Conti pushes the idea of winter tyres in the UK

ERJ staff report (DS)

London -- Continental UK is highlighting the importance of winter tyres to a sceptical UK consumer market, as well as government and opinion formers. Sales of winter tyres in the UK are dismal compared to other European countries, as there is no legislation, and no infrastructure for consumers to store a second set of tyres ready for the seasonal change-over. There is also huge ignorance of tyre performance in a market notoriously driven by price.

The company is attempting to educate people about the performance and safety aspects of winter tyres, pushing the idea that these products should be fitted whenever the temperature dips below around 7°C.

Conti says winter tyres should be fitted in the UK between October and April. The company adds, "If you are reluctant to change tyres and have nowhere to store summer tyres when they are not in use, you are better off using winter tyres all year round." It adds, "There is a slight trade off with stopping distances as a winter tyre does not stop as quickly in the dry as a summer tyre, however, on balance if it is not possible to switch tyres in the winter, experts say you are better off with winter tyres all year round. This is because the difference in stopping distances of summer tyres in winter is far greater than for winter tyres in the summer."

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Press release from Continental UK