WHAT IS SPECIAL ABOUT WINTER / COLD WEATHER TYRES AND WHY SHOULD I BUY THEM?

The main difference between winter and summer tyres is in the rubber compound.

In Summer tyres ,the rubber hardens (can almost freeze), the lower the temperature goes and as a result of this , these tyres dont grip the road like you expect. Which is why you end up sliding around and wheel spinning.

The rubber compound in Winter tyres is specially designed to work at lower temperatures, below 7 degrees centigrade. It wont harden like summer tyres, so the rubber keeps its flexibility and therefore its grip.

There is also the tread pattern. Although, Winter tyres have a similar looking tread pattern to summer tyres, they are designed with extra grooves which break up the larger tread blocks. These grooves , combined with the rubber compound, allow the tyre to grip (within reason) most road surfaces and allow snow/ mud and slush to clear.

 Fact ,in some European countries it is illegal and very dangerous to drive without them during the winter.    

Winter tyres can be used all year round. They will be slightly noisier and give a little less grip during the summer. But make driving in snow and ice a whole lot safer.