Q & A: The Cold Truth About Your Land Rover’s Winter Tyres

Preparing for harsh winter weather requires a bit of forethought and effort. If this is your Land Rover's first season in the cold, you may want to brush up on your tyre knowledge.

During winter, speciality tyres known as winter or snow tyres may need to be used. Let’s take a look at why.

FAQ About Snow Tyres

Q: What’s the Difference Between Snow Tyres and Regular Tyres?

A: Winter, or snow, tyres are created to work differently than regular tyres during winter. They have different tread patterns, which help them dig down into snow and ice for a better grip. And grip is critical- it’s what allows you to steer the car and avoid being stuck in the snow. Winter tyres are also made from different materials than regular tyres; their compounds help them retain flexibility even as the temperatures drop, so they don’t become brittle and hard like regular tyres.

Q: Can’t I Just Use my All Season Tyres?

A: All season, or all weather, tyres becoming more commonly used car parts on newer vehicles. These tyres are designed to be able to cope with a variety of weather conditions, like rain and dry roads. That’s their problem- they aren’t optimised for winter weather. Because of this, they aren’t typically the best choice. Yes, they may provide some benefits over regular car tyres during winter, but will not keep you as safe as winter tyres.

Q: I’m Living on a Budget. Can I Just Place the Tyres on The Drive Wheels?

A: There are certain Land Rover parts you’re taught from a very young age to replace at the same time. If a headlight goes out, you replace the bulbs in both headlamps. If one spark plug is bad, all of them should be replaced. This saves time and a lot of effort because you know that the similar car parts will go out soon enough. The same can be said with winter tyres. Placing them only on the drive wheels can lead to trouble. If the Rover is front wheel drive, it can lead to the car spinning out when you brake or go around a corner. If it is rear wheel drive, you’ll lose much of the power that allows you to steer.

Q: Un-mounting and Mounting a Set of Tyres at The Beginning And End of Winter Sounds Like a Hassle. Can’t I Keep my Snow Tyres on All Year?

A: The short answer to this question is yes, you can. However, you shouldn’t. Because winter tyres are made up of softer compounds that prevent them becoming brittle under cold temperatures, they don’t handle the summer heat well. Keeping them on all year means they will wear down faster and cost you more money.

While they aren’t technically car parts, it’s important to consider carefully your choice of tyres this winter. The proper winter tyres will help keep you safe on the snow and ice.