Winter tyre safety tips – beware the hidden snow dangers

The UK is facing yet more very cold and icy weather with potentially heavy snow falls. At this time of the year it is vital to ensure that a vehicle’s tyres are in good order and with adequate tread depth to deal with poor and potentially dangerous driving conditions. Motorists also need to be aware that snow covered roads can often conceal potholes and road debris that could damage tyres.

mytyres.co.uk, part of the Europe’s largest web-based tyre retailing group, is offering the following advice to motorists to help stay safe this winter:

Check tread depths. The law requires a minimum of 1.6mm of tread, although mytyres.co.uk believes that in the current circumstances motorists should consider changing tyres when they are down to 3.0mm and 4.0mm for winter tyres, the most effective insurance on the roads in winter conditions.

Tyre pressures should be set to the car manufacturer’s recommendations. Under no circumstances should tyre pressures be reduced for driving in snow.

Check all tyres for general condition and any sidewall damage that may have been caused by striking an object obscured by snow, or striking a kerb following a skid.

Check the spare tyre for tread depth and pressure.

Clean dirt from around valves and fit valve caps all round.

Check for uneven wear, which is possible evidence of misalignment.

Driving in snow and ice requires skilful and delicate use of the vehicle controls – steering, brakes and accelerator. Accelerate and brake gently using the gears to reduce speed smoothly and drive in as higher gear as possible to avoid unnecessary wheelspin. If the car gets into a slide, steer out of the skid and keep your feet off the brake and accelerator until the vehicle is back under control. Always keep well clear of other vehicles and try to anticipate what is happening, or what may happen, well ahead.