When it comes to choosing which winter tyres to buy, don’t be fooled into thinking that they are all the same. There are many differences between the different brands of winter tyre and although some may appear cheaper on the outset, they could be a lot more expensive to run.
It is also worth remembering that although winter tyres seem like a significant investment, if they prevent you from having a serious accident in hazardous conditions then they will save you a huge amount in terms of repair costs and insurance premiums, as well as saving you and your family from potential harm.
No winter tyres are excellent in terms of their fuel economy. The increased grip means that they naturally generate more friction than all season or summer tyres, which means that they require more fuel to keep the car moving. However, there are some brands which are much better than others. In a recent independent study, Goodyear UltraGrip and Nokian winter tyres performed well above their competition, without compromising on the power of their wet grip. This could save you an awful lot of money if you are planning to have the tyres on all winter.
The tyres which generate the most friction all tend to be the ones which wear out fastest. You will not notice the return as quickly with winter tyres), as you will only use them for a much smaller percentage of the year, but over the course of several winters you will certainly feel the pinch if you have to replace your winter tyres every other year. Tyres with a better fuel economy generally tend to last much longer and you should find that they see you safely through more winters.
It is also worth looking to various loyalty schemes when purchasing your winter tyres. Some supermarkets and other loyalty card providers offer the option to convert your points into vouchers to spend on tyres. You will be limited to which brand or brands you can purchase using these schemes but you could end up saving a lot of money.
When you have finally made your decision about which winter tyres to buy, always contact our garages for quotes before you bite the bullet and make the purchase. You may find that some garages have better deals with tyre manufacturers and are therefore able to pass those savings on to you. Don’t assume that just because one workshop has given you a price, it doesn’t necessarily mean it is a fair price.
You may also save money if you buy tyres from the same garage which is going to fit them. If they know that they will be making money from you for the fitting then they may be more inclined to offer you a better price on the tyres. Be careful though as this is not always the case. Remember to do your research and look at prices online as well. In some cases you might be able to find a good deal on the internet which a garage simply won’t be able to match.
So if you want to get the best deal when buying yourself a set of winter tyres, research is the only way forward. Start looking well before winter sets in so that you don’t find yourself forced to buy the first set you see. Buy tyres which have been proven to have a good fuel economy to save yourself a small fortune on fuel bills and you should find that you will have to replace them less often as well.
All about Tyres, Tyre change, Winter Tyres and Rims
- Tyres, tyre mounting and wheel change
- New Winter Tyres and Rims
- New Rims or Replacing Your Rims
- What Are 4x4 Tyres?
- What Are Run Flat Tyres?
- Which Are the Best Car Tyre Brands?
- Watch Out with Cheap Part Worn Tyres
- Cheap Tyres Online
- Flat Tyre? - How to Change a Flat Tyre
- Tyre Types and Sizes
- Can I Have Broader Tyres on My Car?
- What is TPMS Tire Pressure Monitoring System
- Eco Friendly Tyres?
- What is Wheel Alignment
- Service for wheel alignment
- What are the Rules for Winter Tyres in the UK?
- How to Tell if Winter Tyre is OK
- Are Your Winter Tyres in Good Shape?
- Save Thousands When You Need New Winter Tyres
- Change Tyre on a Wheel, or Two Sets of Tyres?
