Yesterday was the first day that winter driving began. You might wonder why I'd say that midway through October when there's no sign of snow or ice on the road. The reason that winter driving has already begun is that yesterday in the Midlands and other parts of the UK the temperature fell to 7°C. This is the temperature when the performance of your regular tyres start to deteriorate. Last year there were 147 days when the temperature was 7°C or lower, that's 147 days when regular tyres might not be performing as well as they should.

Now for the science part! At 7°C and below the compound on your regular season tyre begins to harden therefore loses its ability to grip as well. Winter tyres have a softer compound in them that grips the road better, they also have a deeper tread and a large number of tiny grooves which assist reliable braking and acceleration.

In the UK last year, winter tyres would have been more effective than regular tyres on 147 days of the year. That’s nearly 5 months.

The initial outlay on winter tyres can be offset by the saving on wear to your regular tyre. Winter tyres last as long as regular tyres. Depending on your mileage they may last 2-3 winters – saving wear on your regular tyres and postponing their replacement.

We have a range of winter tyres for Skoda and Suzuki - However stocks are limited so act now to avoid demand when the winter season really takes its grip!

Skoda Winter Tyres are fitted from £62*

Dan Thompson - Autosales