Is it worth getting winter tyres?
The truth is: yes, winter tyres really do make a difference. As we’ve already noted, it’s not just about snow and ice. During autumn and winter the uk has an increased level of rainfall. winter tyres are designed to cope with the increased levels of standing water on our roads, minimising the likelihood of aquaplaning. When the seasonal temperature falls below 7 °c (46 °f), it’s time to switch to winter tires. Winter tires perform well in all cold weather conditions, ranging from snow and ice to wet and cold dry roads. When seasonal temperatures climb above 7 °c (46 °f), fit your wheels with summer tires.At temperatures below 7°C, all-season and summer tires begin to lose elasticity, leading to less traction. Winter tires keep their elasticity and grip at much lower temperatures. Wide, high-performance tires, other than those specifically designed as winter tires, aren’t suitable for snow-covered roads.For this reason, selecting a skinnier winter tire option that fits on the original wheels and vehicle is the preferable option for wintry weather. Better yet, downsizing wheel diameter when purchasing a winter tire and wheel package can amplify this benefit.With only two winter tyres, you’ll experience an imbalance in grip levels between your front and rear wheels, which could cause you to lose control of your car. If you only run winter tyres on your front wheels in wintery conditions, the rear-end of your car will have less grip in wet or icy conditions.Downsizing your tires (aka minus sizing) can be effective for winter driving. Rather than using your factory rim and tire size, a smaller diameter wheel is matched with a more-narrow-but-taller tire.
Do I need 4 winter tires or just 2?
While it’s not recommended, the only time this could work is on rear-wheel-drive only vehicles. Even in these cases, we still recommend four matching snow tires for optimal performance. Anything else, including 4x4s, front-wheel drive, and all-wheel drive vehicles should have a full set of snow tires for best traction. Winter tires should not be used in the summer for several reasons, including increased safety risks. The rubber in winter tires wears down more quickly in warmer temperatures, increasing the risk of tires bursting and potentially causing a loss of vehicle control.On snow, the gap widens considerably, as the sipes on winter tyres offer grip even when the tread is packed with soft snow. In such conditions, a two-wheel-drive car with winter tyres is invariably safer than 4×4 on summer tyres. Winter tyres can also help you avoid getting your car stuck in the mud.It’s not recommended. Mixing winter and all-season tires — or performance and all-season — can lead to uneven traction and compromised handling. For safety and performance, use a full set of the same type and brand when possible.
What is the 3% rule for tires?
The 3% rule states that when replacing tires, the new tire’s diameter should not differ from the original by more than 3%. This guideline helps maintain proper vehicle performance, safety system functionality, and speedometer accuracy. As a general rule, you want replacement tires that are within 3 percent of the diameter (height) measurement of the tires originally on your vehicle.Generally, you don’t want to go with tires that have a diameter that is more than 3% different from the factory tires.
What does 255 mean on tyres?
If the tyre reads 255/40 R20 101V: 255. Refers to the width of the tyre, measured in mm. A tire number, such as 245/45R18, breaks down as follows: 245 (or 255): This number refers to the section width of the tire, measured in millimeters from sidewall to sidewall; thus, a 255 tire is 10mm wider than a 245 tire. This is the aspect ratio; the sidewall height of the tire as a percentage of its width.R20 tires have a diameter of 30. The sidewall of the tire is 5 (128 mm), and the tire’s circumference is 94.When it comes to tire sizing, the initial number is the tire width in millimeters. Therefore, a 255 tire is 255 millimeters wide, and a 265 tire is 265 millimeters wide. That’s a 10mm difference in width.Therefore, the tire size 255/40R20 can be expressed in inches as roughly 10 inches wide, 4 inches tall, and designed to fit a 20-inch wheel rim.