Winter tires: 8 myths debunked

Winter is approaching once again, and that means the debate about winter tires is getting underway. Should you equip your car with winter tires, or are summer tires just as good? There are a lot of myths and misconceptions on this subject. Let’s have a look at them.

1. You don’t really need winter tires

The advantages of winter tires are indisputable. The rubber compound for winter tires is not the same as for summer tires, giving different levels of performance depending on the weather conditions. Winter tires are more flexible at low temperatures (below 7°C), while summer tires in contrast get stiffer and harder in the cold. As a result, summer tires provide poorer roadholding and less grip. 

If you nevertheless choose to continue driving with summer tires in winter, be aware that your braking distance will be longer.

2. Winter tires are the same as snow tires

Winter tires are often confused with snow tires or even rain tires used in Formula 1, which are specifically designed for extreme racing conditions. However, these are three different types of tires. It is incorrect to call winter tires “snow tires”, as they are suitable for public roads and give you significant advantages on wet roads and in cold temperatures. The snow tire, on the other hand, has even deeper grooves than the winter tire and can support you in extremely snowy areas.  

Winter tires or not, on a slippery road, it is best to adjust your driving style and drive slowly. In snow or sleet, you may want to use snow chains as an extra measure. From 1 November to 31 March, studded tires are also permitted in our country which provide extra grip on particularly slippery roads.

3. All-season tires are a better choice

All-season tires are an interesting option as an alternative to winter tires. If you want to choose these tires, make sure you have all the information you need. Here are some advantages and disadvantages of all-season tires:

The advantages:

• You can use this type of tire all year long, regardless of the season.
• The quality of all-season tires has improved in recent years, leading to better overall performance. 
• Cheaper, since there’s no need for tire changes twice a year.

The disadvantages:

• All-season tires do not perform as well in high temperatures and are beaten by summer tires in this regard.
• In low temperatures, all-season tires cannot provide all the grip and safety you are used to with winter tires.
• This type of tire will need replacement sooner as it is used all year round.

As you can read, the all-season tire offers a good alternative to enjoy acceptable driving comfort all year round. But if you want more safety on the road, it is still best to opt for the classic solution of winter tires in winter and summer tires the rest of the year.

If you have an operational leasing contract with Alphabet, you don’t even have to choose - you’ll benefit from a set of winter tires and a set of summer tires as part of your agreement.

4. Winter tires are expensive

An extra set of tires obviously involves extra cost. However, the price of a set of winter tires varies by brand, material, size and desired performance. So, the price depends to a large extent on your own needs. 

However, remember that when you’re driving on winter tires, your summer tires aren't wearing out. This means your winter and summer tires will last longer than if you drive on just one type of tire all year round.

5. Winter tires provide no benefit during the mild Belgian winter

Winter tires are not just useful when it’s freezing. They provide extra grip on the road surface as soon as the temperature drops below 7°C. In Belgium, this is a regular occurrence in winter. Winter tires are therefore definitely recommended.

6. Winter tires perform less well in wet weather

In the past, winter tires were less reliable in heavy rain. Fortunately, this is no longer the case. Today’s winter tires have an adapted profile and a deeper tread, ensuring that they offer sufficient grip on the road, even in rainy conditions.

7. If your car is equipped with advanced safety systems such as ABS or ESP, you don’t need winter tires

This statement is absolutely not true. ABS, or an anti-lock braking system, prevents your wheels from locking when you brake sharply. ESP, the Electronic Stability Programme, is a system that helps stabilise your car in critical driving situations. It prevents your vehicle from rolling over in tight high-speed bends, for example. Both systems only work if there is adequate tire grip. So, they are definitely not a replacement for winter tires, but they are a good supplement to them.

8. With winter tires, you don’t have to drive so carefully on the road

This is not true of course. Winter tires are not miracle tires and therefore cannot guarantee you a 100% safe ride. Your driving style is still the most important factor in avoiding accidents. So - especially in the slippery winter months - be careful on the road. Even though winter tires do provide greater safety in terms of grip and traction on the road surface in colder temperatures.

While there are many misconceptions about winter tires, we have debunked the main myths in this blog. To summarise, it’s best to opt for winter tires in cold temperatures if you want better grip, shorter braking distances and a more comfortable ride on slippery roads.

Do you drive an Alphabet company car and have to have your tires changed soon?