After a winter that saw very low temperatures for most of the country, ATS Euromaster's annual winter weather study shows that the value of fitting cold weather tyres is hitting home.
Winter tyres have been proven to offer improved grip, handling and cornering aw well as reduced braking distances when the temperature drops below 7°C – which it did for 95% of the six months measured for the study.
"The UK faced one of the coldest winters in recent years and driving conditions have been treacherous for many motorists travelling on roads covered in ice and snow," observes Peter Fairlie, group sales director at ATS Euromaster.
"For winter 2012/2013, ATS Euromaster ordered in excess of £10 million worth of cold weather tyres – 60% more than the previous year, and we have seen strong demand for these tyres," he adds.
Of 10 cities analysed, Newcastle upon Tyne recorded the highest number of days when commuter time temperatures dipped below 7°C, with 162 compared to the 129 reported in the previous year's study. Aberdeen had the second highest number with 159 days.
"It's now the exception, rather than the norm, to find a supermarket home delivery or blue light fleet not fitting cold weather tyres to the majority of its vehicles," continues Fairlie.
"These organisations have led the market in becoming early-adopters, closely followed by utilities fleets, and other businesses and individuals, which can't afford for vehicles to be parked up during a harsh winter," he adds.
"A lot of customers were sceptical about changing tyres at first, but the frequency with which we are having harsh winters reinforces the safety and mobility benefits – and explains why take-up is increasing every year."