One of the things that motorists may fail to take into account when looking for new car offers is the tyres of the motor they are looking at.
Sure, they are going to be suitable in the summer, but what about the icy conditions at this time of year? Is specialist rubber needed?
On the continent, many motorists habitually change their tyres for the winter, but according to Micheldever Tyre Services/Protyre this is not common practice among drivers and car owners in the UK.
There has been an increase in the amount of cold weather tyres being sold in Britain over the past few years, but most cars continue to be fitted with summer tyres throughout the year.
This can be a problem both on British roads and if people decide to drive overseas at this time of year. Protyre states that since 2006, under German legislation, motorists have been liable to on the spot fines if their car becomes stuck in snow or ice because their tyres are unsuitable for the winter conditions.
Although winter tyres are obviously an advantage, the Department of Transport has confirmed international rules do allow vehicles to travel on roads as long as their tyres are in good condition and satisfy general technical requirements.
Regular visitors to alpine resorts, or those motorists who often have to deal with snow and ice in the UK may be best investing in a set of winter tyres fitted or, switching to an all-season design capable of dealing with the conditions better than summer tyres.
All motorists should always check their tyres' general condition, pressure and tread depth regardless of whether they are using summer or winter variants.
The correct pressure can be found in the vehicle's handbook, while all tyres should have a minimum tread depth of 3mm.
Posted by George Davis