Ways to make your winter tyres last longer

By Carsten Linnhoff Oct 26, 2011, 3:06 GMT

Berlin - With the cold season coming up in the northern hemisphere, motorists are having to change to winter tyres and looking at ways to make the costly rubber last as long as possible.

Like all new tyres, winter tyres too need a running-in period of at least 100 kilometres. The first few kilometres are needed to rub off greasy substances left over from the production process, providing a rougher surface grip.

'It is quite possible that a new set of winter tyres feels a bit washy for the first few kilometres,' says Ruprecht Mueller, an expert from the German automobile association ADAC.

The first 100 kilometres are quickly clocked off. Then it comes down mainly to defensive driving.

'The amount of wear-and-tear depends mainly on the forces the tyres are exposed to,' says Hans-Juergen Drechsler from the German association of tyre producers. 'The less acceleration, the better for the tyre. On the other hand the tyre could be worn down after a few thousand kilometres if exposed to rough surfaces and high speeds.'

Apart from a gentle driving style, tyre pressure plays a big role in the amount of wear-and-tear.

'Despite this very few drivers take the time to check the tyre pressure,' Drechsler says. 'It should be checked at least once a month if not every two weeks.'

A tyre with too little pressure leads to an uneven surface and increased wearing down. The pressure should be increased in very cold weather and with more luggage on board.

ADAC expert Mueller recommends that motorists should buy narrow rather than wide winter tyres.

'Our tests have revealed that wider tyres are prone to more uneven wear-and-tear than the narrower versions,' he says.