traction when driving on snowy or icy roads. When winter arrives, the combination of these features gives winter tyres a significant advantage over all-weather tyres.

Skiers should use winter tyres

Of course, skiers should absolutely use winter tyres on their cars when travelling to their destination. This is because winter tyres are designed to provide superior grip and braking performance in icy, snowy, and wet conditions.

Winter tyres are made from a softer rubber compound that stays flexible in cold temperatures, allowing them to better bite into the snow and ice for enhanced traction.

They also feature a unique tread pattern that helps disperse water and slush from under the tyre for improved grip. Furthermore, these tyres have more sipes (small slits) to provide extra biting edges for better traction when driving on snow or ice-covered roads.

As a result of their superior design, winter tyres provide skiers with a safer and more comfortable driving experience when travelling in winter conditions.

Law in some countries

Importantly, In some countries, it is actually the law to fit winter tyres during the winter months. This is to ensure that drivers have the appropriate levels of grip and traction when it comes to driving on icy and snow-covered roads.

The tyres are designed to provide better grip on icy surfaces as well as increased braking force, allowing drivers to remain safe while driving in winter conditions. Winter tyres are made from special rubber compounds that remain flexible in temperatures below 7 °C, meaning that they can still provide traction even when the temperature drops below freezing.

Additionally, winter tyres also feature special tread patterns

that are designed to disperse water more efficiently, thus reducing hydroplaning and providing better grip when driving in wet conditions. Furthermore, they also feature a deeper tread depth, which provides extra grip on snow- and ice-covered roads. Overall, winter tyres are essential for those driving in cold climates and can greatly improve driver safety during the winter months.

All Michelin Tyres Stuff

Winter tyres As the November 2021 Snow Falls

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winter tyres versus summer tyres (2)

We take you on a journey of discovery to understand the difference between winter tyres versus summer tyres in all road usage conditions. Find the right summer or win…

Source: www.youtube.com

Another great Michelin video.

We are the half way stage of winter here in Halifax Yorkshire UK. I must admit that as the owner of a successful tyre business, I still feel the need to write about the important of winter tyres versus summer tyres (2), as the beginning of winter approaches in November.
I am not the only one in fact there are thousands of safety conscious tyre manufacturers and tyre retailer. Who like me try to get the driving public to fit winter tyres versus summer tyres(2). As the winter approaches.
In general I am pleased with the response of the public over the past five winters, there has been a growing trend to fit winter tyres, by the public, as they realise how much safer they are when coping with the winter weather, including the growing amount of snow that we are having these days.

winter tyres versus summer tyres
The sipes in this winter tyre are easy to see

In the old days we would only ever see the rich customers, who were going to drive to Europe, probably skiing.

These drivers would have to fit winter tyres versus summer tyres

Here we are again another winter in the Pennine town of Halifax UK. We usually see our first snow fall in November ! So this year 2021 has been no different.

After a spell of dry days and mild weather then we were bombarded by a massive storm system on the 26th/27th . The storm came as a “Red warning” and was names s “Arwen” by the UK met office.

Storm struck in the middle of the night

Consequently we were awaken by a massive flash of lightening followed very closely by a huge clap of thunder. This was right above our heads. The gales swept in and deposited a few inches of fresh snow . Especially over the Halifax area.

The first snow fall has always been exciting to me. Because of course we sell a variety of winter tyres and all season tyres.

Unfortunately the winds were very strong and brought down some power lies in the Halifax area. In our case the phones were not working correctly and for some reason our internet went down. However we reverted to the old fashioned ways, pre the internet and carried on by dealing with our customers over the counter and issuing hand written bills.


I must admit that we were all excited !

Especially when a customer ordered some snow tyres. As it was a change from our normal routine of fitting the same old tyres to the same old cars. Older tyre depot owners will recollect this and know what I mean?
As time went on more and more European countries would have to fit winter tyres by law and so the tyre manufacturers had to come up with a better winter tyre product. Cars were getting faster and more comfortable to drive and so different materials were used in the tyres compound to make them more flexible in cold weather.

