Seasonal Effects on Your Tyres
The tyres on your car should keep you safely travelling on the roads no matter what the season. But most drivers don’t consider the negative effects the seasons have on their tyres. Extreme changes in weather alter the handling properties of tyres and can lead to wear and tear that can be prevented with quick and easy maintenance.
Stopping distances
Below is a table of stopping distances from various speeds, including thinking time, braking time and overall stopping distance. Road tests have proven that wet conditions can double the stopping distance which is also included here.
| Speed | Thinking | Braking | Dry Distance | Wet Conditions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20mph | 6 metres | 6 metres | 12 metres | 24 metres |
| 30mph | 9 metres | 14 metres | 23 metres | 46 metres |
| 40mph | 12 metres | 24 metres | 36 metres | 72 metres |
| 50mph | 15 metres | 38 metres | 53 metres | 106 metres |
| 60mph | 18 metres | 55 metres | 73 metres | 146 metres |
| 70mph | 21 metres | 75 metres | 96 metres | 192 metres |
- Dry (96 metres)
- Wet Stopping Distance (192 metres)
Let’s take a look at what you can do to increase the life of your tyres.
Effects on tyres in summer
Summer means heat and longer journeys when holidaying in the UK (hopefully!). Both of these take their toll on your tyres and means that regular checks once the weather improves is essential. The heat causes tyres to expand slightly which may lead to overinflation.
In serious cases this causes a blowout, which no motorist wants to experience! Check the tread depth of your tyres and check the pressures to ensure they are within legal limits and are filled to the manufacturer’s recommendations.
Effects on tyres in winter
In winter, the opposite problem occurs. The cold weather causes the tyres to be under inflated, meaning the pressure is lower than it should be. Additionally, lower pressures mean higher fuel costs because your vehicle will be sluggish due to under-inflated tyres. Flatter tyres are also more susceptible to damage caused by potholes, whether it’s a dented wheel rim or a worn sidewall.
The solution
It’s simple to check your tyre pressures every month and top up or deflate them as necessary. While you’re at it, give the tyres a brief check for foreign objects such as nails and punctures, scars or low tread depth.
Effects of icy weather on stopping distances
Extremely icy conditions multiply the above dry stopping distances by 10. That means a stopping distance that is over 7 football pitches in length when stopping a car in icy conditions from 70mph. That’s almost a kilometre of braking!
- Dry (96 metres)
- Wet (192 metres)
- Ice Stopping Distance (960 metres)
Mr. Tyre is the leading tyre specialist and automotive centre in central England. We can identify the right tyres for your vehicle before removing and replacing with brand new ones from leading brands such as Avon, Bridgestone, Continental, Dunlop, Goodyear, Michelin and many more. With many more services on brakes and exhausts available, we’re a trustworthy auto-centre that can make sure your vehicle is roadworthy no matter the season. Contact us today for more information.
