Ensure your Land Rover Defending is sure-footed on all terrains this year. 

The tyres implemented on a Land Rover Defender can genuinely make or break the comfort of your ride, especially when there is an additional natural element, snow. The majority of individuals who drive scarily lack awareness of their surroundings which is why having the correct seasonal tyres is vital to aid emergency braking. 

If you are approaching the snowy season and you still have your summer tyres on, you will not only have an unpleasant journey, but you will also be putting your life and anyone else’s life who is in the car with you in danger. Winter tyres, especially Land Rover Defender tyres, have been specifically designed and tested to combat snow, ice, slush frost, and wet roads. 

Difference between summer and winter tyres

Summer tyres will struggle when being driven in a snow or winter season. The harsh temperature will physically harden the summer tyres, which will result in them losing their characteristics such as:

  • Griping on the road will significantly decrease
  • The ability to stop will be reduced
  • Decrease in traction 
  • Less resistant to hardening
  • Less control of your vehicle under icy conditions
  • Increased likelihood of aquaplaning
  • Decrease ability to start and stop when on top of snow and ice

Defender winter tyres have been designed explicitly by Land Rover using soft compounds, so they don’t harden when harsh temperatures drop below 7 degrees centigrade. Furthermore, it is always advisable for you to change your tyres from winter to summer when the seasons change back. 

It is vital as a Land Rover Defender owner to understand the importance of looking after your tyres and changing them appropriately with the seasons change to keep not only yourself safe and pedestrians are other vehicles on the road safe. 

Difference between winter and snow tyres

Winter tyres, otherwise known as cold weather tyres, need not be confused with snow tires which more often than not are studded and will not offer the same level of grip hen driving on wet roads. 

Snow tyres should only ever be used when you are entirely sure that you will be driving over terrain that will consist of deep snow or ice for a substantial amount of time. For the winter season, we would always recommend you choose winter tyres.

Please do be aware that while winter tyres have been designed specifically for the colder seasons, you will still have to drive extra cautiously. Winter tyres do not handle as well as standard summer tyres in the warmer seasons. 

All season tyres

All-season tyres are perfect for mild weather changes. However, they do not provide nearly as much grip as winter tyres do. Individuals who experience relatively cooler winters can benefit significantly from winter tyres. 

Winter tyres are specifically designed to have flexible compounds and specialized tread design; the winter tyres will ensure your all-season tyres last a lot longer. While using your winter tyres for better performance and a safe journey, your all-season tyres won’t be wearing down and will be ready to be used when the season begins to warm.  

Stopping distance in Winter

Braking in the winter season with snow on the ground can add 16 feet when driving at a speed of 30mph, which equals the length of two vehicles.

When breaking on an iced-over road at 20mph with a car that still has its summer tyres on, it will add an extra 36 feet to the stopping distance; this distance could be the difference between you stopping safely and a car on car collision occurring. 

Finding the value in snow tyres

Like everything, the cost of your snow tyres will depend entirely upon the model of the car you have and the quality of the tyre you are after. It is worth noting that winter tyres can save you money in the long run. Snow or winter tyres are usually cheaper than summer tyres. Due to the tyres being designed specifically for the snowy season, will last longer while letting your summer tyres rest to be used again later in the year. 

To sum up…

When it comes to snow or winter tyres, it truly depends on the type of activity and amount of driving you will be doing in such conditions. Every model is different; its mechanical characteristics, specific dimensions require you to choose the correct type of tire. 

To be on the safe side, we would always recommend contacting your nearest Rover RR shop. A member of our team will listen to the type of driver you are, the specific conditions you will be driving on, and your budget before recommending any types of tyres; if you would like to find out more, contact Rover RR today.