Winter Tyres St Helens

Searching for somewhere that fits Winter tyres in St Helens? 01744 808586

Winter tyres are designed to offer optimum traction and grip in cold conditions. They have a softer compound, along with deeper grooves and narrow cuts – called sipes – built into the tread. These features help disperse water/snow and allow the rubber to move around – improving contact with the road. If you are looking for cheap Winter tyres in St Helens.

Who should buy winter tyres in St Helens?

If you are looking for Winter tyres in St Helens we stock a wide range of Winter tyres and can fit them the very same day for you. Winter tyres make sense if you live in a remote area of the country where conditions are likely to be worse for longer. Elsewhere it may be harder to justify the cost, though this has to be a personal decision depending on

• The risk of bad weather

• Your confidence when driving

• How much you have to drive when there's snow and ice around

Wheels

You can keep the same wheels and get a tyre fitter to swap your tyres twice a year – summer to winter in the autumn and winter to summer in the spring – or you can buy a second set of wheels.Some suppliers sell winter tyres that are pre-fitted to steel wheels.

• Steel wheels are cheaper than alloys.

• You may have to switch to a different type of wheel nut or bolt – check with the supplier or car manufacturer

Two or four?

If you're going to switch you'll have to buy four winter tyres. Fitting only one pair will upset the stability of your car.

All season tyres

• All season tyres use a similar rubber compound to winter tyres but have a tread pattern somewhere between a normal summer tyre and an out-and-out winter tyre.

• They're a bit of a compromise but should work better on wintry roads than a summer tyre and avoid the cost and hassle of swapping tyres twice a year.

Snow chains

Winter wheels and tyres are quite an expensive option so you might want to think about carrying snow chains for emergencies instead. bear in mind though

• You can only use chains where the road surface is protected from damage by a layer of compacted snow or ice

• Snow chains can be awkward to fit and remove in the cold with gloved hands and wheel arches packed with snow

Insurance questions

There should be no need to tell your insurer if you fit winter tyres to your original wheels, even though the speed index might be lower. The speed index is still likely to exceed national speed and isn't checked as part of the car MOT test. If you use a second set of wheels for your winter tyres you shouldn't need to tell your insurer as long as the wheels are of the correct specification.

• Wheel diameter, width and offset must all meet the vehicle manufacturer's spec

• Check your handbook for wheel and tyre sizes suitable for your car

Tread depth and pressure

Whether you've got summer or winter tyres fitted, they must have enough tread – at least 3mm is recommended for winter, and certainly no less than 2mm. Don't be tempted to try dropping the pressure in your tyres when there's snow and ice about – it doesn't help with grip and can affect your car's handling. Come to The Fastfit Centre for tyres in St Helens instead - we even offer winter servicing. Whilst we fit your new winter tyres in St Helens why not visit Taylor Park which is lovely this time of year. A trip to the Markets as well as St Mary's for a spot of shopping. Or of course, visit one of the local places to eat or grab a cup of coffee. When you arrive back to us your car will be ready to go!