Drive Safely this Winter

In this article we will discuss various types of tyres and traction aids to help you stay safe on the roads this winter. There are different types of tyres that we can use:

  1. Summer tyres
  2. All-season tyres
  3. Snow tyres

However, not all of us realize that there are other traction aid devices that can be fitted to a vehicle other than snow tyres;

  1. Snow chains
  2. Snow socks
  3. Studded tyres

Snow tyres have tread patterns designed to bite into snow and ice. As a result they give better grip on snowy and icy surfaces than regular tyres.

All-season tyres are designed to cope with all sorts of conditions, but not optimised for any one condition (dry roads, rain, snow, ice, etc).

Currently there are no legal requirements to fit winter tyres, but should you wish to install them, make sure that you install a full set of four tyres and remove them once the possibility of snow is gone.

Traction Aids:

Snow Chains are designed to wrap around the thread of the tyres and latch together tightly to prevent slipping. They come in different sizes so not every snow chain will fit every tyre. Ensure that they are installed per manufacturer`s recommendations. Driving on asphalt for long periods should be avoided as this will shorten the life of snow chains.

Snow Socks are very strong textile covers that you slip over the drive wheels to provide better grip on ice and snow. They are easy to fit and same as with snow chains, snow socks come in different sizes so not every snow sock will fit every tyre. Ensure that they are installed and used per manufacturer`s recommendations. Driving on asphalt for long periods should be avoided as this will shorten the life of snow socks.

Studded Tyres are fitted with metal studs for additional traction on icy roads. Studs should only be used on packed ice or snow as their use on the road surface would cause damage and therefore be prohibited.

Drive safely this winter!

Source: Road Safety Authority