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Winter Tyres: Points You Should Know

 

There are usuallythree types of tyres present in the market. These are summer tyres, wintertyres and all-season tyres. Summer tyres and winter tyres provide specific functions in specific weather conditions, while all-season tyres are meant for countries with moderate temperatures throughout the year.  

In this article, wewill discuss some basic points about winter tyres that you should know. 

Basic points about winter tyres  

  • The tread pattern on winter tyres is deeper as compared to the tread pattern on other tyres Huntington
  • Winter tyres provide proper traction and grip on wet roads and roads with snow and ice. 
  • Winter tyres do not provide proper functioning in the summer season. 
  • Once winter seasons are gone, you have to store winter tyres with proper care. You need to wash and clean them thoroughly and store them in airtight packets. 
  • You can use a gauge to check the tread depth in winter tyres. If the tread depth is below the minimum legal requirement, it will be fixed as soon as possible. 
  • To experience a smooth and safe ride in the winter seasons, it is recommended that you use winter tyres if your area faces extremely low temperatures. 
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Key Different Elements in Every Tyre 

  • Sipes: the major function of sipes in the tyres tread pattern is to provide extra traction and grip on wet roads filled with ice and snow. You can see very thin designs on the tread blocks in the form of cuts.    
  • Tread blocks: tread blocks are the rising sections of rubber present on the top surface of the tyre. Tread blocks are in direct contact with the road all the time while you are driving. With time, tread blocks tend to wear. After the tread blocks have reached their minimum level, they need to be fixed to ensure a safe ride.    
  • Ribs: ribs are similar to tread blocks. They are also present on the tread pattern in rising sections of rubber around the tyre's circumference. The function of ribs is to provide improved steering control on icy and snowy roads. It also helps in providing good control on the wet roads while driving.    
  • Grooves: grooves are small pieces of rubber attached to the surface of the tyre. Grooves help in effectively channelling away the water present on the road while driving. When the roads are filled with snow and ice, there are high chances of aquaplaning.   
  • In aquaplaning, thewater or the snow is filled in the tyre's tread depth, making it difficult forthe vehicle to move any further. Grooves help in clearing away the snow present on the road and help in maintaining proper traction and grip on such roads.    
  • Tyre compound: the major difference between winter tyres and summer tyres is the tyre compound. Winter tyres are made of much softer and flexible rubber compounds as compared to summer tyres. As the temperature decreases, the tyre rubber does not get hard and helps provide proper traction on wet roads. 

How to Keep Winter Tyres Safe 

There are highchances of winter tyres getting damaged sooner than summer tyres. This isbecause the rubber compound of winter tyres is much softer. Also, the snow and ice present on the roads can be harsh on the tyres. It can cause cuts and bulges on the tyres.   

You shouldregularly check your tyres from the outside for any cuts and bulges present. Ifyou find some, you should get the tyres fixed to ensure no further damage is caused to the tyres. Not only from the outside, but you must also take your tyres to a mechanic once in a while to get them checked from the inside as well.   

A thorough checkfrom a specialist can ensure your tyres Telford have a longlife and you have a safe ride. When winter tyres are not in use, they must becleaned thoroughly and stored in an airtight bag to be safe and ready to use during the next winter season.