Experts urge winter driving care

09/11/11

By Chris Gibbings

Winter drivers have been warned by a safety watchdog not to overestimate their tyres' capabilities for dealing with dangerous roads.

Winter tyres are not an excuse to drive carelessly even though they are a lot more effective at low temperatures, said the Guild of Experienced Motorists (GEM).

In low temperatures - most efficiently below 8C - winter tyres will greatly cut down stopping distances and give better reaction times to the driver, said GEM chief executive David Williams. Below 8C, rubber and silicon compounds are affected which lowers flexibility and resilience.

But caution is as necessary as ever in slush, ice and snow, warned Mr Williams.

He said two sets of new tyres can be a big investment for many families especially as Christmas approaches. Both sets will last longer through swapping as the conditions demand.

Extra care in winter to avoid serious accidents, no matter what tyres are used, is the main priority for the GEM. Motorists should leave much more space between themselves and the car in front to allow more braking time, and drive at speeds suiting conditions.