Winter tyres are softer tyres with deeper tread, designed to provide extra grip on icy and snowy roads. In some countries, drivers must use winter tyres and they often keep two sets of wheels: one with summer tyres and one with winter or snow tyres.
Does that mean you should you be making the switch to winter tyres? The short answer is no. They provide far less grip when the conditions are less than arctic.
New Zealand has several factors that make winter tyres less important than they might be in the coldest parts of Europe, Japan or North America.
First, we have a temperate climate, so snow and ice are only a concern in some parts of the country, and for one or two months each year.
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Second, we have a high proportion of four-wheel drive vehicles, which are good at handling slipperier surfaces.
Third, Kiwi drivers who visit ski fields regularly are accustomed to fitting chains in the worst weather. Finally, all-season tyres are fantastic these days, and winter tyres have some significant disadvantages as soon as the road conditions improve – which can happen very rapidly in NZ.
All-season tyres suit NZ
Winter tyres are not the best choice for Kiwi roads, explains Michelle Erb, co-owner of AA Auto Centre New Plymouth.
“Snow tyres just don’t work on our normal roads – they’re less safe and they provide a worse driving experience. New technology makes high-quality tyre brands so good that winter tyres really are redundant in NZ.”
She adds that while cars do sometimes arrive in the country with winter tyres on, they should be changed immediately.
“Anyone who spends a lot of time driving in the snow in New Zealand usually buys a four-wheel drive,” adds Michelle, “and it’s so easy to put chains on.”
Look for the snowflake
If you’re buying a used car, it’s important to know whether it has snow tyres. Some imported vehicles from the colder areas of Japan have winter tyres fitted, which can be hard to spot if you don’t know what you’re looking for. One clue is a mountain snowflake symbol and/or the word “Studless” on the sidewall. You may also notice the deep square-patterned tread blocks.
If the car you’re considering is fitted with winter tyres, you’ll need to add the price of switching these out to your total purchase cost. Older winter tyres (seven years plus) are particularly risky since the softer rubber can harden, reducing grip even further.
Instead, choose good all-season tyres and if you are driving in snow and ice, make sure you have a set of chains handy. Never mix winter tyres with all-season tyres, as this can be very dangerous and your car will not pass its Warrant of Fitness.
It’s worth paying extra for quality
Good-quality all-season tyres will vary in price depending on your vehicle, starting from $200 and ranging up to $600 or more. You might also need to spend an additional $150 on fitting, if that’s not included in the price of the tyres. But it’s cheaper than buying two sets, and the right tyres should be a good investment, says Michelle.
“It’s worth paying that bit extra to get a really good quality brand of tyre. It will last longer, so there’s value in that. But, most importantly, it will stop faster. Because a good tyre has more rubber, that density helps repel water, which reduces stopping times. You’ll be safer in all types of conditions.”