Winter versus summer tyres-Silica introduced

The introduction of silica into the tyres compound helped to solve this problem. Also the tyre companies had to come up with ways to dissipate the water and slush that clogged up the tread which had previously been done by fitting a heavy tread with big lugs, for grip. The big lugs were affective but would build up road noise at speed.
Tyre companies started to experiment by using more  tinier slits, that were previously used, which would open up and release trapped snow and water, enabling the tyre to grip on the surface, they allowed a bigger surface area to give the tyre better grip and traction. These are known as “sipes”, I talk all the time about sipes but they were an important evolution in the development of the modern winter tyre.


These two combinations the silica and the addition of a much effective tread pattern

Of course, were the key ingredients that help develop the modern winter tyre versus summer tyres. These tyres are now also available in all sizes to fit all cars including SUV and Crossover cars.
Pellon Tyre and Auto-centre offer car and van servicing and repairs to all makes of vehicles.

All Winter Tyres Stuff

Winter Brings Colder Dark Nights- that means that it is Winter Tyres time again

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Winter Brings Colder Dark Nights

This is the time of that I dislike driving at. I love driving my car and have driven all over Europe. But when the nights start to get darker and the weather turns colder. Thus,  I am a little more uneasy when I am driving.
I am lucky in one respect that I own a garage. Therefore, my staff always keep my car in good shape. Before the really bad weather arrives. I always give the car a winter service. Consequently, making sure that the antifreeze levels are well up for the engine. Hence and also my washer bottles contain a de-icer liquid. So that I do not get caught out with the first bad frost of the year.

Winter Brings Colder Dark Nights

I always get some winter tyres fitted

The problem that we have with British winters is that they are so unpredictable. The 2013-2014 winters were the mildest for 20 years, but the three years before that were very bad. We had many periods of snow fall in those bad winters and push was on to get our customers to buy winter tyres.

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As it happened we did not have to try very hard. Many of our customers who needed tyres anyway decided to go for the winter tyres. This made a great deal of sense because the cost of winter tyres has come down in recent years and they have become an affordable safety feature for their cars.
We all live in a very fast world these days and drivers are more aware of the need for winter tyres, because they now have to get to work and take their kids to school, in fact we found in recent winters that one of our main customers were the mums in their crossover cars and people carriers. The mums normally control the household budget and they made buying winter tyres one of their safety priorities for their families.

Winter Brings Colder Dark Nights-When the snow came the winter tyres were flying on

Once we had our first snow fall of the winter, then the word gets around of how good the winter tyres were, especially if you live in a hilly district, similar to Halifax here in Yorkshire UK. We have even had thank you letters from satisfied customers and all sorts of stories telling of tales about how they got out of difficulties in the snow, because they had winter tyres fitted. One guy run his sister home from Halifax to Leeds in a blizzard, when

hundreds of cars were stuck at the road side, because of the snow and he rang me up and thanked me personally for my advice to him about having winter tyres fitted to his car.
Not to exaggerate but we had three and four people from the same family buying winter tyres for their cars and SUV’s. We at Pellon Tyres operate a “tyre hotel” system where we store our customers tyres and change them from summer to winter tyres and back again in the spring, but the demand has been so great that we are almost full to busting and even now in October when I am writing this article, we have been fitting our customers winter tyres, so great was the demand.

Winter Brings Colder Dark Nights


One of the things that you should be aware of when buying winter tyres is to watch out for the car behind. I know that the matter is out of your hands, but if it is snowing and sticking to the road surface, then you will be able to stop with your winters on but the car behind with his summer tyres on might not be able to stop. There is nothing you can do but just be aware, if you see him coming towards you then you might just have time to take evasive action and get out of the way.
Winter tyre time is normally November time but if you need new tyres now, then you would be wise to have winters fitted. You can fit them to the drive wheels only but the safest way is to have them fitted to all four wheels. We can offer cheap winter tyres or the more upmarket brand of tyres, whichever suits your pocket, so as I have said they are well the extra few pounds and you and your family will be much safer if you ever get caught out in bad weather this winter.
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 tyres online from our website

All Winter Tyres Stuff

Winter Tyres-A Women’s guide

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Not all makes of winter tyres are made to the same standards and can perform differently.

