18 October 2011 09:30

MOTORING

Rural motorists should prepare their winter wheels

Lincolnshire motorists planning to fit winter tyres are advised to order them now to beat the rush.

In countries where severe winters are guaranteed, it is normal for drivers to switch to winter tyres but, according to rural business watchdog the CLA, this is becoming more common in the UK because of harsh winters over the last two years.

CLA East Midlands director Andrew Shirley says, “Winter tyres do make sense for drivers living in more remote rural areas where winter conditions are likely to be more severe for longer. The weather we experience on our roads is nowhere near as severe as many other countries, but with the past two winters having been particularly bad, motorists in the hardest-hit areas of our region may feel reassured to have the extra grip winter tyres afford.

“Of course, if conditions are really treacherous you should just consider postponing the journey and staying at home. Even if the mercury drops to below zero, safe and sensible driving will mean you shouldn’t have any cause for emergency stops, and so little need to test your tyres to their limits.”

The CLA is also keen to remind drivers that an alternative to changing tyres is to carry snow chains or snow socks when the snow gets deep. Snow socks are made of a strong fabric which grips snow – they stretch to fit over the tyre. Either of these can be used with standard tyres and they fit quite easily into the boot or a corner of the garage when winter is over.

Join our Newsletter

Come & join us on...