Just like any other thing in life that you buy, there are different

winter tyres
This customer is having winter tyres fitted in preperation for the bad weather

qualities at different prices.
The first point to remember is that all makes of winter tyres will give you better service in the winter months, than say summer tyres. Summer tyres are the regular tyres that are fitted to the car when the car is brand new. Even on SUV and X over cars they will be fitted with summer tyres.


Winter tyres were once thought to be a luxury and indeed in the early days of my career, we only fitted winter tyres to let’s say, the better of type of customer. I remember very clearly, when I worked for a national tyre company, the first time I had ever heard of winter tyres.

The guy was called Kenneth Knight and he owned a local newspaper shop,(everything was local in the late sixties). It was important to him because he had to collect the papers from the local train station every morning at 5 am, in winter he was probably one of the first up on the snow covered roads.

winter tyres
Firestone winter tyres similar to the ones fitted to Mr Knights car in the late 1960’s

Mr Knight owned an Austin Cambridge car and wanted to two Firestone winter tyres. This was the first time that I knew they existed and the first ones that I had ever seen.

I remember that they were special order and took two weeks to arrive at our fitting depot in Dewsbury, Yorkshire UK. When they arrived they were what I would call the old fashioned type of winter tyres with a very junky tread pattern, I also recon that these tyres would have been very noisy bit affective on wet or snowy roads.

winter tyres
Scenes like this from two year ago can remind us just how bad it gets. This was in Sowerby north of Halifax UK

This brings me back today’s driving and especially women’s cars and advice.

Back in my early days Lady Drivers were a rarity, driving the cars was a man’s job, and few women owned cars or learned to drive.

Today is a much different world and I would say that there is as many lady drivers as men. This is why I feel that it is important to educate all drivers in the benefits of fitting winter tyres to their cars before winter arrives.

Winter tyres for the SUVS and X OVERS

Winters in the UK have become more extreme in recent years, last winter 2013/2014 was extremely mild with practically no snowfall recorded here in West Yorkshire.

Across the Atlantic North America was struck by many large blizzards and had their worse snow falls on record. The truth is that none of us know what the weather will bring and so it is hugely important that we prepare our cars for what may hit us.
The first advice I would give lady drivers would be to give their cars a winter service. This would include anti-freezing their engines and additives in their windscreen bottles to stop them freezing when the first frost arrives.

Many of our customers ignore this advice and you would be surprised how many frozen cylinder heads that we get from lack of anti-freeze in the engine, costing over £1000 to repair.


The next advice is to change your summer tyres to winter tyres.

The perfect fit for your car would be to change all four, but if your money won’t stretch to that then fit two to the drive wheels. I am not going to recommend any brand names, but in my opinion it would be better to stick to mid-range brands as they are excellent quality and would be cheap tyres compared to leading brands. Pellon Tyres in Halifax stock all brands of winter tyres.
These tyres are going to help you get about during bad weather in the winter months.

We all know how important our jobs are now and taking the children to school usually becomes a woman’s job and so safety is paramount when it comes to your family and winter tyres will give you the edge in all types of bad weather and not just snow, although these tyres are fantastic when it comes to handling your car in snowy conditions, especially in hilly areas, such as here in the West Yorkshire Pennines.
So in the coming months you should be at least thinking about your car and your safety before the winter weather is upon us again.

All Winter Tyres Stuff

HOW TO DRIVE ON WINTER TYRES-Hubert Ptaszek-Kamil Kozdroń-Peugeot 208 T16 R5-Testing Car & Tyres

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facebook.com/GRBrodacz video: Piotr Bryjak Hubert Ptaszek tests your car in Kamionki (08.01.2016) before 2016 season. Peugeot 208 T16 R5 (Peugeot Sport Slova…

HOW TO DRIVE ON WINTER TYRES

Its great to see how these guys can put a car through its paces. Hence, driving on snow and ice is one of the ultimate tests. Of a driver’s skills.

Therefore, this video shows how  it should be done. It also shows how good winter tyres are and the limits that good drivers can take the car to when fitted with winter tyres.

It certainly is a great visual explanation on how to drive on winter tyres.

Sourced through Scoop.it from: www.youtube.com

This could be many parts of the UK on Thursday as our first snow of the new year is expected?

https://www.wintertyres-yorkshire.co.uk/ n